One Source CEO Nick Jasa is “surprised, humbled and honored” at receiving the Chamber’s award again.
One Source The Background Check Company
Repeats as Chamber Small Business Winner
By Dan McCann
The Daily Record
One Source The Background Check Company is now a two-time winner. Almost three years after being named a Greater Omaha Chamber Small Businesses of the Month, the employment screening services firm has earned the honor again.
“Background screening is serious business and we take it seriously,” said CEO Nick Jasa. “One Source is a company that cares.”
One of the few accredited background screening firms in the United States, One Source has provided customized pre-employment, volunteer and tenant screening services since 1981 – first as part of Jasa Investigations, a privately-owned investigative company, and then as its own separate spin-off company starting in the spring of 2004. The firm performs more than 1,000,000 searches per year on over 200,000 candidates for clients across the nation, including corporations, schools, churches, government agencies and non-profit organizations. It boasts a search accuracy rate of 99 percent.
Click here for full story
James E. “Jim” Connor
June 26, 1949~August 3, 2017 ‘Irish Grin’ Revealed His Personality
 Omaha attorney Jim Connor died surrounded by his family after giving this life all he had.
The Vietnam War Vet, who earned a Purple Heart for his injuries, devoted much of his time to the concerns of veterans. He was a member of the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart and American Legion Post #1.
And, in fact, he devoted much of his solo law practice to assisting veterans, especially disabled vets.
His law firm website states he was “dedicated to helping clients find solutions to their complex legal problems. Nebraska and the federal government’s stringent laws make it very difficult – sometimes impossible – to receive the medical care injured people need, and he is here to help. Jim Connor has spent decades fighting for the rights of injured or disabled clients...” Click here for full story– By Lorraine Boyd
 The four golf buddies: Jim Welsh, Jim Connor, Fred Franklin and Tim Kielty.
Steve Grasz Nominated To Become
8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge
L. Stephen (Steve) Grasz, Omaha attorney and former chief deputy attorney general in Nebraska, has been nominated for a seat on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals bench.
Nebraska U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse had recommended Grasz to President Donald Trump.
Recommendations were sought after Chief Judge William Jay Riley announced his plans to retire from active service. The court is based in St. Louis.
In a joint announcement, Senators Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse, who recommended Grasz to President Donald Trump, praised Grasz.
Click here for full story
 – Photos by Lorraine Boyd
Health Law Gets an Annual Review
Kelly K. Dineen, RN JD, PhD, was one of five speakers at the 2017 Annual Health Law Seminar held in July at Kutak Rock law firm. She is an assistant professor at Creighton University School of Law. The afternoon’s other presenters were Michael W. Chase and Zachary J. Buxton of Baird Holm LLP, who gave a year in review; and Robert L. Cohen and Steven P. Amen of Kutak Rock LLP, who gave an overview of current transactions in the health care space. Dineen’s presentation concentrated on “Sex, Drugs and Mental Health: The Ethics and Policy Considerations About Taboo Issues in Health Law Practice.” The seminar is an offering of the Nebraksa State Bar Association’s Health Law Section.
 Photos by Lorraine Boyd U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson is administered the oath of office by Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp.
Nelson Brings 26 Years of Trial Experience to Bench
By Lorraine Boyd
The Daily Record
The crowd spilled over into an adjacent courtroom on July 21 – the hottest day of the year – for Omaha attorney Mike Nelson’s investiture as a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He joins recently appointed Magistrate Judge Susan Bazis on the bench. His virtues were extolled by speakers Dr. Bill Wakefield of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nelson’s alma mater; Prof. G. Michael Fenner, Creighton School of Law, Nelson’s “favorite law school teacher;” and Michael McClellan, longtime friend and law partner. Abbot Michael Liebl of Mount Michael Benedictine school gave the invocation and benediction. Nelson attended high school there.
