OBA Newsletter March 2021

Omaha Bar Association

Newsletter

Vol. XLVI No. 1 March 2021

Community Service Education Leadership | Stronger Together Since 1875

Hon. Laurie Smith Camp U.S. District Court 1953-2020

Mardee (Korinek) Johnston Omaha Bar Association 1936-2021

Remembering & Celebrating Two Icons of the Omaha Legal Community Page 2…President’s Message Page 3…Book Club & Law Day Page 4…Executive Director’s Column Page 5 …OBA Swag Store Pages 6-7…Celebrating Hon. Smith Camp Page 8…Book Donations Honoring Laurie Page 9…On the Move & Milestones

Page 10...Strategic Partners Page 11…OBA Membership Application Page 13…OBA Wine Tasting in January Page 14…Remembering Mardee Page 15…News You Can Use Page 16…Calendar of Events

Connect with the OBA ONLINE AT www.omahabarassociation.com Facebook: OmahaBarAssociation Twitter: OmahaBar Instagram: OmahaBar YouTube: OmahaBarAssociation SoundCloud: OmahaBar

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State of the OBA We have weathered over 9 months of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

We mourned the September 23rd death of Judge Laurie Smith Camp and the January 13 passing of Mardee (Korinek) Johnston.

We ushered in 2021 with restrictions that are becoming second nature (don’t forget your mask) and the end of which is uncertain.

We have the hope of vaccines to combat the virus.

We have the grit and determination to carry on with our lives, our profession, and the mission of the Omaha Bar Association.

To this end, my primary goal as President for the remainder of Judge Smith Camp’s term (July 2020 – June 2021) is to complete the project she was championing to get the book “Bold & Brave,” about ten women who won women the right to vote, in the classrooms of the Omaha Public Schools. Here’s a link to the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse. com/books/566148/bold-and-brave-bykirsten-gillibrand-illustrated-by-mairakalman/. Judge Smith Camp was going to contribute a significant part of the cost to buy the books. We will now fund this through donations from local law firms and through the OBA itself.

On the book funding, Dave Sommers started this off with a generous $300 contribution. I encourage OBA members, all Nebraska lawyers, and anyone who gets this message, to consider a donation to support this cause. More on the project can be found in this Newsletter.

If you want to write a check, Dave suggests that there be a reference to “Smith Camp Law Day 2020 book donation” or something to that effect so he can earmark the funds. Law Day 2020 refers to the Law Day that didn’t happen as planned due to the pandemic. Judge Smith Camp was going to announce the project at that time. Dave has also set up paperless one payment, and if you want to contribute that way, just email Dave. More information about this project will be provided in the coming months.

In 2020 the OBA’s Lawyer Referral Service (LRS), which has been providing an invaluable service to the Metropolitan Omaha/Council Bluffs areas since 1962, started the implementation process for a new software program/system. This has required our longtime, invaluable Donna Birkby, to work many hours transitioning the old program to the new one and learn how it works. According to Donna, it’s working, but there are new things to learn and put into place. LRS members are encouraged to timely reply to Donna with their reports and learn how to use the new program with her.

Along with our counterparts at the NSBA, we reached out to Chief Justice Heavican to request that CLE credit for 2021 continue to “relax” restrictions for online/on demand credits for the full 10 required hours in Nebraska. I’m happy to report that the Chief Justice approved the extension of the CLE guidelines, and so that Nebraska attorneys can get all 10 hours of CLE in a safe manner in 2021. The OBA will continue to provide a large number of free and low cost CLE options for members during the year, one of the great benefits to being an OBA member.

3 President’s Message (Continued) As guidelines and protocols are loosened, we look forward to holding events again in person.

Until then, we will continue to provide online and distanced events and programming as best as possible, as ways to educate and connect members. For those who attended the “Virtual Wine Tasting, But with Real Wine”, which over 240 people signed up for, thank you for logging in and raising a glass with me!

The OBA’s mission is to promote the administration of justice and uphold the honor and integrity of the profession of law in Omaha.

Our four pillars of focus are Community, Education, Service, and Leadership. The leadership of the OBA will press forward to meet its mission.

We need to hear what you want the OBA to provide and how it can be improved. We take the approach that we can always improve our offerings and value to our members. We need young lawyers and lawyers who have been around a while (like me) to give us their input.

There are a decent number of attorneys in the community that aren’t OBA members.

Encourage your friends and colleagues to join the OBA and get on a committee.

Happy New Year and may we make 2021 a great year for the Omaha Bar Association.

Best regard,

Dave Koukol, President Omaha Bar Association Office: 402-934-9499 ext. 202 dkoukol@westomahalaw.com

OBA Book Club Coming in April One idea that Judge Smith Camp was interested in at the pressing of OBA Executive Director was a tri-monthly book club. Starting April 13 at 8:30PM, via Zoom, all members of the Omaha area legal community are invited to read and join in an evening of discussion about a selected book. Criteria for books will be that they are “somewhat legally related” and connected to Omaha or Nebraska. The first book selected for April is Kings of Broken Things by Ted Wheeler. For more information, check out the OBA website or email Dave Sommers at dave@omahabarassociation.com. Have a book we should read? Let us know!

