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 Harold L Rock, Kutak Rock, Omaha.
Harold Rock, Robert J. Kutak and William G. Campbell established the well-known and prestigious law firm Kutak Rock in Omaha on January 11,1965. A member of the Nebraska bar for 59 years, Harold L. Rock was successful in private practice but understood and accepted his responsibility to serve others. He, much like Robert Spire, was committed to furthering equal justice under the law for all.
Programs to provide legal services to persons of limited means were of particular importance to Harold; and, his personal commitment to pro bono programs and activities shaped the culture he helped to create at Kutak Rock. Harold was also committed to excellent service, mutual respect for all lawyers andstaff, the enrichment of intellectual life within the firm, and support of projects that benefit society. His career embodied these values. As a member of the American Bar Association, he served on the Board of Governors for several years in the 1990s, had three stints as a member of the House of Delegates, served on several committees and participated in various special forums and task forces.
Harold was also a prominent figure in Omaha’s local legal community and the state bar association. At various times he was President of the Omaha Bar Association and the Nebraska State Bar Association, Director of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation and Chairman of the Nebraska Board of Bar Examiners. He also served as Chairman of the Nebraska Indigent Defense Task Force and President of the Omaha Legal Aid Society.
Harold served on boards of numerous other law-related entities and on the boards of such charitable and civic organizations as the Public Service Challenge, the United Way of the Midlands, the Douglas County Historical Society, the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival and the Nebraska Humanities Council, among others. He was also Chairman Emeritus of the Robert J. Kutak Foundation.
Click the nomination form tab to submit an electronic nomination for the Robert M. Spire award for 2020. Nominations must be received by December 27, 2019 for consideration. Nominations will be reviewed by the NSBA Legal Services Committee. Recipients will be honored at the 2020 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.