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. This year’s award was presented to James A. Cada, Cada Cada Hoffman & Jensen, Lincoln.
James A. Cada “Jim” was born and raised on a farm north of Schuyler. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, a Master of Arts degree in Education, and his law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law. After graduation, Jim worked as a prosecutor and assistant city attorney for the City of Lincoln. He taught five years as an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Jim is a Vietnam War Veteran.
Jim’s list of accomplishments in service to country, military veterans, to the poor and disadvantaged are many. Since starting his legal career in 1972, Jim has served the legal profession by his service to the Nebraska State Bar Association, Nebraska Lawyers Foundation, and Nebraska Bar Foundation. Jim and lawyers in his firm are longstanding partners with the Volunteer Lawyers Project.
Jim has served in leadership roles on various boards and committees, including Chairman of the Nebraska Veterans Home Board, Lancaster County Veterans Court Committee, Governor’s Veterans Advisory Commission, Chairman of the Lancaster County Veterans Service Office Committee, Chairman of the Nebraska Veterans Resource Committee, Nebraska Veterans and Family Task Force, and Nebraska Veterans Council. Jim’s years of pro bono service pursuing the establishment of veteran’s treatment courts in Nebraska was finally realized in 2016. Jim also served as Vice President of American Friends of Jamaica and Campaign Chairman of the United Way.
The community has recognized Jim for his volunteerism and career accomplishments: In early 2018, Jim received the Distinguished Citizen’s Award from the West Point Society of Nebraska and Iowa, in 2017, Serve Nebraska presented Jim with the Veterans Volunteer Award, and in 2012, you were named Outstanding Disabled Veteran of Nebraska. Recently, he participated in a NET documentary “Generations of Nebraska Warriors.”
Click the nomination form tab to submit an electronic nomination for the Robert M. Spire award for 2019. Nominations must be received by December 14, 2018 for consideration. Nominations will be reviewed by the NSBA Legal Services Committee. Recipients will be honored at the 2019 Barristers Ball. Download a paper nomination form for the Robert M. Spire award. Mail completed paper nomination forms to NSBA Volunteer Lawyers Project 635 S 14th. Street Lincoln, NE 68508, email to [email protected] or fax to (402) 475-7098.