Law Day Lunch Virtual on April 30 Due to continuing restrictions related to COVID-19, the OBA Law Day Committee has arranged for the 2021 Law Day Luncheon to be held virtually on Friday, April 30, 2021 at Noon.

Our featured guest speaker will be UNO History and Constitutional Law Professor Marl Scherer. Mark is also an attorney and author of Echo of Its Time: The History of the Federal District Court of Nebraska, 1867-1933.

Those interested in attending this event via Zoom are encouraged to sign up in advance through the OBA website. Prizes and thank you gifts will be given to selected law firms who will be hosting lunch watch parties for the event recognizing the Rule of Law and its importance in our country.

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Executive Director’s Column It’s been quite a long period between our last OBA Newsletter (2020 Law Day Edition) and the publishing of this one; for that, I apologize. Just as things were clipping along last Fall and we were getting ready to publish the Fall Newsletter, we had the tragic passing of my boss and your President, Judge Smith Camp. As you might imagine, many things came to an abrupt halt at that time, including the Newsletter.

More recently this January, our hearts broke even more with the passing of another legend in the community, Mardee (Korinek) Johnston. Mardee was the first Executive Director of the OBA, a post she held for 26 years. Mardee was a visionary and builder, but also an incredibly hard worker and consummate professional. As Donna Birkby and I talked about Mardee recently, Donna reminded me of Mardee’s constant focus on the next event, next committee meeting, next OBA Newsletter. “She was always moving forward,” Donna said.

And with this February 2021 OBA Newsletter edition, we work to move forward, as best we can. Where 2020 brought shutdown, 2021 will bring opening up and the resuming of in-person events. Where the past 6 months have brought us grief on the passing of two icons so near to us, we remember and celebrate their lives by tribute in these pages, on the OBA website, and in memorial services later this year.

And where we’ve taken a moment to take a breath and reset, we now look to continue the tremendous work that both Judge Smith Camp and Mardee did to make Omaha one of the best and supportive legal communities this country has.

We ask for your patience and understanding as events look a little different and are scheduled at different times than normal in the coming year.

Winter and Spring events like the Lunch with Fenner and the Medical Legal Dinner are being pushed back to later in the year when it’s possible to do them in person. Other events, such as the 20th Annual Wine Tasting, went ahead as planned, with actual wine and snacks provided by the OBA…but socially distanced via Zoom. We’ll keep working to “getting it right and staying safe” as the weeks and months go by.

As I mentioned in the membership renewal letter, now more than ever it is critically important that we band together as a community and support one another. To that end, thank you for your support by your membership, but also for all the work you do.

Our profession and what we can provide through legal assistance and counsel are key components for our country (and world) to reach the light at the end of this tunnel we are in.

The broken record I always play in my column is that it “takes a village to raise a bar association,” and it

bears repeating here.

There are well over one hundred people to thank for work done on behalf and for the OBA since our last newsletter, more than enough for a “village status.”

With apologies in advance for those I miss, I want to thank the Law Day Committee (Doug Law, John Menicucci, Lynda Henningsen, Jean Roeder, Ann Miller, Sandi Armstrong, Tom Tilden, Linda Placzek, Jennifer Colwell, and Kamron Hasan); the Public Service Committee (Larry Roland, Patrick Cooper, Jennay Vacek, Joe Daly); our partners at Nebraska Paralegal Association (Amber Roberts and Kim Brown) for their work on the 2nd Annual Diversity Summit; the Ethics CLE Committee (J. Scott Paul, Steve Sieberson, Mark Weber); Just the Basics CLE presenter Jack Beard; POWER Act CLE Presenters Mary Kathryn Nagle, Sarah Deer, and Kirby Williams; Milo Muumgard at Legal Aid for allowing the OBA to be a part of the Friends of Legal Aid Luncheon with speaker Matthew Desmond; Greg Pivovar and Mandy Gruhlkey of the Sarpy County Bar Association; Liz Neeley, Sam Clinch, and the entire Nebraska State Bar Association team; Chief Justice Mike Heavican and Carole McMahonBoies for their work on CLE requirement flexibility; Diversity Summit speakers Tony Vargas, Callie McCool, Lawrence Chatters, and Candi Jones; Jason Huff, Scott Stewart, and everyone at The Daily Record; CLE Presenters Liz Culhane, Josh Yambor, Willow Head, Andy Wilson, and Patrick McNamara; CLE Actors Joe Bradley and Jordan Holst; Remote Working CLE presenters Jennifer Colwell, Sarah Antonello, Kim Brown, and Amber Roberts; Kickoff BBQ organizers Tom Gaughen and J. Terry McNamara; “Bar Talk” Chat guests Stephen Asante-Adams, Laurie HeerDale, Joe Bradley, Sean Conway, John Hascall, Susan Rosburg, Hon. Stephanie Martinez, Jerry Laughlin, 2019 Duchesne Mock Trial Team, Scott Stewart, Steve Sieberson, Scott Mertz, Hon. Marcela Keim, Hon. Stephanie Hansen, Steve Hogan, Mark Jacobs, Brent Bloom, Tasha Everman, Geoff Thomas, Joel Carney, Larry Roland, Josh Fershée, Hon. Horacio Wheelock, Emily Sands, Riley Wilson, Alex Clark, and Matt Quandt; Law Day Presenter Dr. Dianne Bystrom; Law Day Award Recipients from League of Women Voters of Nebraska Linda Duckworth and MaryLee Moulton; Law Day Award Recipients from Nebraska Appleseed Becky Gould, Robbie McEwen, James Goddard, and Sarah Helvey; outgoing OBA leaders Pat Cooper, Joe Naatz, Jason Grams, Jon Natvig, and Kenny Jacobs; incoming OBA Leaders Andy Wilson, Ken Wentz, Kate McNamara, and Rob Black; outgoing YLD Chair Katie French and her board; incoming YLD

