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:
- 2020 Hon. Teresa K. Luther
- 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: Karine E. Sokpoh, Ann C. Mangiameli, Paul W. Snyder
Past Visionary Award Recipients:
- 2020 Ann C. Mangiameli
- 2020 Paul W. Snyder
- 2020 Karine E. Sokpoh
- 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 2021. Up to three Visionary Awards will be given annually. Nominations must be received by April 1, 2021 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