NATA LEADERSHIP: Everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask!

During our annual Fall meetings, NATA members voted once again for a new leadership team to step up and take the reins.

Here’s a little less serious introduction to the new leaders working behind the scenes to carry out the NATA mission.

Mark Richardson President

Mark Richardson, the new President, has a diverse range of interests and a thoughtful approach to life and work. He describes his guilty pleasures as studying theoretical physics, which ties into his love for science fiction, and college basketball, which he believes balances his nerdy side. His favorite mottos reflect a deep perspective: he strives to find the extraordinary in everyday life and is on a personal mission to defeat cynicism.

When asked about his biggest challenge as a trial lawyer, Richardson points to his own nerves before trial, which he combats through preparation and trust in the process. He also emphasizes the importance of being prepared and doing right by clients. Currently, he is working through the sci-fi book series Expeditionary Force, which spans 17 books, and he’s on book four.

UPDATE: Mark now tells us he has abandoned the “expeditionary force” force series and is currently reading Revelation Space. A huge improvement in quality!

JENNIFER TURCO MEYER PRESIDENT-ELECT

In our research we learned that Jennifer Turco-Meyers, our President-Elect, was inspired to become a trial attorney through mentorship from one of Nebraska’s top trial lawyers. She was inspired by her mentor’s dedication to clients and pursuit of justice, and these experiences motivated her to follow a similar path.

Her favorite vacation destination is Panama, where she was captivated by the Panama Canal, beautiful beaches, jungles, and mountains, as well as the country’s commitment to preserving indigenous cultures and art. Her guilty pleasure is enjoying popcorn, M&Ms, and action movies simultaneously. If she could spend a day with any attorney, she would choose Clarence Darrow, the legendary defense attorney known for his work in civil liberties.

ELIZABETH GOVAERTS, SECRETARY

Elizabeth Govaerts, the Board Secretary for NATA, became a trial attorney somewhat by accident. Her early career was in criminal defense until two civil cases unexpectedly came her way. Seeking help, she reached out to Vince Powers, an attorney whose large verdict had recently been in the news. This moment in 1997 marked the beginning of her career in civil law.

Her favorite vacation spot is Seattle, Washington, where she lived after law school and started her legal career. Her advice to new attorneys is simple yet powerful: “Listen to advice.” On her nightstand, she is currently reading The Scheme by Sheldon Whitehouse.

CAMERON E. GUENZEL TREASURER

Cameron Guenzel, NATA’s Treasurer, became a trial attorney in 2010. His favorite vacation spot is camping in nature with his family, particularly in areas with poor cell coverage, allowing for disconnection and quality time. His advice to new attorneys is to attend every NATA CLE (Continuing Legal Education) event, as ongoing learning is essential.

One of the biggest challenges he’s faced as a trial lawyer is dealing with the unknown and the fear of failure. He combats this by diving headfirst into matters, a strategy his mentor humorously calls “thrashing around.” On his virtual nightstand, he’s currently reading Three Body Problem, Atomic Habits, and Imitation of Christ.

Matt Lathrop Nata Pac Chair

Matt Lathrop, the PAC Chair, became a trial attorney on a dare from his older brother to take the LSAT. His humor shines through as he names Grand Island, Nebraska, as his favorite vacation spot, referencing a tongue-in-cheek tourism campaign. His guilty pleasure, though said jokingly, is “shoplifting animals from pet stores.”

If he could spend the day with any judge, it would be Clarence Thomas, hinting at an appreciation for his boldness. His motto is blunt: “F*** around and find out!” Lathrop advises new law- yers to be lifelong learners and to sell their motorcycles, as they’re dangerous. He admits that his biggest challenge as a lawyer has been learning not to take things personally, a process he’s working on with the help of multiple 12-step programs. When asked the reading materials on his nightstand—he humorously describes his living situation as lacking a nightstand.

Jon Urbom Immediate Past President

Jon Urbom, the immediate past president of NATA, enjoys Snake River Falls in Nebraska as his favorite vacation spot, admiring both the beauty of the falls and the peacefulness of the area, which lacks cell service. His guilty pleasure isn’t specified, but if he could spend a day with any attorney, it would be his father, Dave Urbom, because of the cherished time they share, though their conversations rarely focus on the law.

Jon’s motto emphasizes making every interaction positive, believing that every encounter is an opportunity to leave someone with a good experience. For new attorneys, he advises joining NATA and reading Trial by Human by Nicholas Rowley and Steven Halteman.

Pete Wegman Board Oversight Chair

Pete Wegman, the current NATA Oversight Chair, is a well-established attorney with decades of experience, particularly in catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases. He has been highly recognized in the legal field, serving as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a prestigious organization that only invites top-tier trial lawyers known for their professionalism and ethical conduct. Wegman has held various leadership roles, including being a past president of the Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys (NATA) and remaining an active board member today.

This team is poised to continue NATA’s advocacy for the preservation of the jury trial system and the rights of individuals within the civil justice frame, and bring lots of energy to our activities along the journey.