Curtis Pelster rendered instrumental versions of The National Anthem and “This is My Country.” Participating in the robing ceremony were Nelson’s wife Debra, and children David, Emily and Adam. Not present was Simba, the Nelson’s 13-year-old Shih Tzu, who did receive a shout-out. The much-decorated trial attorney was praised for his fairness and integrity. His parents H. David and Judith Nelson and siblings Michelle and Matthew were in attendance with their families, along with Debra’s parents. Many speakers, including Nelson, gave credit to Debra for his successes. No one had any doubt that he would be an excellent judge. A reception followed in the federal courthouse atrium. Click here for more photos.
A back hallway in Judge Riley’s office is lined with certificates received when he became a circuit judge, then Chief Judge, then appointed to the Judicial Conference Executive Committee.
A Look Back at 45 Years
William J. Riley Hangs Up His Robes
By Lorraine Boyd
The Daily Record
He’s the living example of Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote: “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”
William Jay Riley has been a very busy person since his graduation from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1972.
Following a stint as law clerk to 8th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Donald Lay, the Lincoln native joined the firm of Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan in 1973, making partner in 1979, and leaving only to don the robes of an 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals judge in 2001.
Click here for full story
 Judge Hoffert Elected as Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Presiding Judge
Judge John R. Hoffert has been elected as Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Presiding Judge for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2019.
The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court is composed of seven judges who are initially appointed by the governor and who then remain on the bench for successive six-year terms upon approval of the electorate. Every two years one of the judges is elected as presiding judge by the judges of the court, subject to approval of the Nebraska Supreme Court.
For more information regarding workers’ compensation in Nebraska, please visit the court’s website at http: //www.wcc.ne.gov.
Baird Holm LLP Welcomes New Attorney
 Baird Holm LLP is pleased to welcome David P. Kennison to the firm. David focuses his practice on all aspects of employment litigation. He defends employers facing claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation filed under both state and federal statutes. David also represents clients in matters related to non-compete agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, and employment contract disputes. In addition to handling a wide-variety of litigation issues, he provides advice and counsel to entities aimed at prevention and avoidance of employment-based claims.
In 2014, David earned his law degree from the Creighton University School of Law, magna cum laude. During law school, David was an editor of the Creighton University Law Review and was awarded the 2013 Nebraska State Bar Foundation Silver Quill Award for excellence in legal writing. He earned four CALI Excellence for the Future awards in Trusts and Estates, Copyrights, Banking Law, and Trial Practice. David is a graduate of Marquette University, where he earned a B.A. in History.
“David is a great addition to our well-established labor and employment law practice area,” said Baird Holm Managing Partner, Richard E. Putnam. “We are pleased to welcome him to the Firm. His energy, enthusiasm and great work ethic will prove to be very valuable to our current and future clients.”
For more information regarding Baird Holm LLP, please go to the firm’s website at: www.bairdholm.com.
|  When he isn’t conducting a mediation, John Brownrigg can be found relaxing and reading in his back yard oasis. Mondays and Fridays are built into his calendar as non-work days.
Attorney John Brownrigg
Mediating in His ‘Sort of ’ Retirement
By Andy Roberts
The Daily Record
Sitting in his living room, in front of his big flat-screen Vizio that sees lots of baseball action, John Brownrigg recalled a life in the legal profession that continues today in his “retirement” where he works as a mediator.
Born in Detroit, Brownrigg moved here as a youngster in 1954 and it has been home since, other than for a stint in the Army. “I consider myself an Omahan,” the Creighton Prep and Creighton School of Law graduate proudly stated.
With his booming voice and calm demeanor, this is a man who seems to have come from central casting for the role of bringing peace to confrontational situations. In his “retirement,” Brownrigg has become one of the leading advocates for the increasingly popular use of mediation to resolve legal disputes.
That doesn’t mean he didn’t put in his share of time in the courtroom. He spent 40 years in practice, from 1974-2014, including 34 years with Erickson | Sederstrom, P.C., L.L.O. in Omaha. In addition he was president of the Omaha Bar Association and the Nebraska State Bar Association. Click here for full story
 Elizabeth Ajongo gives a primer on immigrants and refugees at one of Douglas County’s quarterly Brown Bagger meetings.
