Pro Bono Awards

Every year, the Nebraska State Bar Association brings important recognition to the amazing pro bono work being done throughout the state, work that is at the core of the legal profession. Nominations are solicited during national pro bono month in October. Recipients are recognized at the annual Barristers Ball, a fundraising event that supports the mission of the Nebraska Lawyers Foundation and its work to support access to justice and legal assistance to the poor.

The Robert M. Spire award is presented annually to a Nebraska lawyer who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to pro bono service for the poor, as was the hallmark of Robert M. Spire. The recipient is a lawyer who has achieved the highest standards of competence, ethics, and professionalism, and who protects and promotes the administration of and access to justice.

Robert M. Spire 1925-1994
“Man of the People”

Past Robert M. Spire Award Recipients:

  • 2019 Harold L. Rock
  • 2018 James A. Cada
  • 2017 Jane Schoenike Takamoto, posth.
  • 2016 Hon. Stephen M. Swartz, ret.
  • 2015 Avis Andrews
  • 2014 James H. Truell
  • 2013 Adam R. Tripp
  • 2012 Tara L. Gardner
  • 2011 Ann S. Moshman
  • 2010 Susan M. Koenig
  • 2009 Alan D. Martin
  • 2008 Diane B. Metz
  • 2007 Paul M. Conley
  • 2006 Charles R. Maser
  • 2005 Catherine Mahern
  • 2004 Ralph E. Peppard
  • 2003 John V. Morgan
  • 2002 D. C. “Woody” Bradford
  • 2001 Charles A. Nye Stephen A. Scherr
  • 2000 Mary L. Wilson
  • 1999 Mark R. Widell
  • 1998 Martin J. Kushner, posth.
  • 1997 Gail S. Perry
  • 1996 Connie Kearney Robert F. Martin
  • 1995 Paul W. Rea
  • 1994 The Marks & Clare Firm
  • 1993 Michael D. Matejka
  • 1992 J. Marvin Weems
  • 1991 Earl D. Ahlschwede
  • 1990 Clark J. Grant
  • 1989 James W. Crampton
  • 1988 James R. Nisley
  • 1987 Paul W. Korslund
  • 1986 David Perlman
  • 1985 John W. Ballew Jr.

Presented annually to recognize outstanding attorneys in their service to further the mission of the Nebraska State Bar Association or dedication to programs sponsored by the Nebraska Lawyers Foundation. Up to three Visionary Awards are awarded annually.

Visionary Award Recipients from left to right: Terry J. Grennan, Todd A. Richardson, Molly M. Brummond

Past Visionary Award Recipients:

  • 2019 Molly M. Brummond
  • 2019 Terry J. Grennan
  • 2019 Todd A. Richardson
  • 2018 Ryan Sullivan
  • 2018 Jennifer Kearney
  • 2018 Brouillette, Dugan & Troshynski
  • 2017 Stacy C. Bach
  • 2017 Marsha E. Fangmeyer
  • 2017 Steven H. Howard
  • 2017 Muirne Heaney
  • 2016 Karisa D. Johnson
  • 2016 Omaha Bar Association
  • 2015 Senator Danielle M. Conrad
  • 2015 Michael F. Kinney
  • 2014 Fitzgerald Vetter & Temple
  • 2014 Michelle M. Mitchell
  • 2014 Mark Jacobs
  • 2013 Michael T. Brogan
  • 2013 Kim M. Seacrest
  • 2013 Margaret M. Zarbano
  • 2012 James E. Schneider
  • 2012 Jackson Lewis, LLP
  • 2011 Kutak Rock, LLP
  • 2011 Larry W. Beucke
  • 2010 Chaloupka Holyoke Hofmeister Snyder & Chaloupka
  • 2010 Timothy P. Sullivan
  • 2010 Alton E. Mitchell
  • 2010 Stacey L. Parr
  • 2010 James H. Truell
  • 2009 Lauritsen Brownell Brostrom & Stehlik LLO
  • 2009 Morrow Poppe Watermeier & Lonowski PC
  • 2009 Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP
  • 2008 Berry, Kelley & Whythers
  • 2008 Richard A. Knudsen
  • 2008 Shirber & Wagner, LLP
  • 2008 Bassel F. El-Kasaby
  • 2008 Knapp, Fangmeyer, Aschwege, Besse & Marsh, PC
  • 2008 William J. Erickson
  • 2007 Sarah O'Shea
  • 2007 Tracy Grinstead-Everly
  • 2007 Johnson Flodman Guenzel & Widger
  • 2007 James Moravek
  • 2007 Dianne Seeman Lozier
  • 2006 Pre Law Institute, University of Nebraska College of Law
  • 2006 Bilingual Bail Bond Rights Advisement Project; Carlos Monzon, Hon. Kenneth J. Vampola
  • 2006 Initial Chairs, Minority and Justice Task Force; Daniel Harris, Jr., Harold Rock
  • 2006 American Indian Outreach Initiative; Charles E. Wright
  • 2006 Original Founders of Midlands Bar Association; Hon. Edna Adkins, Brenda Council, Felicia Flowers-Smith, Jarve Garrett, Clifton Jessup
  • Nebraska Legislature Judiciary Committee 2003-05; Ray Aguilar, Patrick Courne, Kermit Brashear, Ernie Chambers, Jeanne Combs, Mike Flood, Mike Foley, Mike Friend, Mick Mines, Ray Mossey, Dwite Pedersen, Mark Quandahl, Gene Tyson
  • 2005 Dana C. "Woody" Bradford
  • 2005 Robert E. O'Connor, Jr.
  • 2005 Howard P. Olsen, Jr.
  • 2005 Robert M. Spire
  • 2005 Thomas J. Walsh, Sr.
  • 2005 Patricia O'Roark

Nominations

Click the nomination form button below to submit an electronic nomination for the Robert M. Spire or Visionary award for 2019. Up to three Visionary Awards will be given annually. Nominations must be received by December 27, 2019 for consideration. Nominations will be reviewed by the NSBA Legal Services Committee. Click the following for paper forms.

Paper Nomination forms: Robert M. Spire Award and the Visionary Award

NOMINATION: Robert M. Spire
NOMINATION: Visionary Award
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