Newsletter
Omaha Bar Association
Vol. XLIV No. 1 SPRING 2019
Community Service Education Leadership | Stronger Together Since 1875
SPRING into Action! Get involved in your bar association.
INSIDE
Page 2…President’s Message Page 3…Lunch with Fenner Page 4…Executive Director’s Column Page 5…Online CLEs & Podcasts Page 6 …Moves & Milestones Page 7…Upcoming Events Page 8…Survey Results Are In Page 9…Presidents’ Holiday Party Page 10…Wine Tasting
Page 11…YLD Cornhole Championship Page 12…Updates From LRS Page 13…OBA Strategic Partners Page 14…Civil Jury Verdicts Page 15…Upcoming Cruise Page 16…Young Lawyers Division Page 17…OLPA News Page 18…NePA News Page 19…End-of-Year CLE Page 20…Calendar
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President’s Message: Get Well Soon In a recent survey, OBA members were asked to identify in Omaha to also take ownership of the issue and invest in the biggest challenge facing the legal profession today. The their own well-being and that of their employees and fellow responses to this question were all over the board, but one members of the legal community. The ABA Working Group to persistent theme that appeared in dozens of responses related Advance Well-Being in the Legal Profession is encouraging law to lawyer wellness issues. It is clear that our profession firms, government agencies, and any other legal employers to recognize the challenges associated with mental struggles with issues relating to our emotional, health and substance abuse and to pledge to physical, social, and occupational health. In adopt a seven-point framework to address response to the survey, OBA members identified lawyer wellness. Kudos to Husch Blackwell specific challenges affecting wellness in the and Jackson Lewis who have agreed to the legal community, including stress, lawyer pledge and are addressing these issues headburnout, difficulties achieving work/life balance, on—hopefully more Omaha employers will increasing levels of incivility, and increasing client consider tackling these issues, either through expectations and the inability to “disconnect” the ABA program or otherwise, to invest in the from work due to email, text messages, etc. health and well-being of their employees. As These responses should not come as a surprise the graphic [below] depicts, the ABA pledge in light of the attention that wellness issues have received in the legal community nationally in recent years. appears to be targeted primarily at larger employers, but the Several years ago, the American Bar Association surveyed same concepts can be embraced and addressed by smaller over 13,000 attorneys and found a large number of attorneys organizations and solo practitioners alike. Until next time….take care of yourselves, and be well. nationwide battling wellness issues: 28 percent of respondents were dealing with depression; 23 percent of respondents The Well-‐Being Pledge for Legal Employers reported stress-related concerns; and between 21 and 36 3. Partner with outside providers who are 4. Provide percent of respondents qualified as “problem drinkers.” commi%ed to reducing substance use confiden3al access and mental health distress in to addic<on and 2. 5educe the e6pecta3on of disorders One author has estimated that between 40 and 70 the profession. mental health alcohol at firm events by experts and seeking crea<ve alterna<ves percent of all disciplinary proceedings and malpractice resources, including and ensuring that non-‐ free, in-‐house, alcoholic alterna<ves are claims against lawyers involve wellness issues such as self-‐assessment always available. tools. 1. Provide enhanced depression and/or substance abuse. and robust educa3on to a%orneys and staff So...what can we as a legal community do to help 5. ?evelop proac3ve on well-‐being, policies and mental health, each other address these issues? As a starting point, protocols to and substance use support disorders. assessment and the bar association has a role in that discussion and in treatment of substance use and helping members prevent, recognize, treat, and cope mental health problems, with these issues. CLE/educational events can help including a defined back-‐to-‐work policy following create awareness of these issues. Bar events should treatment. 6. Show that the firm’s core values promote a sense of belonging and relationship-building 7. Use this pledge, and the firm’s include taking care of yourself commitment to these principles, and geBng help when needed by to a%ract and retain the best and can help members avoid feelings of isolation and regularly C ac<vely suppor<ng lawyers and staff. programs to improve physical, depression, and also provide an outlet for members mental and emo<onal well-‐being. when they encounter these issues. We can do better at addressing these issues and welcome your suggestions on programming that would engage members and effectively address these issues. In addition to bar associations, we need individual attorneys, legal employers, judges, and other support organizations Pat Cooper !"#$%&'()*'$)!++,&%'-,().,$/%(0)1$,23)4,)!56'(&#).#778*#%(0)%()49#):#0'7);$,<#++%,()
If you are aware of anyone within the Nebraska legal community (lawyers, law office personnel, judges, courthouse employees or law students) who suffers a sudden, catastrophic loss due to an unexpected event, illness or injury, the NSBA’s SOLACE Program can likely assist that person in some meaningful way. Contact Mike Kinney at mkinney@ctagd.com and/or Liz Neeley at lneeley@nebar.com.