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Director’s Column Chair Steve Hogan and his board; Donna Birkby and the Lawyer Referral Service Committee; and OBA Field Day “Jacket of Shame” wearer Mike Fenner (at the Virtual Wine Tasting). I want to thank the OBA Executive Council for their leadership and flexibility over the past 11 months, Dave Koukol for stepping into the Presidency shoes on a moment’s notice, and Hon. Stephanie Hansen for her accepting of the nomination as OBA President-Elect. Last but not least, I want to thank CLE presenter, wine tasting goody bag stuffer, and overall amazing person Hannah Sommers for putting up with me in such close proximity for the past year, and frankly, all the ideas she has for the OBA that I take credit for.

Again thank you to each of you for your part in the OBA, and I know it may go without saying, but we look forward to seeing you SOON! Stay safe and healthy,

Lunch with Fenner – Date TBD, In Person The OBA reached out to Creighton Law’s Professor Emeritus Mike Fenner, to see when he’d like to have the next “Lunch with Fenner.” We offered a virtual lunch event option this Spring, but Professor Fenner indicated he’d rather do the lunch when we can meet in person. Those looking for this annual event, fear not, it will be scheduled as soon as safe and practicable!

OBA “Swag Store” Opens Online CLEs Available On Demand Starting in 2018, the OBA began live filming various CLEs throughout the year on our Facebook page, and making them available for On Demand watching by our membership. We are continuing that practice into 2021, with the latest online CLEs available for NE CLE credit.

Please note: There are fees associated with obtaining CLE credit through the On Demand feature; please email dave@omahabarassociation.com to learn more or go to www.omahabarassociation.com and select “On Demand” from the CLE tab.

The Omaha Bar Association’s “Bar Talk” Podcast continues to turn out fresh, informative, and entertaining episodes. Miss an event with an interesting speaker? Chances are it’s on the podcast. Want to listen to in-depth interviews with Omaha’s biggest legal names? We’ve got you covered. To listen, simply subscribe via iTunes Podcasts, asking your smart speaker to play “Omaha Bar Association Bar Talk Podcast”, or by following the OBA on Facebook.

We’re up to 39 episodes, over 4,500 listens, and aren’t

Want to get that perfect something for your colleague? Proud to be an attorney and want to show it off? Looking for that perfect onesie for your newborn? The OBA has you covered… literally. We’ve launched our exclusive online store of shirts, mugs, bags, and caps you won’t want to be caught NOT wearing. Check out the store via the OBA website, or through our Facebook page.

Incentivizing “Lapsed” Members back to OBA Membership In an effort to lure back attorneys who used to be OBA members but haven’t renewed in recent years, we are offering 50% off of the membership rates for those “former members” who weren’t in our membership in 2020. This offer is exclusive to 2021, as we work to connect with as many attorneys in the communty as possible. Spread the word - the value of one’s membership in the OBA just got event better!

We appreciate your Membership!

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The Life & Legacy of Hon. Laurie Smith Camp The Omaha Bar Association, its Board of Directors and Executive Council, its staff, and its 1500 attorney members mourn the sudden death of Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Smith Camp “passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at her home overnight,” according to a statement released by the court. She was 66 years old. Judge Smith Camp was serving as President of the Omaha Bar Association at the time of her death, a role she had assumed on July 1, 2020, and was to hold until June 30, 2021.

As a judge for the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska, Smith Camp exemplified fairness and was regarded as a role model by many – judges and attorneys alike.

“I remember the first time I met her I thought, that is the epitome of what a judge or a lawyer should be, just the way she conducted herself, the way she carried herself. She was always just top-notch,” said immediate Past OBA President Will Acosta-Trejo.

“It was an honor of a lifetime to work with Judge Smith Camp,” said OBA Executive Director Dave Sommers. “Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds. Her professionalism was second to none. She stood as an inspiration to generations of attorneys in Nebraska and beyond. It is nearly impossible to overstate the impact Judge Smith Camp has had on the practice of law and legal community in Nebraska.

In every way, she was a leader among her peers, and did everything in her power to show what the best of the legal profession looked like.”

Sommers continued, “Every Fall, Judge Smith Camp would come to the event welcoming new attorneys into law practice. She would make a point to meet every new attorney, and learn about them.

Judge Smith Camp cared so deeply about the legal profession, and the important role that attorneys and judges hold in our society to bend the arc of history towards justice for all. The Nebraska legal community has lost one of its biggest and brightest stars, someone who was looked up to by so many.

Our world is darker today without her light.”

Chief U.S. District Court Judge John Gerrard compared Smith Camp to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, stating, “Like Justice Ginsburg, Judge Smith Camp was a pioneer and advocate of women’s rights, a wonderful mother, and she did it all with a quiet grace, compassion and leading by example,” he added.

