Having recovered millions on behalf of whistleblowers in both employment retaliation cases and qui tam whistleblower lawsuits under the False Claims Act (FCA), Nathaniel is determined to bring fraudulent conduct to light, and to justice.
Nathaniel Smith
Attorney
Based in Minnesota, Nathaniel Smith joined Morgan Verkamp in April 2023. Nathaniel has been a fierce advocate for whistleblowers and employees for many years, having litigated False Claims Act and related retaliation cases since 2015. He has focused his career on representing whistleblowers reporting fraud against the government under the FCA, as well as whistleblowers reporting securities and commodities fraud under the SEC and CFTC whistleblower programs. These cases require a deep understanding of differing areas of the law and complex government agencies, and Nathaniel rises to the challenge of putting all the pieces together to achieve positive results.
As the son of doctors who practiced geriatric and pediatric medicine, Nathaniel’s commitment to combating fraud in order to provide the best possible patient care was established at a young age. He later worked on FCA and employment cases as a law clerk while attending William Mitchell College of Law, where he graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. While at law school, Nathaniel was active in the American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition, an annual nationwide mock trial competition. He is also an ADR-Rule 114 Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the General Rules of Practice, giving him unique insight into mediations and the dispute resolution process for his clients.
Since 2017, Nathaniel has been an active speaker and advocate of whistleblowers issues, including the critical role of the public-private partnership in FCA enforcement and steps to increase government intervention in qui tam actions. He also co-authored the amicus curiae brief, submitted on behalf of The Anti-Fraud Coalition, in U.S. ex rel. Druding v. Care Alternatives appealed to the Third Circuit regarding the proper interpretation of materiality under the False Claims Act.
Nathaniel was selected to the Super Lawyers list as a “Rising Star,” a distinction awarded to only 2.5% of Minnesota attorneys who are under the age of 40 or have practiced law less than ten years, and was also a member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40, composed of the top trial lawyers from each state.
Nathaniel currently serves on the board of The Anti-Fraud Coalition’s Young Lawyers Division and has been a member of TAF’s Membership Education Committee for several years.
Something You May Not Know About Me
I am a passionate downhill skier and scuba diver and received my PADI Rescue Diver Certification in 2014. In 2024, I began my journey as a bee keeper, supporting the vital role they play in our environment and enjoying some honey along the way.