Recent News & Upcoming Events
Nominating Petitions for Election to the NSBA Executive Council- 1st District
The Nebraska State Bar Association is now accepting petitions of nomination for the First Supreme Court District of the NSBA Executive Council. This individual will represent all Association members residing in (or having the right to vote in) the First Supreme Court District (Lancaster County) and will be elected for a four-year term beginning on October 9, 2026 through the Annual Meeting of 2030. NSBA Bylaws require one nominee for each Executive Council vacancy. If the requisite number of nominations is not received, the bylaws charge the Executive Council with making the necessary nomination. If the number of valid nominations received does not exceed the number of vacancies to be filled in a district, the person(s) nominated shall be designated to fill such vacancy(ies) as if having been elected. Only active members in good standing, residing in the First Supreme Court District, are eligible for nominations. ( See map for boundaries .) Nominations must be by written petition of at least 15 active members residing in (or having the right to vote in) the First Supreme Court District, accompanied by the nominee’s written statement to serve if elected. Digital signatures will be accepted. Signatures need not all be on one page. Feel free to submit multiple pages. Petitions must be received in the office of the Nebraska State Bar Association by 5:00 p.m. on June 2, 2026. NSBA will confirm receipt of a petition within 48 hours of receipt.
New Lawyers Admitted to the Practice of Law During April Swearing-in Ceremony
The Nebraska State Bar Commission has received the Supreme Court’s approval of its recommendation for admission to the practice of law in the State of Nebraska for those having fulfilled all of the requirements under Rule § 3-117 for admission. A swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Warner Chamber of the Nebraska State Capitol. Full Press Release.
Application Deadline of May 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Set for County Court Judge Vacancy, Twelfth Judicial District
According to Supreme Court Justice Jason M. Bergevin, the Judicial Nominating Commission for County Court in the Twelfth Judicial District held its second public hearing on the qualifications of three candidates who previously submitted their names to fill the vacancy in the office of County Court Judge due to the retirement of Judge James M. Worden. Article V, § 21(1) of the Nebraska Constitution requires that a nominating commission must present to the Governor “a list of at least two nominees” to fill a judicial vacancy. At the conclusion of the public hearing on April 17, 2026, a majority of the voting members of the commission was unable to agree to advance the names of two candidates to the Governor. The constitutional requirement cannot be met in this case. Therefore, in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-810(3), the commission shall institute a search for additional candidates to fill the vacancy. Full Press Release.
Your Participation in the 2026 Nebraska Judicial Evaluation Poll Is Important
The Nebraska Judicial Evaluation Poll has been updated, and we encourage you to participate. The poll provides judges with meaningful feedback and supplies voters with important information for judicial retention elections. The Nebraska State Bar Association distributed the poll to eligible attorneys by email on April 7, using a unique survey link. Because your link is unique to you, it requires a little more care than usual. Please only click on the survey to start it if you’re ready to work on it. Once you’ve started you can leave and come back – only if a) you are still on the same device (phone or computer) AND you are working in the same browser. Switching between browsers and/or devices will stop you from completing the survey. Please check your inbox for this message. If you did not receive the email, contact the NSBA for assistance at sclinch@nebar.com. The confidential poll closes on May 17, 2026.
Proposed Revisions to Neb. Ct. R. §§ 6-1448, 6-1501, and 6-1702 Posted for Comment
The Nebraska Supreme Court considered proposed amendments to Neb. Ct. R. §§ 6-1448, 6-1501, and 6-1702, to add language for local administrative orders. The Nebraska Supreme Court invites interested persons to comment on the proposed rule amendments. Anyone desiring to submit a public comment for the Supreme Court’s consideration should do so via email to joshua.shasserre@nejudicial.gov, with the following text listed in the email subject line: Neb. Ct. R. §§ 6-1448, 6-1501, and 6-1702. Comments will be accepted through May 4, 2026. The proposed amendments are available here.
Guardian Ad Litem Proposed Rules for Comment
The Nebraska Supreme Court is considering proposed rules that pertain to practice standards, training requirements, and a reporting form for guardians ad litem who represent parents in juvenile court. The Nebraska Supreme Court has directed that the proposed rules be published for a period of public comment. The Nebraska Supreme Court invites interested persons to comment on the proposed rules. Anyone desiring to comment should do so in writing to the office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, P.O. Box 98910, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-8910, or via email to joshua.shasserre@nejudicial.gov, with the proposed rule identified in the subject line, no later than May 1, 2026. The full text of the proposed rules is available here.
Justice in Motion, a 1k Walk for Mental Wellness - May 2, 2026
Please join the NSBA Leadership Academy Class of 2026 for Justice in Motion, a 1k Walk for Mental Wellness on May 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM. This event will bring together members of the legal community and its supporters for a fun and healthy event. The legal profession can place significant demands on mental health. Many attorneys, judges, students, and legal professionals face high levels of stress, burnout, substance misuse, cognitive decline, and emotional strain. This walk is intended to raise awareness for these issues and offer resources for members of the legal community who may need assistance. Sponsorships and registrations help cover race costs, participant T-shirts, and event logistics. The majority of funds raised will be donated to the Nebraska Lawyers Assistance Program.
The Walk will begin at 2:00 PM CT at the St. John's Fountain on 2500 California Plz, Omaha, NE 68178 (pedestrian only). The suggested route for the walk would go down the Mall to Morrison Stadium then turn around and walk back up. See Map for parking options and starred location of the St. John's Fountain. Register Now!