“Her legacy is profound and her historical mark on Nebraska’s federal court is permanent.”

Smith Camp was the first woman appointed as a U.S. district judge in Nebraska. She was appointed in 2001

by President George W. Bush and received confirmation by the U.S. Senate by a unanimous vote of all 100 senators. After serving as chief judge since 2011, she took senior status in December 2018. Even after taking senior status, Smith Camp continued to carry an active caseload while remaining involved in the broader legal community.

In her role as OBA President, Smith Camp had set an agenda for the year that included a number of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs related to the 2020 8th Circuit Judicial Conference, since the event had been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. U.S. Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg was scheduled to attend the Conference, due in large part to the organizing acumen of Judge Smith Camp, and there was great disappointment when the Conference was canceled. Judge Smith Camp, in a tribute video recorded on Monday, September 21, paid tribute to Justice Ginsburg and the work of her lifetime.

Dave Koukol, OBA President-Elect who then became President upon Judge Smith Camp’s passing, has stated that the work of the OBA over the coming year will be to honor the life, legacy, and plans that Judge Smith Camp had for her term as leader of the Omaha Bar Association.

This article includes excerpts from a news article in The Daily Record.

7 The following is the President’s Message, written by Hon. Laurie Smith Camp, for the Fall 2020 issue of the OBA Newsletter. The Fall 2020 issue was not published, in part due to the passing of Judge Smith Camp, but her message to members is included here in full.

“Men and women huddled in their houses, and they tied handkerchiefs over their noses when they went out and wore goggles to protect their eyes. ... The children stood nearby, drawing figures in the dust with bare toes. And the children sent exploring senses out to see whether the men and women would break.”

Scorching winds upended the best laid plans of mice and men in Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath.” But the lead characters didn’t break.

In the last six months, Omaha’s legal community was faced with crises, too, and it didn’t break. You met the challenges with innovation, integrity, and compassion.

Donna Birkby, Director of OBA’s Lawyer Referral Service, has been fielding an increased number of calls from Omahans affected by the pandemic who need legal services, and she has helped to connect them with many of you. Dave Sommers, our Executive Director, has pivoted from the traditional schedule of OBA events to more on-line services, including “Bar Chat” interviews, CLE programs, virtual social hours, and a beautiful pictorial directory that will help you remember the names and faces of your fellow lawyers when OBA events return to a traditional rhythm. You have embraced new technology and shown patience with judges who are trying to conduct hearings remotely and hold jury trials with safe practices. Thank you for continuing the Omaha bar’s tradition of public service, leadership, collegiality, and good humor in trying times.

As August marked the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment and women’s suffrage, we were sorry to see many celebrations cancelled, especially the Eighth Circuit Judicial Conference and its line-up of nationally renowned speakers, including Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Chief Judge John Gerrard has authorized the use of some of the funds left from the conference for the recording of CLE programs in cooperation with OBA. Dave’s technological and journalistic skills are being put to good use, and you can expect to see several new CLEs available through OBA on timely topics in coming months.

This fall, the OBA will engage in public out-reach to fifth graders in schools throughout the Omaha area to help them learn about the history of the Nineteenth Amendment and the importance of voting rights. We are grateful to Lynda Henningsen and Linda Placzek for their participation in this project.

Each class will receive a copy of “Bold and Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote,” by Senator (and lawyer) Kirsten Gillibrand.

For those of you who found a silver lining in the pandemic by indulging in pleasure reading, this newsletter contains a list of books on timely (and timeless) topics, related to some of the themes that would have been featured at the 2020 Circuit conference. Dave and I hope you will share with us your reading suggestions, so we can add to this list. Of course, I know many of you are talented writers. If you are willing to write a book review, featuring a book you have found compelling, the OBA welcomes your submissions. And if you are willing to lead a discussion, or suggest a guest speaker, an OBA book club will form.

Finally, many thanks to Will Acosta-Trejo and the OBA board for their leadership and stewardship in 2019-20! -Laurie Smith Camp

BOOK LIST Women’s Suffrage and Women’s Rights: + Why They Marched: Untold Stories of the Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote, by Susan Ware (2019). + The Woman’s Hour, by Elaine Weiss (2018). + Gilded Suffragists: The New York Socialites Who Fought for Women’s Right to Vote, Johanna Neuman (2017). + Funding Feminism: Monied Women, Philanthropy, and the Women’s Movement, 1870-1967, by Joan Marie Johnson (2017). + My Own Words, by Ruth Bader Ginsburg (2016).

Native American History: + Standing Bear’s Quest for Freedom, by Lawrence A. Dwyer (Omaha lawyer) (2019). + Law at Little Bighorn: Due Process Denied, by Charles Wright (Nebraska lawyer) (2016). + “I Am a Man”: Standing Bear’s Journey for Justice, by Joe Starita (Nebraska professor of journalism) (2009). + Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown (1970). + Cheyenne Autumn, by Mari Sandoz (1953).

Race, Color, and Bias: + Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do, by Jennifer Eberhardt (2020). + Unexampled Courage: The Blinding of Sgt. Isaac Woodard and the Awakening of President Harry S. Truman and Judge J. Waties Waring, by Richard Gergel (2019). + On the Courthouse Lawn: Confronting the Legacy of Lynching, by Sherrilyn Ifill (2007). + The Living is Easy (1948) and The Wedding (1995) (both fiction) by Dorothy West.

