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  Dave Dannehl Alan Emshoff
Nebraska Banking Association Says Industry
Is Strong, Due to Agriculture Economy
By Julien R. Fielding
The Daily Record
What were the most pressing issues as the Nebraska Bankers Association concluded its annual convention on Friday, May 4?
Dave Dannehl, president and CEO of First State Bank of Loomis in Loomis, Neb., who was selected as chairman of the NBA, and Alan Emshoff, president and CEO of Generations Bank in Exeter, Neb., who was selected as chairman-elect of the NBA, gave The Daily Record their perspectives.
Dannehl explained that one in four jobs in Nebraska is in the agricultural industry, which means that bankers must keep close watch on ag markets. The good news for Nebraskans is that soybeans and corn are now showing a small profit, and this means that money can be put back on the balance sheet.
“This quiet rally in corn and soybean markets has taken place in the last 60 days, so that’s encouraging to see,” he added. “There’s a considerable amount of optimism.”
There is however, some concern about the tariffs that the U.S. placed on exported goods to China. “There’s uncertainty,” he said. “We just don’t know what is pending. We could wake up one morning and those profits could be gone three days from now. People are nervous.”
[On Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the trade war between the U.S. and China, is “on hold” after they agreed to drop their tariff threats while they worked on a wider trade agreement.] Click here for full story
Baird Holm LLP
Only Nebraska Law Firm to Attain Highest Ranking
In All Five Main Chambers USA Categories Since 2006, Baird Holm LLP is the only Nebraska law firm to be listed in Band 1 (the highest tier) in the five main categories used by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, a peer-review survey. The categories are Corporate/Commercial; Healthcare; Labor & Employment; Litigation; and Real Estate. Rankings are assessed on qualities such as technical legal ability, effectiveness, professional conduct, client service and diligence.
“Our continuing commitment to provide uncompromising quality and value to our clients has resulted once again in Baird Holm being the highest ranked law firm in Nebraska. The rankings result from the sustained efforts of women and men who are devoted to maintaining excellence while practicing law with the passion and integrity clients deserve,” said Managing Partner, Richard E. Putnam.
Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best. The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client.
 Hon. Chad Brown addressed the crowd in the Legislative Chambers, including many fellow judges, after taking the oath of office.
– Photo by Corey Solotorovsky Brown’s Investiture Brings Douglas County
Juvenile Court Judges Count to Six
By Lorraine Boyd
The Daily Record
Chad Brown has been sworn in as a judge of the Douglas County Separate Juvenile Court three times now, one for real, one for show, and one for the cameras. We’re sure at least one of them took hold.
The formal investiture of Chad Brown took place Friday, May 11, in the Legislative Chambers of the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center, in front of a multitude of family and friends.  Hon. Gary Randall (left) and Hon. Chad Brown recreate Brown’s swearing-in for the camera last Tuesday. He was already sworn in weeks ago privately and formally on Friday, May 11.
Judge Brown was sworn in by Hon. Gary B. Randall of the Douglas County District Court (he is also judge of the Douglas County Adult Drug Court). Brown was appointed by Governor Pete Ricketts to fill the position left by retiring Judge Wadie Thomas.
Omaha City Prosecutor Matthew Kuhse, took care of the introductions. Brown’s fellow Juvenile Court judge, Matthew Kahler delivered remarks about his friend and colleague. Attorney Robert Williams also spoke.
Assisting Brown in the robing ceremony were his wife, Hope, and his four young children, Brody, 14; Rowan, 12; Callen, 8; and Beckett, 5. Father Tom Fangman gave the invocation. Click here for full story
 Baird Holm LLP Welcomes Kevin P. Tracy  Baird Holm LLP is pleased to welcome Kevin P. Tracy to the firm. Tracy’s practice focuses on corporate transactions and general commercial matters. He counsels business owners and executives at all stages of their business cycle, from matters related to initial entity formation and capitalization to the drafting and negotiation of agreements related to the acquisition, divestiture, and merger of businesses. Tracy also assists clients with board governance matters and negotiation of commercial procurement contracts, services contracts, commercial real estate purchase agreements and lease agreements.
