Help for Nonprofits

Pam Abbate-Dattilo, Jade Jorgenson Melissa Hodge

Many of our veterans depend on the services and the collegiality of organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFWs) posts to meet with others who have lived similar experiences as they have. VFWs not only serve as a meeting place, but they provide many other benefits and services, including counseling, job placement, ways to support each other and more. Running a VFW post can be complex and often require unique skills and an understanding of issues veterans face.

This past year, Pam Abbate‐Dattilo, Jade Jorgenson and Melissa Hodge represented the Columbia Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars post after the post let two managers go for cause. The managers then filed a whistleblower complaint and marital discrimination complaint, alleging that they were let go for accusing the Quartermaster (accountant) of mishandling pull-tab funds and other issues.

Through discovery, the team proved that the organization was justified in letting the managers go for cause, and not due to whistleblowing or marital discrimination. The team successfully argued and won their Motion for Summary Judgment on both the whistleblowing claim and marital discrimination claim, and the case was dismissed. The team was assisted by Jean Boos.