SAN FRANCISCO — The former Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld partner accused of peddling a sealed whistleblower complaint to a company facing a False Claims Act lawsuit has brought on a heavy hitter in the Bay Area white-collar defense bar to handle his case.

Jeffrey Wertkin.

Jeffrey Wertkin, who was arrested at a hotel in Cupertino, California, on Jan. 31, has hired Cristina Arguedas of Arguedas, Cassman & Headley.