Omaha History, with law-related themes: + Echo of Its Time: The History of the Federal District Court of Nebraska, 18671933, by John R. Wunder and Mark R. Scherer (2019). + Kings of Broken Things (historic fiction),

by Theodore Wheeler (2017). + Cigars and Wires: the Omaha Underworld’s Early Years, by Jon L. Blecha (2013). + River City Empire: Tom Dennison’s Omaha, by Orville D. Menard (1989, revised edition 2013).

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Books on 19th Amendment to be Donated to 5th Grade Classrooms, in Honor of Judge Smith Camp In early 2020, the OBA Law Day Committee met to discuss efforts surrounding the 2020 Law Day Lunch, which was at that point still scheduled to happen in person on May 1st.

OBA President-Elect Judge Laurie Smith Camp was part of the meeting, and excited about the ABA-chosen topic for the year, “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100.” As a self-described amateur historian and as a trailblazer herself, Judge Smith Camp was already well underway in organizing celebrations of the 19th Amendment’s ratification as part of the 8th Circuit Judicial Conference, to be held in Omaha in late Summer 2020. Using the centennial of women’s right to vote in the United States as a backdrop, Judge Smith Camp had worked to arrange for Associate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a guest speaker at the Conference. The OBA Law Day celebration of the same theme was the icing on the proverbial cake of a year of celebration, retrospection, and discussion on the future of women’s rights in America.

Lynda Henningsen, publisher emeritus of The Daily Record, was also at the Law Day Committee meeting and had an idea.

What if we buy books about the 19th Amendment, and have the attorneys who are planning to visit 5th grade classrooms as part of Lawyers In the Classroom, bring copies to the classrooms and leave with the students? Lynda suggested a book by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand titled “Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote.” Judge Smith Camp loved the idea, and offered to underwrite the cost of the books as part of the effort.

When the pandemic hit and locked things down, it became that Lawyers in the Classroom wouldn’t happen in Spring 2020. But there was the thought that perhaps we could bring it back in some way in the 2020-21 school year, and Judge Smith Camp was supportive of that idea. After Smith Camp’s passing in Fall 2020, Lynda Henningsen reached back out to the OBA in hopes of continuing this effort, in part as an honoring of Laurie. With the approval by OBA and Law Day leaders, and with the help of retired OPS educator Linda Placzek, Lynda and the Law Day Committee look to purchase copies of the book for as many 5th grade classrooms as possible in the Omaha area, and donate the books with an inscription inside the cover that educates students on the life and legacy of Judge Smith Camp. The book donations will be coordinated with a lesson plan for teachers, and recorded videos from local attorneys discussing the topic of voting rights, the rule of law, and the role of attorneys in our society.

As part of this effort, the OBA will be soliciting donations from any firms or attorneys in the community who would like to financially support this initiative. If you’re interested in making a donation, please contact the OBA office.

Smith Camp Book List (Continued) Courageous Lawyers: + Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History, by Ted Sorensen (Nebraska lawyer) (2008). + Black Jack: The Life and Times of John J. Pershing (Nebraska law graduate), by Frank E. Vandiver (1977). + Fighting Liberal: The Autobiography of George W. Norris (Nebraska lawyer) (1945).

Daily RecoRD Expertise Second to None

Over 100 years in the industry.

402-345-1303 • legals@omahadailyrecord.com • www.OmahaDailyRecord.com

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On The Move & Milestones On The Move

Stephanie Costello and Montana Crow have joined Berry Law Firm; Koley Jessen welcomes Chris Estwick, Raquel Boton, Adam Wachal, Tyler Keyser, Andrew Almodova, Erin Schroeder, Kianna Moore, Jennifer Novotny, Michael Pirnie, Gabreal Belcastro, and Taylor Hayes to the firm; Joe Daly, Tom Shomaker, Mary Schott, and Catherine Stegman have joined Evans & Dixon’s Omaha Office; Cline Williams welcomes Elizabeth Stevenson and Paul Donahue; Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman welcomes Greg Schreiber, Julie Ryan, and Casey Jenkins to the firm; Joy Kathurima and Deanna Piña have joined Hightower Reff Law; Nick Lesiak is now legal counsel for Westside Community Schools; Ellen Prochaska has joined Carlson Burnett as an associate; Stephanie Richards is now part of Goosmann Law’s Omaha office; Jonathon Latka, Russell Westerhold, and Karson Kampfe have joined Fraser Stryker; Kutak Rock welcomes new associates Tyler Barnard, Drew Barnhart, Brett Bruneteau, Matthew Carlson, Emily Dowdle, Turquose Early, Emily Hybl, Jay Jackson, Jordyn Sindt, Allyssa Wall, Daniel Wasson, and John Westerhaus; Pansing Hogan has added Emily Dickson to the firm; Dvorak Law Group welcomes Nick Handrich, Sarah Wetzel, Nick Sullivan, Mark Quandahl, Tiffany Boutcher, and Ryan Coufal; Christian Mirch has been appointed as ALJ for the NE DOJ; Candace Novak has been appointed as judge for the the Douglas County Separate Juvenile Court; Joe Willms has joined the Woods Aitken Omaha Office; Devon Fox is now at Fidelity National Title Group; congrats to Erick Frederick on the position at the Immigrant Legal Center; Josh Waltjer is now at Engles Ketcham; Samantha Robb has joined the Kiney Mason team; Hattie Miller has joined Liakos & Matukewicz; Neil Hassler is now legal counsel at Fiserv; Allison Hardy named Assistant General Counsel at MGP Ingredients; Baird Holm welcomes Clay Haag, Lee Greenwald, Brian Barmettler, Sarah Gorsche, Gabrelle Kott, Tess Lancaster, and Nick Miller to the firm; Lamson Dugan and Murray welcomes Erin Artz, Jackson Stokes, and Seth McCauley to the firm as associates; McGrath North adds Sarah J. Moore, D. David DeWald, and Alexander Shaner to the firm; JoAnna Dewald has joined Northern Natural Gas; Mark Weber (formerly of SilverStone) is now at Legacy Spectrum Advisors; Natasha Riggleman joins Jackson Lewis’ Omaha Office; Sarah Barnhill has moved to McGill Law Office; and last (but certainly not least) congratulations to