Tracy earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School, cum laude. Prior to law school, Tracy obtained his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and worked for a public accounting firm where he focused on serving clients in the financial services and private equity sectors. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame in 2007, where he majored in Accounting.
“Kevin’s background and experience provide immediate value to our clients,” said Baird Holm Managing Partner, Richard E. Putnam. “We are very excited to have someone of his caliber join our Corporate team.”
For more information regarding Baird Holm LLP please visit the firm’s website at www.bairdholm.com. Dornan, Troia, Howard, Breitkreutz & Conway PC LLO Adds Five New Attorneys
The firm of Dornan, Troia, Howard, Breitkreutz & Conway PC LLO (formerly known as Dornan, Lustgarten & Troia PC LLO), is pleased to announce its newest attorneys below.  Kate Rahel joined the firm as an associate. Rahel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Literature and International Studies from Kenyon College in 2009 and was selected as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She attended the University of Iowa, College of Law where she served as an editor on the Iowa Law Review and was a finalist in the Van Oosterhout-Baskerville Moot Court Competition. She graduated with her Juris Doctor with High Distinction in 2014 and was admitted to the Order of the Coif. After passing the bar, Rahel clerked for judges on the Iowa Supreme Court and Nebraska Court of Appeals. She is also the author of two published law journal articles on the topics of the right to a court interpreter and the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Rahel’s practice focuses primarily on appeals, criminal defense and immigration cases. She is fluent in Spanish and licensed to practice law in the states of Nebraska and Iowa, as well as federal court in the District of Nebraska.  Victor F. LaPuma joined the firm as “Of Counsel”. LaPuma has been practicing law for more than 30 years. He is a graduate of The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law. His undergraduate degree is from Penn State University. He served 21 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard as a Judge Advocate, 12 years as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and 13 years as an attorney for Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home. He has experience with a variety of legal matters including employment, criminal, contract, family, estate, insurance and real estate matters. In addition to his legal experience, LaPuma served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malaysia and is a Certified Financial Planner. He also speaks and reads Italian and Spanish. He is active in the community as a Director of the SAC Federal Credit Union, the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Youth Care and Beyond, Inc.  Deana D. Klein joined the firm in September, 2017 as an associate, having recently returned to Nebraska from St. Louis, Missouri. Klein graduated from St Louis University where she obtained both her Juris Doctorate and Master of Social Work. During her years of practice in St. Louis, Klein practiced primarily in the area of family law and was frequently appointed to serve as Guardian ad Litem for children in contested custody litigation. She is a trained Mediator and Parenting Coordinator. Deana will be focusing her practice in the areas of family, adoption, estate planning and other civil law areas.  Shawn Ilg joined the firm as “Of Counsel”. Ilg brings over 23 years of legal and business experience to the group. His areas of expertise include finance, real estate, human resources/employment law, contracts, bankruptcy, insurance, IT security, corporate management, and technology. Shawn started his career in banking, and after obtaining his MBA and law degrees, he became a partner in the law firm of Downing Alexander Wood & Ilg with three offices in the state. He next co-founded CoSentry, a data center and disaster recovery firm with multiple facilities in the Midwest. Ilg has had his real estate broker’s license for over 14 years; and his background as an entrepreneur and business owner allows him to give a unique perspective to his clients since he has “sat in their chair,” understands how to handle the comprehensive risks that face individuals and businesses. Ilg has spent considerable time with Nebraska Leadership Seminar, a non-profit group that conducts leadership and business programs for high school students.  Steve Karcher joined the firm as an associate. Karcher is an active and engaged member of the local community and a member of the Nebraska, Iowa and California Bars. He has an extensive background in state and federal civil litigation, personal injury, insurance, real estate, business, creditor rights, guardianship, and lemon law. Karcher has a diverse education with a Juris Doctor from Emory University and Master of Divinity from Fresno Pacific University (where he was on the Dean’s List). Karcher is proactive and hard-working and applies his broad experience in business transactions and litigation to protect his client’s interests and earn their trust. Dornan, Troia, Howard, Breitkreutz & looks forward to continuing its practice of offering quality legal representation and mediation services to its multi-cultural range of clients in the areas of criminal, civil, family, estate planning and probate, business and immigration related issues.
