Article says Schiff did not talk to the whistleblower, whistleblower talked to one of his aides so Schiff had no personal contact with whistleblower. Aide told whistleblower to get attorney and file required document about what he/she knew.
"Indeed, the Times report revealed that Schiff’s aide had informed Schiff about the official’s concerns, and advised the whistleblower to get legal help and file an official whistleblower complaint with the intelligence community inspector general."