Our Story

Helmer, Martins, Rice & Popham Co., L.P.A. has prosecuted False Claims Act cases on behalf of whistleblowers longer than any law firm in America. We are frequently consulted by attorneys throughout the country regarding False Claims Act cases, and sometimes join with them to help present their clients’ cases.

Since 1984, we have lectured, authored treatises, written articles, litigated, and lobbied for the rights of whistleblowers who come forward to protect the public treasury. Our book, False Claims Act: Whistleblower Litigation, is the first book written specifically to help whistleblowers and their attorneys successfully navigate the many procedural hurdles of the False Claims Act.

Our lawyers are repeatedly recognized by organizations such as Best Lawyers in America, the National Law Journal, Super Lawyers, US News and World Report, and Taxpayers Against Fraud.

On four occasions we have been requested by the United States Senate and House of Representatives to present testimony about how to strengthen and modernize the False Claims Act. Our suggestions have led to numerous changes in the law eventually signed by both President Ronald Reagan and President Barack Obama.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is to accept only a limited number of cases so that each client’s case receives optimum attention and effort. We will work hard and diligently to resolve your case, whether you are a whistleblower, the victim of a personal injury or civil rights violation, or a commercially injured party. Like tools, clients require different lawyers to solve different problems. Let us be your hammer.

Our complex litigation practice concentrates on representation of whistleblowers in cases under the False Claims Act. Our False Claims Act cases span from Medicare fraud, environmental pollution, trade duties, foreign military sales, bid rigging, Buy America Act violations, oil and gas leases, to virtually every major weapons system purchased by the United States.

However, we also represent plaintiffs and defendants in other types of complex litigation, including franchise and contract rights, environmental law, civil rights, major personal injury, class action, and employment law.

In such cases we have recovered in excess of $1 Billion for our injured clients as well as vindicating significant constitutional, civil and commercial rights.

Awards & Recognitions

Helmer, Martins, Rice & Popham Co., L.P.A. and our talented team have been recognized by numerous organizations and publications for leadership in a variety of areas. We are especially proud when we receive industry validation and recognition for our commitment to excellence. However, we recognize that we could not achieve this level of success without our clients. We are truly thankful for our clientsﾒ continued support. The following lists awards, recognitions, and honors received by Helmer, Martins, Rice & Popham and its leadership throughout the years.

  • “AV” highest rating by Martindale Hubbell Law Directory
  • Best Lawyers in America in numerous categories including Litigation, Labor and Employment Law, Personal Injury Litigation, Corporate Litigation, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Trusts and Estates Litigation.
  • U.S. News Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” 2011-2016 under categories of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law (Individuals), and Litigation (Eminent Domain & Condemnation)
  • Ohio’s top ten litigators by National Law Journal
  • Top Lawyer, Annual Guide to Commercial Litigation
  • Top Attorneys in Ohio
  • Cincinnati’s top attorney based on his whistleblower lawsuits by Cincinnati Magazine
  • Ohio Super Lawyer for 2004 – 2017 by Law & Politics Magazine including as a top ten Cincinnati Superlawyer and top 50 Ohio Superlawyer
  • Nicholas Longworth III Alumni Achievement Award for Distinguished Professional Service from the University of Cincinnati College of Law
  • Distinguished Alumni Award recipient from the University of Cincinnati Law Review in 2012
  • Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 from Taxpayers Against Fraud for his pioneering work on the federal False Claims Act
  • Ohio Rising Star Super Lawyer for 2005 – 2007 by Law & Politics Magazine
  • Recipient of the James B. Helmer, Jr. University of Cincinnati Law Review Prize as the most valuable member of the Cincinnati Law Review 2009
  • Rising Star Superlawyer by Law & Politics magazine