Lawsuit Filed Against NOSSCR & President Paul Burkhalter
A major governance and financial oversight controversy has erupted within the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) as two of its Board members, Natalie J. Keeve and Michael Liner, have filed a lawsuit against NOSSCR and its Board President, Paul Burkhalter. The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia (Case No. 2025-CAB-000647), alleges governance violations, financial mismanagement, and an improper attempt to suspend Board members who raised concerns.
🚫 Unlawful Board Suspensions: Silencing Dissent?
Keeve and Liner allege that Board President Paul Burkhalter violated NOSSCR’s bylaws by suspending them without due process after they raised financial concerns. They argue this was a deliberate effort to suppress dissenting voices within the organization.
🔍 Blocking Financial Transparency: Denied Records & Audits
According to the lawsuit, Burkhalter repeatedly denied requests for financial records and refused to approve an independent audit, despite multiple formal requests from Board members. These actions raise serious concerns about transparency and the proper management of funds.
💸 Financial Irregularities: Investigations Shut Down
While CEO David Camp and Chief Strategy Officer Laura Beth Waller are not named as defendants, the lawsuit claims they were involved in financial transactions that lacked transparency. Keeve and Liner assert that Burkhalter actively obstructed efforts to investigate these transactions, preventing proper oversight and accountability.
⚖️ Bylaw Breaches: Improper Board Removal Process
The plaintiffs claim that their removal from the Board was rushed and failed to follow NOSSCR’s established governance protocols. They argue that they were not given proper notice or a fair hearing, setting a dangerous precedent for governance within nonprofit legal organizations.
About NOSSCR
The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) is a nonprofit association established in 1979, dedicated to advocating for Social Security Disability claimants and supporting the attorneys and representatives who assist them. NOSSCR provides education, legal resources, and legislative advocacy to improve Social Security Disability programs and ensure fair treatment for individuals with disabilities.
As a prominent industry organization, NOSSCR plays a key role in shaping policies related to Social Security Disability law and has historically worked closely with Congress and the Social Security Administration. However, recent lawsuits have raised concerns about the organization’s governance, financial transparency, and leadership accountability, leading to increased scrutiny from members and industry stakeholders. (National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) – NOSSCR Lawsuit 2025)
📌 View the official court filing:
🔗 D.C. Superior Court Case Link
📌 Read the full legal filings:
🔗 Filed Complaint and TRO Motion – D.C. Superior Court Official Record