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29th Annual Lunch with Fenner OBA members enjoyed a snow-delayed “Lunch with Fenner” at Creighton University. This year’s presentation title, A Peek Behind the Green Curtain, was a reference to the “Great and Powerful
Wizard of Oz” and a public official invoking an emergency declaration in potential conflict with separation of powers proscribed by the U.S. Constitution. Professor Mike Fenner
The OBA thanks Koley Jessen for its generous th sponsorship of the 29 Annual Lunch with Fenner.
www.koleyjessen.com
has announced his retirement from Creighton Law School, and will continue as Of Counsel at McGill Gotsdiner in Omaha.
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T
Executive Director’s Column
he recent rash of severe weather in Omaha got me thinking about the seasons. All of a sudden, the mantra “Spring will be here soon enough!” was repeated by me every day. Call it a survival instinct from the dark corners of a winter season to forget. There’s no way this snow situation is going to keep me down; warmer times are on the horizon. In the legal practice, it also appears to me that we are getting to a “changing of the seasons.” Baby boomers are retiring, and passing the torch to a new generation of attorneys and judges. Technology, as it has for decades, continues to push an evolution of law practice to even greater efficiency which is exciting, yet daunting for some. Clients are expecting more and more from their legal counsel, and attorneys are struggling to find a balance between work and non-work portions of their days. I know there is an instinct inside the legal community to embrace the status quo. With a system built around the following of precedent for predictable outcomes, it makes sense to be risk averse. Nevertheless, in the shifting landscape in which we find ourselves in (and into the near future), it may be in our best interest to address and affirmatively plan for the change that is coming. Being in charge of the narrative and place we hold can be a better course of action. The OBA is celebrating its 144th year of existence in 2019. We’ve seen numerous “seasons” of law practice over that time. We’re certain to witness many more seasons in the decades and centuries to come. Our focus has always been and continues to be on supporting one another, learning from one another, upholding the value of service in the legal profession, and leading by example. The OBA is committed to doing everything in our power to be that community of support that creates an inclusive and forward-focused environment for all legal practitioners. — In December, the OBA’s Lawyer Referral Service held its Sixth Annual “End-of-the-Year” CLE. This year’s theme, “Innovations in Law Practice,” brought together a wide variety of presenters who are each embracing new and different techniques, business practices, and practice platforms into their law practices. To keep things fresh and following the principle of maximum retention (made famous by TED Talks), each presentation was limited to 20 minutes. Thank you to Patrick Patino, Scott Hahn, Dan Smith, Mary Vandenack, Susan Koenig, and Matt McKeever for their insightful presentations. If you missed the live CLE but want to watch it (and get CLE credit), you can find it on the OBA’s “CLE On Demand” page or by visiting our Facebook page. January may have been dark and cold, but that didn’t stop a record number of attorneys and signififcant others
from attending the annual Wine and Beer Tasting at The Barn at Ackerhurst Dairy. Looking back, it seems to be a blessing in disguise that Brix closed and we had to find a new home for the event; we have plenty of space at The Barn! This year’s tasting included a “Cabernet Flight” of 4 different cabernet sauvignons, and for those bubble lovers, chilled bottles of champagne. The OBA thanks The Barn owners Jill and Troy Podraza for their gracious hosting of the event, and thank you to the numerous volunteer help from Jean Roeder, Bonnie Kudron, Sherry Mitchell, Mary Easley, Magee Kopecky, Alyssa Ossler, Bret O’Doherty, Nadine Ostrow, and Jeanne Mangimelli. And finally, the biggest thanks to Lynda Henningsen and The Daily Record for their longstanding support and sponsorship of the event. To break up the doldrums of winter, the OBA Young Lawyers Division kicked off a new event “series,” the Cornhole Championships. (NOTE: Some of you call this lawn game “Bags” rather than