Hannah Sommers on her move to Nebraska Legal Group!

Milestones

The OBA congratulates Quinn Eaton on being recognized as a Rising Star in Employment Litigation-Defense in the 2020 Great Plains Super Lawyers list; congratulations to Virginia Albers on being named Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Omaha in 2021 by Best Lawyers; Nebraska Legal Group congratulates Hannah Sommers on being named Rising Star in Family Law with Great Plains Super Lawyers (Congrats Hannah!); Ann Mangiameli received the Visionary Award from Nebraska Lawyers Foundation for her work on Health, Education, and Law Program (HELP) at Legal Aid of Nebraska; Berry Law Firm makes Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing privately held companies in the U.S. for the fourth straight year; Karine Sokpoh received the Visionary Award from the Nebraska Lawyers Foundation; Hon. Mike Pirtle named Chief Judge of Nebraska Court of Appeals; Amy Van Horne is named NSBA Outstanding Contributor to the Women in the Law Section; Justin Burroughs is promoted to partner at Engles Ketcham; Jessica Källström-Schreckengost was awarded NSBA Special Merit Award for 2020; Hon. C. Arlen Beam will take inactive senior status starting in October; congratulations to Hon. Gary Randall on his retirement after 23 years on the Douglas County District Court bench; Hon. Vernon Daniels was appointed president of the Nebraska Separate Juvenile Judges Association; Tom Ackley was elected president of the Midlands Community Foundation Board of Directors; John Illiff was selected as “Lawyer of the Year” in 2020 by Best lawyers for Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers in Omaha; McGill Gotsdiner congratulates Gary Gotsdiner, Keith Green, Marry Hewitt, Myron Kaplan, Robert Lepp, Rick Myers, Nancy Roberts, and Tom Workman on being included in Best Lawyers in America for 2021; Baird Holm congratulates David Kennison, Sara McCue, Abigail Mohs, and J. Scott Searl on being promoted to partners with the firm; Woods Aitken congratulates Patrick Vint on being elect partner at the firm; Pansing Hogan congratulates Jessica Thomas and Kellie Chesire Olson on their promotions to partner; and Kutak Rock congratulates Asher Ball, Torri Criger, Maggie Ebert, Erica Goven, Patrick Krebs, Alexis Pappas, Michelle Pernicek, Carol Svolos, and Ron Sylvester on their election to partner at the firm’s Omaha headquarters.

10 Thank you Strategic Partners!

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Especially during this current time, we thank you for your support.

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11 OMAHA BAR ASSOCIATION 2021 CALENDAR YEAR - DUES STATEMENT AND MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Name: Firm: Address: Make all remittances to: Omaha Bar Association 2133 California Plaza, Suite 150 Omaha, Nebraska 68178

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PLEASE CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX: o Newly Admitted Attorneys – Gratis.

Will not be charged dues until after December 31 of the year in which they are FIRST admitted to law practice (need not be Nebraska).

o 5 years or more $165. Includes 2015 admittees

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13 Wine Tasting Goes Virtual, But Real Wine Delivered to OBA Members Even wtih a pandemic and a severe winter storm, the 21st Annual OBA Wine Tasting took place in January. While we couldn’t meet at The Barn at Ackerhurst Dairy for cheese, conversation, and wine, over 240 people participated in a “virtual” version of the event, done over Zoom on Friday, January 29, 2021.

The Wine Tasting, an annual “Thank you for being an OBA member” event with close to 300 attendees, couldn’t happen as it usually did, but according to OBA Executive Director Dave Sommers, “It HAD to happen. There’s no way we are missing up the opportunity to thank our attorneys for being members.”

So, with the pivot to a virtual event set up, Dave set out to figure out how to get wine and snacks into the hands of OBA members.

In the end, Dave went with the tried and true method of meeting in parking lots and on street corners to make the handoffs. One County Attorney remarked, after getting an OBA logo-stamped bag filled with wine, wine tasting glasses, an OBA logoed padfolio, snacks, tasting notes on the wine, and raffle tickets, “this has ‘probable cause’ search written all over it.”