For more information regarding Dornan, Troia, Howard, Breitkreutz & Conway PC LLO please visit the firm’s website at dltlawyers.com.
McGrath North Attorney Elected as Fellow of
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel  McGrath North is pleased to announce that Jonathan L. Grob, a shareholder in the firm’s Tax, Trusts and Estates Practice Group, has been elected as Fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) by the regents of the College.
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel is a national organization of more than 2,600 lawyers elected to membership by demonstrating the highest level of integrity, commitment to the profession, competence and experience as trust and estate counselors. All ACTEC Fellows have made substantial contributions to the field of trusts and estates law through writing, teaching and bar leadership activities.
Grob is a shareholder and Co-Chair of McGrath North’s Tax, Trusts and Estates Practice Group. With more than a decade of experience, his practice focuses on all aspects of estate planning, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, federal and state taxation, tax exempt entities, charitable giving and corporate law. Grob regularly counsels individuals, entrepreneurs, established business owners and Fortune 500 companies on a variety of estate, succession and tax matters.
Grob is listed in Best Lawyers, Great Plains Super Lawyers and was recently chosen for inclusion in Chambers High Net Worth Guide as a leading lawyer for wealthy individuals and families in Nebraska, 2017. Grob also earned the Chartered Advisory in Philanthropy® designation. In addition to an LL.M. degree from New York University School of Law, he holds a Juris Doctor degree, with high distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law and a B.S.B.A. degree, cum laude from the University of Colorado-Denver. Grob joins partners Jeff Pirruccello and David Hefflinger who have previously been elected ACTEC Fellows.
For more information regarding McGrath North Mullin & Kratz please go to the firm’s website at: www.mcgrathnorth.com. |  Joseph Hodges Jr. (left) and Calvin Jones are in the business of helping people “prepare for the worst.”
Lion’s Gate Security: Omaha’s Finest
By Emily Kerr
The Daily Record
What would you do if an armed gunman came into your school or place of business? At Lion’s Gate Security, owners Joseph Hodges Jr. and Calvin Jones are determined to help people prepare for the worst.
Serving 20 years together in the gang unit of the Omaha Police Department, Hodges and Jones were often partners. Eventually, Hodges joined the military as a nuclear missiles technician, completing two tours of duty in the Middle East. In 2007, towards the end of Hodges’ military career, both he and Jones retired on the same exact day and during a two-year hiatus, they decided to bring their longstanding idea of starting a security company to life. After attending several networking events through the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s Gate Security was up and running.
Now the Chamber has repaid the favor, and has chosen Lion’s Gate Security as their May Small Business of the Month.
Comprised of over 100 employees, Lion’s Gate Security primarily hires former law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs to fill out their diverse force. However, Hodges and Jones pride themselves in also hiring those with little to no experience, because they tend to stay on and learn everything in security from A-Z.
Hodges stresses, “the problem with other security companies is that they do have a high turnover rate, so we get to really train our guys.”
With a group of trained EMTs headed by former fire captain Marvin Ervin, Lion’s Gate provides emergency services during Storm Chasers games as well as at performances at the Orpheum and the Holland Center. They are all equipped with CPR and AED training.
It is their shooter preparedness program, however, that is beginning to take notice in the community.
As Hodges puts it, “we just think security and safety should go together.” By marrying their two sets of experiences, Hodges and Jones have been able to implement cutting-edge techniques to keep companies, schools, and churches safe.
However, one of the biggest challenges to their job, according to Hodges, is that “everyone needs security, but most people think they don’t. People have a false sense of security.”
Unfortunately, we are what Hodges and Jones refer to as a “911 society.”
“We call 911 and we wait and hope for a miracle. In our training, we call that the ‘first fatal five.’ That’s when you use your training to fight, protect your daughter or girlfriend, or run from danger. We train them to protect themselves until the police get there.”
Since they themselves were 911, they know that officers hope to get to an active shooting in five minutes, but victims need a plan of action other than simply calling 911 to keep themselves safe.
Julie Sanford, an 11-year veteran of the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department, is now conducting seminars for the public on active shooter preparedness.