The Tenant Assistance Project Attorney Volunteers Needed
The Tenant Assistance Project (TAP) is a courthouse-based pro bono program of that helps low‑income tenants facing eviction in Douglas and Lancaster Counties. Through TAP, volunteer attorneys provide limited scope legal at eviction hearings. Attorneys of all practice areas and experience levels are encouraged to get involved. VLP staff are on site to provide training, support, and materials, making TAP an accessible and impactful way to engage in pro bono service. Many volunteers also shadow an experienced volunteer before deciding whether they want to volunteer independently.
If you are interested in volunteering with TAP or would like more information, please reach out to Josh Henningsen, Managing Attorney for TAP, at jhenningsen@nevlp.org
NSBA News
1st Annual NHBA Golf Tournament
The Nebraska Hispanic Bar Association, would like to invite you to participate in the Nebraska Hispanic Bar Association's First Annual Golf Tournament taking place on May 5, 2026 (Cinco De Mayo).
The tournament will held on May 5, 2026 at Eagle Hills Golf Course (501 Eagles Hills Drive, Papillion NE 68133). A scramble with 4 golfers a team, $100/golfer. 9:00 AM start time.
NSBA AI Usage Survey - Your Input is Requested
Some NSBA Sections are working to plan hands‑on demonstration of leading AI tools for the 2026 Annual Meeting and beyond. Because AI usage varies widely across practice areas, we want to make sure we’re highlighting the tools Nebraska attorneys are actually using. To get an accurate picture, we’d love your input. This quick survey will help us identify which platforms to feature and what skills would be most useful to cover. Thank you in advance for helping us build a practical, relevant session!
Seeking Nominations for the 2026 NSBA Public Service, Women in the Law and Young Lawyer of the Year Awards!
The Nebraska State Bar Association is seeking nominees for the Public Service Awards, Women in the Law and Young Lawyer of the Year Awards to be presented at the 2026 NSBA Annual Meeting in October. More specifically, nominations are sought for the following awards:
- George H. Turner Award: The George H. Turner award originated in 1964 and was established to recognize a member of the bar demonstrating unusual effort in furthering public understanding of the legal system, the administration of justice, and confidence in the legal profession. Public Service Award Nomination Form available here.
- Award of Appreciation : The Award of Appreciation is awarded to an individual or organization in recognition of outstanding public service creating a better public understanding of the legal profession and the administration of justice. Public Service Award Nomination Form available here.
- Award of Special Merit: The Award of Special Merit originated in 1973 and was established to recognize an individual or organization for services advancing the legal profession, the administration of justice and the public interest. Public Service Award Nomination Form available here.
- Diversity Award: The NSBA Diversity Award was established in 2010 to recognize outstanding efforts made by firms, organizations or individual attorneys in promoting diversity in the legal profession in the State of Nebraska. Public Service Award Nomination Form available here.
- Jan Gradwohl Outstanding Contributor to Women in the Law Award: This award is presented annually by the Women & the Law Section to recognize “the lifetime accomplishments of an individual who directly contributed to the active integration and participation of women in the Nebraska system of justice.” Women in the Law Nomination Form available here.
- Young Lawyer of the Year Award: The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award is presented annually to a young lawyer who has made exemplary contributions to the community and to public service, who has actively participated in state and local bar activities, and who stands out in the areas of professional knowledge, skill integrity and courtesy. Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Nomination Form available here.
Nominations should be made electronically by May 29, 2026. View the list of prior award recipients.
Recent Supreme Court Cases
April 23, 2026
| S-24-663 | 321 Neb. 230 | Cyboron v. Merrick County | ||
| S-24-960 | 321 Neb. 246 | Cramer v. Union Pacific RR. Co. | ||
April 17, 2026
| S-25-026 | 321 Neb. 208 | Nebraska Assn. of Pub. Employees v. State |
For a complete listing of recent opinions, visit the Nebraska Judicial Branch Website.
CLE News & Events
Updates in Securities Law
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CT
Glacial Till • 1419 Silver Street, Ashland NE 68003
**In-Person Only
This seminar will provide updates from the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance and an overview of AI for Securities lawyers.
Please stick around after the seminar for continued discussion with the Securities Section. Drinks and appetizers will be provided.
2026 John M. Gradwohl Estate and Business Planning Program
Thursday, May 14, 2026 • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM CT
Friday, May 15, 2026 • 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM CT
UNL College of Law • 1875 N 42nd Street, Lincoln NE 68503
*In-Person & Webcast
The 2026 John M. Gradwohl Estate and Business Planning Program is a two-day program covering federal and state developments in estate planning and business planning.
This program was named in honor of the late Professor John M. Gradwohl, who served on the University of Nebraska College of Law faculty from 1960-2011. Professor Gradwohl was the principal founder of the Program and a dedicated supporter of continuing professional education.
Guardianships and Conservatorships Judges’ Panel
Wednesday, May 20, 2026• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
**Webcast Only
In this panel discussion, the Honorable PaTricia Freeman, Honorable Thomas Harmon, and Honorable Holly Parsley will discuss their view from the bench relating to guardianships and conservatorships.
Introduction to ERISA
Thursday, May 28, 2026• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
**Webcast Only
This presentation provides an overview of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), including scope, preemption rules, claims procedures, deadlines, and more.
SAVE THE DATE(S) FOR THESE UPCOMING SEMINARS
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Resources
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NSBA Knowledge Hub
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