Cornhole. I’m with you, trust me. It appeared that the Nebraska prevailing name was Cornhole, so that was used.) 20 brave young attorneys fought through the snow to Thunderhead Brewing Taproom to try their hand at the bean bag toss. As it turns out, regionally recognized cornhole competitor and Council Bluffs attorney Zach Winter was on hand to take home the traveling trophy on this first tournament. Future tournaments will be held this year, and we’re instituting a rule that past champions are not eligible to win, so don’t worry about “the ringer” locking down the trophy for good. The end of February brought the 29th Annual “Lunch with Fenner” at Creighton. Mike Fenner taught a master course of separation of powers issues related to emergency declarations, and opined on the similarities between The Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz and a certain elected official in a presentation entitled, “A Peek Behind the Green Curtain.” As many of you have heard, Professor Fenner is retiring from Creighton Law at the end of the Spring semester. We hope Professor Fenner will continue to accept our speaking invitations, as he moves into Of Counsel at McGill Gotsdiner, and spends more time with family on the East and West coasts. The OBA is thankful to Koley Jessen for serving as the event sponsor for the Lunch. Thanks to all who made it out! And finally, thank you to all of you for your OBA membership. The OBA has made it to its 144th year because of you, and we couldn’t do what we do without you. We appreciate all your support and involvement in your local bar association.
Dave Sommers
5 Reminder: OBA 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 in 2019, with the Lunch with Fenner now available for viewing and for .5 hour of 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 30 episodes, 2,400 listens, and aren’t slowing down!
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ON THE MOVE
MILESTONES
Baird Holm welcomes Sarah Applegate, Austin Graves, J. Scott Searl, Patrick Kennedy, Spencer Murphy, and Susan Tvrdy to the firm; Kelli Watson has joined the Omaha Community Foundation; Susan Spahn and Alexandria Emig are now at Fitzgerald Schorr; Lamson Dugan welcomes Tiffany Boutcher; Andy Wilson, Charlie Grimes, and DaAna Shaffer have moved to Carlson Burnett; Tom Rowen is now practicing at Dyer Law; Karen Keeler has moved to Union Pacific; Smith Peterson welcomes MaKenna Stoakes; Chris Tjaden has joined Evans & Dixon; Patrick Turner is now at the Dvorak Law Group; Matt Maser and Emily Jung moved to Koley Jessen; William C. Brown joined Bridges Trust; Kevin O’Keefe, Christopher Estwick, Peter Langdon, and M. Tyler Johnson have joined Abrahams Kaslow as associates.
Brian Koenig has been selected for American Bankruptcy Institutes “40 Under 40”; Koley Jessen’s Private Wealth Law practice was ranked Band 1 by Chambers High Net Worth, and Kurt Tjaden, Brandon Hamm, and Alex Wolf were ranked by Chambers; Koley Jessen was named “Law Firm of the Year” by M&A Advisor; Baird Holm names Aaron B. Johnson, Kim Kammers, Eli Rosenberg, and Vanessa Silke as new partners; Jason Caskey, Michael Degan, Robert Grennan, Erika Lynch, Ryan Portwood, and Clete Samson announced as new partners at Kutak Rock; Sarah McGill was announced as partner at Fraser Stryker; Dennis Whelan is now a partner at Slowiaczek Albers; Adam Wachal has been elected Shareholder at Gross & Welch; Lamson Dugan congratulates Katie French, Maria Lighthall, and Adam Feeney on their promotion to partner at the firm; Husch Blackwell elects Adam Charlsen, Grant Leach, and Brent Meyer to partner; and Abrahams Kaslow promotes Andrew Deaver to partner.
Editor’s Note: Did we miss an announcement you wanted made? If so, the OBA is happy to include it in our next OBA Newsletter edition. To add an announcement, simply email the details to Dave Sommers at dave@omahabarassociation.com.
www.omahabarassociation.com
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Mark Your Calendars a Omaha Bar Association & Creighton University School of Law
13th Annual Seminar on Ethics & Professionalism Friday, April 5
2:15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:45 p.m. Creighton University Hixson-Lied Auditorium
Hon. Francie Riedman Nebraska Court of Appeals
Craig Dallon, JD, Creighton School of Law
Speakers:
Hon. Francie Riedman, Nebraska Court of Appeals
Register only by April 2, at www.omahabarassociation.com, or call Dave at 402-280-3607.