“You hear in the news about when an active shooter comes into a business, and you hear people saying, ‘we should have seen the signs.’ Well, the problem with that is … there are all these ‘dots.’ The key in active shooter prevention is what’s called the threat assessment team, who teach moms and dads what to look for and how to connect the dots,” she said.
Things like abnormal changes in behavior as well as violent or suicidal tendencies can be indicators, but one sign does not necessarily mean a person will act. As Sanford explained, “It’s finding out if somebody is a threat, not if somebody makes a threat.” She continued, “One of the biggest things that many people are in denial about is violent video games. Every single active shooter that they know of to date – almost every single one – has been addicted to violent video games, and there’s a lot of research out there about this.”
Another thing to keep in mind is that these “random” acts of violence are not typically as random as one might think, as research is beginning to show. Active shooters tend to be disgruntled employees, jilted lover or mentally ill individuals with some sort of “reason” behind their actions.
While Lion’s Gate Security works primarily for private institutions, Sanford insists that, “We would love to educate everyone.” Whether it is a business, church, school or any other public place, security and safety education is something that anyone can benefit from. The company can also provide physical uniformed security for events, access control, alarms, cameras, as well as CPR and AED training.
Soon, Sanford will begin a class called “Stop the Bleed,” aimed at slowing active bleeding and clearing airways during active shooter situations, as these are the two main causes of fatalities. “It might happen in a grocery store, or wherever you’re at. Why doesn’t everybody have a tourniquet in their purse these days? It’s the reality that we’re in right now,” Sanford stressed, recalling the tragic VonMaur shooting in 2007. With a passion for security and awareness, the three officers – Hodges, Jones, and Sanford – all called themselves “watch dogs.”
“Whenever somebody moves, always be aware and cognizant of who they are and what they are doing,” Hodges warned. Having this consistent awareness for their surroundings is what truly sets this security team apart from the pack.
Lion’s Gate Security is truly a “one stop shop for all of your security needs,” Sanford said. The company can do anything from providing and installing security cameras to doing all of an organization’s emergency preparedness training. Offering threat assessments and security surveys, the team at Lion’s Gate can give a corporation a clear picture of whether a business is prepared for the worst. They even have lipstick tasers and cellphone stun guns for sale, to help people feel reassured as they go about their everyday routine.
Visit www.lionsgatesecurityservices.com for more information. Click here for full story
United States Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, left, swears in Jonathan Papik, center, as Rachel Papik stands by her husband's side Monday, May 7, 2018, in the Warner Legislative Chamber at the State Capitol in Lincoln. Justice Gorsuch administered the oath to Papik, the newest member of the Nebraska Supreme Court.
(Kayla Wolf/Lincoln Star via AP)
Nebraska Supreme Court Officially Adds New Justice
By Tess Williams
Lincoln (AP) — Omaha attorney Jonathan Papik was sworn in to the Nebraska Supreme Court on Monday by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.
Papik served as Gorsuch's law clerk, and the justice said Papik has a natural judicial temperament.
"Where character is concerned, Jonathan Papik arrived in my chambers fully formed," Gorsuch said, describing his former clerk as a hard-worker who was "precise in his reasons, confident, but never brash."
Gorsuch was appointed to the Supreme Court last year by President Donald Trump to replace Antonin Scalia.
Papik was nominated by Gov. Pete Ricketts to replace Justice Max Kelch, who resigned after less than two years on the bench following an ethics complaint filed against him. Papik is Ricketts' third nomination to the state Supreme Court.
Ricketts said Papik has a sharp mind, the respect of his colleagues and is dedicated to understanding the constitution how it was written.
Papik also clerked for Judge Laurence H. Silberman in the U.S. Court of Appeals after graduating with honors from Harvard Law School. He has practiced law as a partner at Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather for nearly eight years.
Papik, who was born in Stromsburg, said he feels blessed for the opportunity to serve as a judge.
"As a judge, there's not a lot I can say about how I will do my job," he said. "It's improper to say that I would rule this way or rule that way on a particular issue or particular case, but I can commit before everyone here today that I will do my absolute best to apply the law faithfully and impartially."
The 36-year-old Papik is the youngest judge to serve on the high court. His wife and three young children placed his judicial robe on him during Monday's official ceremony.