When the last minute surge of RSVPs blew threw estimates, it became clear that Dave’s truck wasn’t going to have room for all the goodie bags and wine. And so the adventure added a UHaul trailer, at just about the same time as 7 new inches of snow. The addition of the trailer, and our Executive Director’s bundling up in winter clothes had some people confused. “I was circling the parking lot, looking for Dave, when all of a sudden I see this homeless man waiving at me next to his car,” said Mike Fenner.

“Then I realized it was Dave Sommers with my wine tasting bag!”

The Zoom hello and toast went by quickly, with a highlight being the singing of “Happy Birthday” to Dave Sommers, who turned 37 (yikes!) on the day of the tasting. The rendition was so out of tune and off beat it will never be forgotten.

And at the end, Dave raffled off 6 $50 gift cards to Wine Beer & Spirits, the business where the wine was purchased.

The OBA wants to thank Jason Huff and The Daily Record for their continued sponsorship of this event.

Dave Koukol’s toast: “To those colleagues, family, and friends we have lost this past year, including Judge Laurie Smith Camp and longtime OBA Executive Director Mardee Korinek Johnston.

To the health of all who are still with us and continue to persevere through these trying times. May we use our skills as lawyers to help those who are less fortunate than us. To the future, when we can meet in person!”

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Remembering Mardee (Korinek) Johnston 1936-2021 For younger attorneys in the Omaha metro area, particularly those who entered practice after 2007, the name Mardee Korinek most likely doesn’t register. But if you ask those who have been around longer, you’ll find almost universal recognition and smiles on their faces when Mardee’s name is mentioned.

In her 26 years as the Executive Director of the Omaha Bar Association, Mardee grew and developed in large part the OBA as it’s known today, engaging hundreds attorneys into work on behalf of the organization, and garnering the respect and admiration of the legal profession along the way.

We mourn the passing of Mardee on January 13, 2021, and we celebrate the impressive legacy she left in the OBA. Hired by the OBA as its first Executive Director in October 1981, Mardee transitioned the OBA from a staff of one (the Lawyer Referral Service Director) with all OBA member communications and operations being run out of each President’s law firm and a membership tally of 500, to a staff of two, with a permanent office at Creighton University School of Law, with a membership roll of 1500 and a dozen events a year. The time and work Mardee put into the OBA produced a number of successful annual events that continue to this day, including “Lunch with Fenner”, the Wine Tasting, Field Day, the Annual Ethics Seminar with Creighton Law, and the Medical Legal Dinner. “Mardee’s impact on the success and growth of the OBA has been second to none,” says current OBA Executive Director Dave Sommers. “She paved the way for what we are doing today.”

Mardee, whose name she changed from Korinek to Johnston in 2018 after her marriage to longtime partner George Johnston, passed away just six weeks prior to her 85th birthday. After her retirement at the age of 72 in 2007, Mardee continued to attend OBA events, sitting at the check in table and greeting attorneys and judges with her trademark smile and hugs.

As the news of her passing spread through the community, the response from those who knew her made it clear the mark she had made in people’s lives and the organization. Tom Grennan, longtime editor of the OBA Newsletter remarked, “She was the face of the Omaha Bar Association.” Past President Dave Houghton offered, “If I had the power, I would have made her an honorary lawyer long ago.” Longtime OBA leader J. Terry Macnamara quipped, “For years I’ve told [Past President and retired U.S. District Court Judge] Lyle Strom that the only good thing he did during his presidency was hire Mardee Korinek to be the Executive Director of the OBA.” Past President Jennifer Petersen put it succinctly, “Mardee was one of my favorite, classiest ladies I will ever have the privilege to know. She laid the foundation and set the exceedingly high standards that make the OBA a great members organization.”

Mardee had a knack for engaging attorneys and getting them to volunteer their time as part of a committee or leadership role in the OBA. She spent countless hours on the phone, coordinating projects and work by the various committees and their members. But she also had a profound effect on her fellow OBA employee, Donna Birkby, who worked alongside Johnston for 18 years and enjoyed a close friendship with her for 31 years. “She gave me a chance when I really needed it. She was a mentor, teacher, mom, and friend. Mardee made sure all the OBA members knew they were appreciated for what they did.”

Work is underway to ensure Mardee’s legacy is not forgotten, in part with the establishment of a new OBA award in Mardee’s honor. More information on that project will be forthcoming. A celebration of Mardee’s life will be scheduled by her family for later this year, and the OBA Memorial Committee will ensure Mardee’s inclusion into the Memorial Day event, when that event takes place later this year.

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NEWS YOU CAN USE Judge Stephanie Hansen Selected as OBA President-Elect Douglas County Court Judge Stephanie Hansen has been selected to be the President-Elect of the Omaha Bar Association.

Judge Hansen will serve as President of the OBA starting in July 2021 and serve in the role until June 2022. With the passing of OBA President Hon. Laurie Smith Camp, the OBA Executive Council followed the Association’s ByLaws and President-Elect Dave Koukol was installed as President, to serve out the remainder of Judge Smith Camp’s term, until July 2021. Pursuant to the ByLaws, the Executive Council put forward nominations for President Elect, Judge Hansen was nominated, graciously accepted the nomination, and was duly appointed. Prior to joining the OBA leadership, Judge Hansen served as President of the Sarpy County Bar Association.