Craig Dallon, Creighton Law School J. Scott Paul, Esq., NSBA President 2 hrs of Ethics CLE has been approved in NE and IA
Seminar is FREE to 2019 OBA members, $75 for non-members
Registration will begin at 1:45 pm. Free Parking is available at the Harper Center on 20th Street as well as Burt, Cass and Florence Boulevard
2019 Law Day LunchEON
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
Omaha Marriott (Regency)
8 The Results are In: OBA Membership Survey Thank you to all who participated in the OBA Membership Survey in December 2018. The results from the survey have been compiled, and shared with the OBA Executive Council. As we meet to discuss our long range and strategic planning, these results will be a helpful jumping off point for those discussions. To show our appreciation, 3 survey participants were chosen at random to receive $25 Amazon.com gift cards. As always, we want all feedback you have to give us—good or bad—anytime you would like to share it. Please email dave@omahabarassociation.com if you have any ideas, critiques, or thoughts you’d like to be known.
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OBA Pre s id entsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Holid ay Party
A cold, snowy night was no deterent for the intrepid past and present leaders of the OBA.
NSBA Health Insurance Consortium th Lunch and Learn on March 20 (FREE) Can your firm/organization save money on health insurance premiums? The OBA did! Register for a FREE informational lunch on March 20, 2019 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the 1415 Meeting Space (1415 Harney Street, #200, Omaha) to learn more about the NSBA Health Insurance Consortium. The Consortium consists of multiple employers, with NSBA membership, pooling together to obtain affordable health insurance coverage on terms similar to those currently available only to large employers. Go to www.nebar.com to register or contact Ciara at 402-475-7091!
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19 Annual Wine and Beer Tasting A record number of OBA members and guests ate and drank the winter blues away at The Barn at Ackerhurst Dairy. The OBA would like to extend a special thank you to Lynda Henningsen and The Daily Record for sponsoring the event, and to all the help from OLPA in staffing this member favorite gathering.
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OBA’s YLD Winter Games: Cornhole Championships
What better to do in the middle of winter but some lawn games inside at a taproom? That’s what the YLD had in mind with the first annual “Cornhole Championships.” Held at Thunderhead Brewing Taproom, the evening of
Council Bluffs attorney Zach Winter (left) and his fellow athlete John Wood claimed the first Cornhole Trophy. Alas, they won’t be eligible to win next time, but they can bring advice and luck to the next contestants.
intense competition ended with Council Bluffs attorney Zach Winter taking home the traveling trophy. The YLD is planning the next tournament sometime soon, after the snow melts.
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UPDATES FROM YOUR OBA LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE Applications for 2019-2020 Arriving in March The LRS will be sending out applications to join the Lawyer Referral Service later in March. LRS membership runs April 1 through March 31st.
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New Online Feature Coming Soon
We’re in the process of adding an online referral option that will run side-by-side with the traditional call-in program the LRS has been running for over 50 years. The online option will allow for greater reach of the LRS program to those who want the process done online, without a phone. Quality controls will be in place to make sure that those using the online system are not improperly referred, and to limit errant calls to LRS attorneys.
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Large Fees Reported by LRS Member Attorneys
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Rate Increase for LRS Membership
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Just in February 2019 alone, the OBA LRS has collected reports of over $230,000 in attorneys fees actualized from LRS referrals. Think the cost of LRS membership won’t pay for itself? Our figures show attorneys with the service average return on investment (ROI) that would make Warren Buffett jealous.
The LRS rates for membership for 2019-2020 have been raised to (1) $100 for attorneys new to LRS, (2) $200 for OBA member attorneys who are renewing their LRS membership, and (3) $300 for nonOBA member attorneys. The increase in rates will help cover the increased costs associated with the program, and our move into the new online option that will increase referrals.
Remember – Regular Fee Cases and No percentage fee taken by LRS As always, this is your friendly reminder that cases retained through OBA LRS are regular fee agreements, and that the OBA does not take any percentage of the fees you earn on those cases!