Papik will represent the 4th Judicial District, which includes portions of Douglas and Sarpy counties.
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CLASSIFIED ADS
|  Ambitious Project Seeks to Provide Housing,
Education and Wellness Opportunities By Julien R. Fielding
The Daily Record
Cydney Franklin, senior project manager, Seventy-Five North, delivered a TED Talk at the CRE Summit on April 6.
During her 45 minutes, she talked about the developments that were taking place on the 40-acre “footprint” in the Highland neighborhood. The goal of the non-profit is three-fold: to “break the cycle of poverty and community deterioration by facilitating the creation of a healthy, sustainable, mixed-income community complete with high-quality housing; [to be] a thriving space for education; and to offer health and wellness to the community.”
A variety of educational opportunities are already being offered in the 65,000-square-foot Accelerator building, including partnerships with Creighton University, and Metropolitan Community College.
Located on the first floor, Creighton has space that encompasses 4,000-square-feet of flexible learning space, which includes a classroom, conference room and individual meeting rooms.
Located on the third floor, Metropolitan Express has more than 9,000 square feet, where their programming includes adult education, youth programming, certification and assessment, continuing education, Workforce Training Academy, career services and 180 Re-entry Assistance Program.
Other opportunities in the Accelerator are the Highlander Code Camp, a seven-week-long summer camp for 15 high school students living in or attending school in North Omaha; and the AIM Interface School, which is a free web development program for 18 to 24-year-olds. The long-term objective of Seventy-Five North is to invest in curriculum, literacy, math, science and reading. Click here for full story
Seventy Five North to Hold
First Highlander Marketplace
Beginning in June, the Highlander neighborhood will host an event for shopping, relaxation and entertainment. The first event of its kind in the neighborhood – Highlander Marketplace, an outdoor neighborhood market – will be held every Thursday beginning June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of The Accelerator, 2112 N. 30th Street. The event is being organized by Seventy-Five North Revitalization Corp., a non-profit working towards revitalizing the Highlander community.
The Highlander Marketplace will host a variety of events and activities that include shopping from over 20 vendors, food trucks and live entertainment. Vendors at the marketplace will serve baked goods, healthy dog treats, hair care products, teas and more. Through this initiative, Seventy Five North will support entrepreneurship by exposing local vendors to new customers while continuing to build on the sense of community beginning to re-emerge in Highlander.
The dates of Highlander Marketplace are June 7, June 14, June 21 and June 28 and will run from 5 to 7 p.m.
Meetings & Seminars
For the Legal Community
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MAY 16, 2018
Nebraska State Bar Association
Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together: Orientation & Gender Identity
Save the Date
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
For More Information: www.nebar.com
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JUNE 1, 2018
Nebraska State Bar Association
Annual Government & Administrative Practice Seminar
Nebraska Collaborative Center
1411 N 72 St., Omaha
12:00 p.m. Friday – 1:00 p.m. Saturday
For More Information: www.nebar.com
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JUNE 15, 2018
Nebraska State Bar Association
15 Annual Greater Nebraska Golf Scramble
The Dismal River Golf Club
83040 Dismal River Trail, Mullen NE
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
For More Information: www.nebar.com
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JUNE 18, 2018
Nebraska State Bar Association
Creighton University/Health Law Section “Inter-Professional” CLE
Creighton University, Omaha
For More Information: www.nebar.com
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JUNE 21, 2018
National Seminars Training
HR Law
Comfort Inn & Suites
7007 Grover Street, Omaha
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For More Information: www.nationalseminarstraining.com/PBE
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JUNE 29, 2018
Nebraska State Bar Association
Making Your Case When the Earth is Flat: The Science Behind
“Shaken Baby Syndrome”
Scott Conference Center
6450 Pine St., Omaha
For More Information: www.nebar.com
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JULY 23, 2018
Omaha Bar Association
OBA Field Day
Champions Run
For More Information: www.omahabarassocation.com
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AUGUST 28, 2018
Nebraska State Bar Association
2018 Annual Appellate Practice Seminar
Capital Law Library
Lincoln, NE
For More Information: www.nebar.com |
