Robert M. Spire Award
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. The 2023 award winner was Amy Van Horne. Amy's bio can be read below. Past Robert M. Spire Award winners are listed at the bottom of the page.
Amy Van HOrne, omaha
Amy Van Horne is partner in Kutak Rock’s Omaha office where she has an extensive mediation practice. Amy is a longstanding board member for Legal Aid of Nebraska and currently serves as the President of its Board of Directors. Not only is she a leader in the legal community and an incredible role model for women in law, but she is also a tireless advocate for low-income Nebraskans. Amy is a frequent volunteer with the Nebraska State Bar Association’s Tenant Assistance Project. She can be found several times a month at the Douglas County Courthouse representing low-income tenants who are facing eviction. Her dedication to pro bono work shines through not just in the skilled representation she provides to tenants but also in the time that she takes to mentor newer volunteers and in her efforts to get her colleagues involved in pro bono work. In addition to her work on the Legal Aid of Nebraska Board of Directors and her pro bono service with the Tenant Assistance Project, Amy previously served as President of the Robert M. Spire American Inn of Court and as an Adjunct Professor at Creighton University. She is a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and the American College of Civil Trial Mediators, and holds an Instituto Cervantes, DELE Spanish Diploma Level B2. Amy is a selfless leader who embodies the commitment to public service required of recipients of the Robert M. Spire Award.
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Past Robert M. Spire Award Winners
2022 James E. Gordon (posthumously)
2021 Ryan P. Sullivan 2020 Hon. Teresa Luther 2019 Harold Rock (posthumously) 2018 James A. Cada 2017 Jane Schoenike (posthumously) 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 Vertical Divider
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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 (posthumously) 1997 Gail S. Perry Vertical Divider
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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. Vertical Divider
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