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Civil Jury Verdicts DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT Civil Jury Verdicts
November 2018 — January 2019 Compiled by Dave Sommers
CORRECTED CIVIL JURY VERDICT FROM LAST NEWSLETTER CI 16-2514:
Robert Dick v. Koski Professional Group v. Bland and Associates Judge: Hon. J. Russell Derr Plaintiff’s Attorneys: Aaron Clark, Ruth Horvatich, Cody Brookhouser Defendant Koski’s Attorneys: Robert Slovek, Dwyer Arce Defendant Bland’s Attorneys: Ryan Kunhart, Jeffrey Blumel Case Type: Contract Dispute Verdict: Defendant Koski to purchase stock from Plaintiff for $470,312.14. Plaintiff and CrossDefendant Bland prevail on all other claims and counterclaims. Remarks: Plaintiff was employed by Defendant Koski. Under Plaintiff’s employment agreement, Plaintiff purchased stock in Koski, with the Shareholder agreement that outline the terms for repurchasme of the stock by the corporation should Plaintiff leave the firm. Plaintiff left the firm and became employed at third-party Defendant Bland. Defendant Koski refused to calculate value of stock, and repurchase stock from Plaintiff. Plaintiff brought suit requesting specific performance (valuing and purchase of stock), and Defendant Koski brought crossclaim against Plaintiff and against Bland on a number of issues, including misappropriation of trade secrets, civil conspiracy, and breach of fiduciary duty. All cross and counter claims were rejected by the jury. 2 week jury trial.
November 2018 CI 15-10139:
Tamra Bailey and Tony Sharp v. MBC Construction Co. Judge: Hon. James T. Gleason Plaintiff’s Attorney: Greg Abboud Defendant’s Attorney: Dave Woodke Case Type: Negligence - Vehicular Special Damages: Plaintiff submit special damages in complaint of: (1) Medical Expenses of approximately $86,536, (2) Permanent Injury, (3) Disability in past and future, (3) Lost working time, (4) Loss of future earning capacity, (5) Physical paint, mental suffering, emotional pain in the past and future, and (6) Inconvenience. Verdict: For Defendant Remarks: Plaintiff alleges that while traveling southbound on 96th Street near the intersection with Adams Street, Defendant’s unmarked construction equipment was in the road, and the road was unfinished in her lane, but not clearly marked. Plaintiff’s vehicle left the road and struck the construction equipment. Plaintiff alleges that failure to maintain proper signs and barriers caused her to sustain personal injuries.
January 2019 CI 17-1380:
Melissa Allen v. Christian Schuck Judge: Hon. Gregory M. Schatz Plaintiff’s Attorney: Terrence Salerno Defendant’s Attorney: Brian Nolan Case Type: Negligence - Vehicular Special Damages: Plaintiff requests damages for medical bills in excess of $21,675.60, and for future medical bills; for lost wages to date, and loss of earning capacity. Verdict: $55,000 for Plaintiff Remarks: Plaintiff was driving westbound on L Street when the traffic in front of her stopped, so she stopped. Defendant was driving directly behind her, and did not stop before hitting the back of Plaintiff’s vehicle, causing Plaintiff to be injured.
Editor’s Note: Every effort is made to ensure accuracy. However, if you note an error in your case, please notify the OBA office.
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River City Star
YLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2 Annual Riverboat Cruise nd
Wednesday, June 6 6-7 Reception at Riverfront Landing 7-8:30 River Cruise on the River City Star
Tickets include two drink tickets.
Registration on OBA website
The River City Star cruise on the Missouri River offers a unique floating experience with amazing views of the Missouri River & Downtown Omaha.
151 Freedom Park Road Omaha, NE 68102
Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss an experience like this! Just ask those who took the cruise last year!
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YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION “Just The Basics” CLE Series in 2019
All at Corkscrew Wine & Cheese (Blackstone District Location) Tuesdays or Wednesday (to be announced) 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. $10 per OBA Member per event/$25 per non member per event The OBA Young Lawyers Division is bringing back the Classes to be scheduled in 2019: popular “Just the Basics” CLE Series in 2019. Health Law These CLEs, presented at 4-5PM on a Tuesday or Elder Law Wednesday at Corkscrew Wine and Cheese in Blackstone Tax Law are a great opportunity for primers on various areas of law, Veteran’s Issues in a relaxed environment. Business Law And the price is right too: $10 per CLE for OBA Members, *If you’re interested in presenting on a CLE topic, please $25 for Non-Members. contact Dave (dave@omahabarassociation.com) to set up.
