Emotional Reaction in Court
The moment the verdict was read, Lightner broke down in tears. Her attorney, Shayla Richberg of Richberg Law PLLC, embraced her client in celebration.
“We’re ecstatic,” Richberg told reporters.
Defense lawyers representing Nathan, Inlivian, and Core, including Jeremy A. Stephenson of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, declined comment.
Judge Weighs Next Steps
U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr., who presided over the five-day civil trial, cautioned that the negligent retention claim against Inlivian and Core still requires judicial review. He has already separated the issue of punitive damages, which the jury will consider later, after additional motions are briefed.
Allegations of Discrimination
Lightner’s case centered on accusations that Nathan ordered her to bypass housing applications from elderly and disabled individuals, instead prioritizing those tied to real estate agents and lenders with personal connections.
When Lightner reported that such practices might breach HUD regulations, she claimed Nathan retaliated by making her working conditions unbearable—leading her to resign in 2021. According to trial testimony, Nathan herself was dismissed in 2023 following an internal investigation into broader mismanagement allegations.
Lightner’s victory could signal tougher accountability for housing agencies nationwide, as advocates say the verdict underscores how quickly favoritism and negligence can unravel public trust.
