In a dramatic legal showdown, a New Jersey-based company and its founder have accused an Illinois corporation of deceit and breach of contract, alleging a scheme to undermine their business. Lombardi & Associates, LLC, along with Tracey Lombardi, filed a complaint on April 22, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Disability Management Network, Ltd., doing business as Triune Health Group. The plaintiffs allege that Triune engaged in fraudulent misrepresentation and tortious interference with their business.
Lombardi & Associates claims that for nearly two decades, they have been leaders in providing nurse care management services through a vast network of specialists. In 2020, they were approached by Triune Health Group for a potential acquisition. Instead of a traditional buy-out, Triune proposed a three-year Transition Services Agreement promising significant financial rewards and an expanded platform for Lombardi & Associates. However, the plaintiffs argue that Triune never intended to honor this agreement. They accuse Triune of failing to service existing clients and not paying earned commissions to Tracey Lombardi. "Triune's true scheme was to destroy Lombardi & Associates' business under the ruse of its Transition Services Agreement," states the complaint.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $5 million due to alleged breaches of contract and fraudulent conduct by Triune. They claim that immediately after the agreement expired on January 31, 2024, Triune attempted to poach their largest clients without any acquisition cost. The lawsuit accuses Triune of making false assurances during negotiations to induce Lombardi into signing agreements detrimental to her company’s interests.
Lombardi & Associates assert that they have suffered significant financial losses due to these actions and are requesting relief from the court in the form of monetary compensation for unpaid commissions and damages resulting from lost business opportunities. Additionally, they seek punitive damages for what they describe as deliberate misconduct by Triune.
Representing Lombardi & Associates and Tracey Lombardi are attorneys Kenneth M. Sullivan and Michael K. McDonough from Sullivan & Associates, LLC based in Chicago. The case is presided over by an unnamed judge under Case ID: 1:25-cv-04371.