OBA Members The OBA Lawyer Referral Service is seeking additional attorneys in the following practice areas: Federal Worker’s Compensation Federal and General Employment Law School Law Municipal Law Administrative Law
Foreclosure Veterans Affairs
Please call Donna at (402)280-3606 for more details.
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OMAHA LEGAL PROFESSIONALS ASSN. By Nadine Ostrow, President OLPA’s 2019 year started off with some very informative speakers. OLPA’s speaker at its general meeting on January 16, 2019, was Kenny Jacobs of Jacobs Alexander Law Office. He spoke to us on DWI/DUI and driving while “buzzed.” Our February 20, 2019 speakers were Margo Riekes, Communications Director, and Jeff Niebaum, Senior Communications Specialist, both with the Better Business Bureau. They spoke particularly about Internet scams and how to detect a phishing e-mail. We will be holding our election of officers at our March 20, 2019 meeting. The Omaha Legal Professionals Association has many events coming up. OLPA is currently seeking nominations for our Boss of the Year award and has finished accepting nominations for Legal Professional of the Year award. The award recipients will be presented their respective honors at our Annual Awards & Installation Banquet on April 17, 2019 at Arbor Hall. We will also be naming our annual scholarship winners at the Banquet. Our Master of Ceremonies will be Alex Wolf of Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. The Banquet will recognize this past
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year’s officers and welcome our new officers. In conjunction with Law Day, OLPA members Donna Olson and Jean Roeder are working on the Law Day Essay Contest in collaboration with the OBA. . The theme this year is Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society. The Law Day luncheon will be held on May 1, 2019, at the Regency Marriott. The Nebraska Legal Professionals Association will be hosting our annual convention in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Hilton Garden Inn on April 26, 27 and 28, 2019. The theme will be “Earth, Wind & Fire.” Some tentatively scheduled speakers include: a speaker on Saturday reporting about Earth Day (unconfirmed). Another speaker will be Scott Benson, Manager of Resource and Transmission for Lincoln Electric System, who will do an interactive, hands-on workshop regarding how LES selects wind energy power purchase agreements and leases and the benefits to customers in having a diverse set of wind resources. Also speaking will be Nancy Christ, Public Information Officer for Lincoln Fire & Rescue. She will speak about her career as a female firefighter and the laws, challenges and future of being in a male dominated profession. Lastly, we will be having a special speaker, Earl Imler, Operations Section Manager of the Nebraska Emergency Management Association. He will speak about the criteria, duties and authority of elected officials, political subdivisions, and coordination of response regarding Earth, Wind and Fire disasters. Thank you for this opportunity to share news with you about the Omaha Legal Professionals Association. Please encourage the legal professionals in your office to attend OLPA’s educational meetings. If you would like to learn more about OLPA, please feel free to contact me at (402) 343-3874 or nadine. ostrow@koleyjessen.com.and gave an overview of how Legal Aid delivers legal assistance to low income people across the state of Nebraska. OLPA’s members are in the process of fundraising for its scholarships, which include Village Inn pie cards and Americanmade products purchased from Rada Cutlery. Thank you for this opportunity to share news with you about the Omaha Legal Professionals Association. Please encourage the legal professionals in your office to attend OLPA’s educational meetings.