OBA Partners with National Presenters for CLE on Leveraging Law Firms in April A 90 minute online CLE on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, will cover a variety of topics any solo and small firm attorney needs to know about thriving in the changing legal landscape. The CLE is $10 for OBA Members, $30 for non-members. From the course description: “In this session, 5 experts from leading legal technology, casework, and marketing solution providers will provide a rundown of the highest-impact changes attorneys can make in their firms right now to not just survive, but thrive. After all, resilience may be sufficient to sustain firms in the short run, but in the long run, substantial business growth -- best achieved through incremental, intentional changes -- is what’s truly desired.”

Nebraska Keeps Online/On Demand CLE Available for All 10 Hours in 2021 Staying with the change in rules that went into effect in 2020, attorneys can log all 10 CLE required hours for 2021 virtually, either through live online or On Demand CLE options. The OBA will continue its production of high quality and low cost CLE for our members throughout the year. As in person CLEs come back in Summer and Fall, please note: only live in person CLEs can be carried over into 2022.

“Bar Talk” Video Chat Series Continues to Connect OBA Members Started in March 2020, the OBA continues to interview attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals in online video chats, posted to social media and reposted on the OBA website. Whether discussing hard issues like evictions during the pandemic, important subjects like work life balance, or just swapping a few jokes with our friends at the Barrister’s Club, we’re here to have the conversations you want to hear and watch. Have a suggestion for a chat? Just drop us a note and we’ll set it up.

“Solo School” Video Series for Law Students and Attorneys Interested in Solo Practice A few years ago, the OBA coordinated 6 solo practice attorneys to go to Creighton Law School, and speak with 2Ls and 3Ls who were interested in potentially entering private practice on their own. Following that effort, and harnessing the power of Zoom, the OBA is creating a library with hours of conversations with solo

practitioners, discussing their tips, tricks, mistakes to avoid, and business considerations for anyone going into that type of practice.

The on demand video series, titled, “Solo School,” will be made available to OBA members (student or attorney) at no charge.

Douglas County Civil Jury Verdicts – Gone for now, but not forgotten This edition of the OBA Newsletter will look different to readers because of the lack of pages of Douglas County Civil Jury Verdicts.

With no civil jury trials happening since the last Newsletter, no verdicts are available to report. OBA Members looking for the list of past Civil Jury Verdicts can find them by signing into the OBA website, and searching under the News tab, or by emailing Dave at the OBA office. The Civil Jury Verdicts spreadsheet goes all the way back cases reported in the early 2000s.

Texting Communications Option Now Available For those so inclined, the OBA is now offering text communications, in addition to email, mail, and phone. The OBA promises not to abuse the texting privilege with members, and keep texts to a limited amount and always during appropriate times of the day. If you want to “opt in” to this system, simply text “OmahaBar” to 474747. Don’t miss out on an OBA event because the email went to spam; join the texting revolution!

Pictorial Directory and Compensation Survey Within the month, the OBA will be releasing its annual version of two member-exclusive items: The OBA Pictorial Directory of Membership and the Annual OBA Member Compensation Survey.

Both are free to current members, in the digital format. The Directory is available in a bound desk copy for $15. The Compensation Survey is completely anonymous, and we encourage all OBA members to submit their information. The link to the survey can be found on the OBA website or by emailing dave@omahabarassociation.com.

Barristers Club Takes Year Off, Back in 2021 After a hiatus in 2020, the lawyer comedy troupe DBA the Omaha Barristers Club has announced its return in 2021, per President Doug Amen. The Christmas Show is already tentatively set for December 9, and Amen stated that he’s hopeful that the rest of the “normal schedule”, including the Cookout and Softball game, can happen on schedule. Ratification of Amen’s reelection to the top post for an unprecedented 2nd year was surprisingly without controversy or protest. ;) OBA Helping with Courthouse Tour Video The OBA is lending a hand to the local Inns of Court chapter, and recording a Courthouse Tour video with Judges Keim and Hansen of Douglas County Court, and Jessica Douglas of Schaefer Shapiro law firm. The video will be posted online, and be offered to grade school children interested in learning more about the building and the legal system.

Omaha Bar Association

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NEWSLETTER

Omaha Bar Association 2133 California Street Omaha, Nebraska 68178

Omaha Bar Association Newsletter

Managing Editors:

March

Stephen M. Bruckner Dave Sommers

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Contributors: Donna Birkby Dave Koukol Hon. Laurie Smith Camp Dave Sommers

Photographers: Dave Sommers Some photos courtesy of U.S. District Court

Design by: Dave Sommers

CALENDAR

Thursday

Young Lawyers Division MeetUp TopGolf Omaha; 5:00 PM

April 13 Tuesday OBA Book Club - first meeting Zoom; 8:30 PM 21

Wednesday

Growth Levers for Law Firms (CLE) Online; 2:00 PM

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Friday

Law Day Lunch Zoom; Noon

Thursday

OBA Field Day Champions Run

July 19

Printed by:

Happening in 2021 but Date TBD

Elman & Co.

15th Annual Creighton/OBA Seminar on Ethics

Medical Legal Dinner

Lunch with Fenner

Memorial Service

Please check the calendar on the OBA’s Website for more details on upcoming scheduled events.

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