A jury has awarded former Northshore Utility District (NUD) employee Teresa Levine over $3 million in damages, affirming her claims of gender discrimination and retaliation. The jury recognized she was unlawfully denied a promotion despite support as a top candidate from the hiring committee. The verdict is a significant victory for Levine, a seasoned finance professional who sought to hold NUD and its former General Manager, Al Nelson, accountable for systemic bias against women.
“This verdict validates the harm caused when qualified women are denied opportunities simply because of their gender,” said Beth Bloom, Levine’s attorney from Bloom Law PLLC. “Teresa Levine stood up against discrimination, not just for herself, but for all women striving to advance in their careers. We hope this decision sends a clear message that discriminatory practices will not be tolerated.”
Levine’s lawsuit, filed in 2023, detailed a troubling workplace culture at NUD under Nelson’s leadership. Despite 18 years of public-sector finance experience and exceptional performance as NUD’s Finance Supervisor, Levine was passed over for promotion to Finance Director in 2021. A four-member hiring committee recommended her for the role, yet Nelson rejected her candidacy and offered the position to a less qualified male candidate. Levine also reported incidents where Nelson attempted to discipline female and non-binary employees unfairly and retaliated against her when she objected.
“This case was about advocating for fairness and equality in the workplace. I’m proud to have challenged a system that undervalued my contributions based solely on my gender,” said Levine. “I hope this verdict inspires other women to pursue leadership roles with confidence, knowing their voices and achievements are important.”
Levine’s case also underscored NUD’s failure to address concerns of discrimination. In September 2021, the NUD Board of Commissioners received a letter highlighting Nelson’s misconduct but took no action to remedy the situation. Unable to endure the humiliating environment any longer, Levine resigned from NUD in November 2021.
“Teresa Levine was a model employee who deserved better,” added Bloom. “This verdict holds NUD accountable for the harm caused and recognizes the systemic barriers women continue to face in male-dominated workplaces.”
Beth Bloom and Jay Free of Bloom Law PLLC and Daniel Johnson and Cindy Heidelberg of Breskin Johnson & Townsend PLLC represented Levine in this case.
About Bloom Law PLLC
Bloom Law PLLC is a Seattle-based law firm specializing in employment law and advocating for victims of workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
About Breskin Johnson & Townsend PLLC
Breskin Johnson & Townsend PLLC is a Seattle-based law firm specializing in employment law and consumer protection.