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Nebraska Paralegal Association News By Kim Hansen The Nebraska Paralegal Association (“NePA”) is busy preparing All luncheons will be held at the Green Gateau restaurant for its Spring Seminar and Mid-Year Meeting on April 12th at (330 S. 10th Street) in Lincoln with the exception of the May Mahoney State Park in Ashland. Sessions will 15th meeting which will be held at Ameritas, be presented on Trademarks, Ethics, Criminal 5900 O Street, in Lincoln. Contact Kari Schmidt Defense, Cyber & Telecom Law, and Data at kari.schmidt@nebraska.gov for more Breaches. Attendees are eligible for up to 5 information regarding District II luncheons. hours of CLE, including 1 hour of Ethics. Visit NePA’s website at http://nebraskaparalegal.org NePA once again will attend, as the Legal for registration information. Beagles, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Sarpy County on June 8th. Our goal is to NePA is excited to partner with the Omaha raise $2500 toward this important cause. Cancer Bar Association for a June 5, 2019 Diversity has affected so many within our association and Inclusion Event at the Scott Conference as well as the legal community in Omaha and Center titled “Unity in Diversity: Working surrounding areas. You can find more details Together to Achieve Success.” Ryan Sallans, and donate to our team or purchase a luminaria MA will be the keynote speaker followed by an in honor of, or remembrance of, a loved one at: Employment Legal Update and Panel, including experts from local companies who will provide insight on their diversity http://main.acsevents.org/siteTR?fr and inclusion journeys, including successes, tips, and lessons id=92656&pg=team&team_id=2424013 learned. NePA’s District I has the following luncheons scheduled for 2019 at Anthony’s Steakhouse in Omaha: • March 27 – Wind Farms presented by David Levy of Baird Holm LLP • May 22 – Network for Success: Creating Your Personal Board of Directors presented by Sara English of Mutual of Omaha • October 23 – Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault: Addressing Issues, Decreasing Victims presented by Sara Eliason of Women’s Center for Advancement • November 20 – Establishing Financial Wellness for Yourself and Your Clients presented by Kathleen Spencer of Operation HOPE, Inc. Please contact Courtney Pfeiffer, CP at Courtney.Pfeiffer@ mutualofomaha.com for more information on how to register. NePA’s District II luncheons will be held on the following dates in 2019: • May 15 – Developing Defensible Deletion Strategies presented by Reggie Pool of HBR Consulting LLC (CLE credit will be offered) • August 14 – On Record: The Pros and Cons of Police Body Cameras presented by Mark Boyer of Nebraska State Patrol • November 13 – Serving as a Prosecutor: A Female’s Perspectives presented by Nicole Hutter of Nebraska State Patrol (CLE credit will be offered)
For future planning, the Fall Seminar will be held September 18-19, 2019 at the Scott Conference Center in Omaha. For more information on NePA events, membership, and career opportunities, visit our website, read our e-zine the In Brief on our website at http://nebraskaparalegal.org/news, and check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaParalegal-Association-NePA-101739993223184/.
OBA Memorial Service Remembering those we have lost in the last year
Friday, May 10th Legislative Chambers of the Omaha-Douglas County Civic Center 11:30am-12:30pm Members and guests are welcome
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END-of-YEAR CLE th
The LRS’s 6 Annual Event
OBA’s Lawyer Referral Service held its Sixth Annual “End-of-the-Year” CLE with the theme, “Innovations in Law Practice.” Presenters included Patrick Patino, Scott Hahn, Dan Smith, Mary Vandenack, Susan Koenig, and Matt McKeever.
FIELD DAY
Monday, July 22, 2018 All Day with an Evening Reception Champions Run 13800 Eagle Run Drive Visit omahabarassociation.com for details
Omaha Bar Association
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT NO. 1025
NEWSLETTER
Omaha Bar Association 2133 California Street Omaha, Nebraska 68178
Omaha Bar Association Newsletter Managing Editors: Stephen M. Bruckner David Riley Dave Sommers
Contributing Reporters:
CALENDAR
March
19 Tuesday
Law Enforcement Summit (Hosted by ADL)
April
Patrick Cooper Kim Hansen Nadine Ostrow Dave Sommers
5 Friday 13th Annual Creighton Law/OBA Seminar on Ethics and Professionalismr @ Creighton University Harper Center
Photographers:
1 Wednesday
Law Day Lunch @ Marriott (Regency)
Memorial Service
Donna Birkby, Lorraine Boyd, and Dave Sommers Some photos courtesy of The Daily Record
Design by: Lorraine Boyd, Avant Garde Publications
Printed by: Elman & Co.
Copyright © 2019 by Omaha Bar Association
May
10 Friday
June
11 Tuesday
YLD Second Annual Riverboat Cruise
Please check the calendar on the OBA’s Website for more details on upcoming scheduled events.