Fort Worth Settles Whistleblower Lawsuits for $9.6M, Secured by Kennedy Law

August 14, 2024

In a significant development, the Fort Worth City Council has agreed to pay $9.6 million to settle three high-profile whistleblower lawsuits, bringing an end to a legal battle that began in 2019. The lawsuits, filed by former city employees, including the city’s former police chief, Joel Fitzgerald, centered on concerns about the city’s cybersecurity practices.

The council’s decision, made during their August 13 meeting, will see former assistant IT director Ronald Burke receive $2 million, former IT employee William Birchett receive $2.4 million, and former police chief Joel Fitzgerald receive $5.2 million. The settlements close the chapter on a complex legal saga that highlighted significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the city government.

Click Here To Read The Full Article On NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth’s Website.


This case underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive information and maintaining public trust.

At Kennedy Law, we understand the complexities of business litigation and employment law, especially when it comes to protecting your rights in whistleblower cases. Our team is also well-versed in data management, helping organizations comply with data protection regulations and avoid potential legal pitfalls.

For more insights, contact our attorneys today.

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