She Works to Improve Lives of Refugees
By Julien R. Fielding
The Daily Record
This year Elizabeth Ajongo, Sudanese Cultural Ambassador and Refugee Juvenile Justice Advocate Coordinator for Heartland Family Services, was one of 10 recipients of the Young Black & Influential Award. And it’s easy to see why.
Born in Aweil, South Sudan, she, her husband and their son fled to Egypt in 1999 to escape the Sudanese Civil War.
“The Civil War broke out in southern Sudan,” she explained. “Because of insecurity in southern Sudan at the time, we came to northern Sudan. It was a long journey that started with taking off from the city to a long distance remote village by foot. After being in the village for almost a year, we decided to catch a train in a nearby city to move to northern Sudan. We tried our best to go to the north, but the government wasn’t good and we were Christians.”
In 2001, she applied through the United Nations to come to the United States. They were resettled in Omaha, where she’s been having a real impact on the lives of refugees. Click here for full story
Chamber Announces Leadership
Omaha’s Milestone 40th Class
Leadership Omaha, one of the longest-running community leadership programs in the nation, has reached another significant milestone – its 40th year of developing leaders capable of strengthening and transforming the community.
The Chamber is underscoring the achievement by announcing the distinguished members of Leadership Omaha Class 40, a diverse group of 49 men and women who will spend the next ten months focusing on community trusteeship and awareness, ultimately joining a network of almost 1,700 Leadership Omaha alumni.
Five local attorneys are among those chosen to join the class: Catherine Cano, Jackson Lewis PC; Kasey Cappellano, Kutak Rock LLP; Luke Holst, McGrath North; Amy Lawrenson, Baird Holm LLP; and Alex Wolf, Koley Jessen, P.C., L.L.O.
The rest of the Leadership Omaha class members are:
Emily Anderson - Home Instead, Inc
Drew Antonio - Enterprise Bank
Vic Beanum - Cox Click here for full story
 Photo by Lorraine BoydAngela Lennon of Koenig Dunne, left, and Hannah Sommers of Slowiaczek Albers acquaint Omaha Bar Association members with the latest updates in “Divorce Law.” Their presentation at Corkscrew Cheese & Wine is one in a “Just the Basics” series of CLEs sponsored by the OBA Young Lawyers Division.
They tackled topics as wide-ranging as the Nebraska Parenting Act, custody trends, custody calculations, tax implications of alimony, commingling of property, divorce process overview, and DHHS and other modifications. As usual, the participants were a mix of seasoned professionals and nearly-new lawyers.
The series continues on August 16 with “Bankruptcy Law.” Visit the OBA website for more information: www.omahabarassociation.com.
District Court Judge William Zastera
To Retire October 1, 2017  Lincoln – Judge of the District Court, 2nd Judicial District, William B. Zastera, is retiring effective October 1, 2017, after more than 26 years of service on the county and district court benches in Papillion, Nebraska and the surrounding area.
In his resignation letter to the Governor, Judge Zastera noted, “It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of the State of Nebraska for the last 26 years as both a County and District Judge.” He continued, “It has also been my pleasure of serving with what I consider to be the finest judiciary on both the County and District Court benches.”
Zastera has served as a judge of the drug court throughout the court’s existence, and also served as presiding judge for the district on a rotating basis.
As former President of the Nebraska District Court Judges Association, Zastera helped to establish policy and direct projects of the district court judges’ organization since he joined the district court in 1997. As an officer of the District Court Judges’ Association, Zastera spent several years working with the Chief Justice’s Leadership organization reviewing the work of the Judicial Branch Committees and Commissions.
The first step in replacing Zastera will be for the Judicial Resources Commission to call a meeting to determine whether or not, based on judicial workload statistics, his retirement creates a judicial vacancy in the district court of the Second Judicial District (Sarpy, Cass and Otoe counties).
Matthew A. Lathrop (left) and Matthew G. Miller have found their calling making the world safer for all of us.
The Attorneys of Miller Lathrop
Are On Mission to Protect the Public
By Andy Roberts
The Daily Record
Nestled into the tree-lined area just north of 92nd and West Dodge sits a law firm that is managed by two life-long Omaha residents – Matthew G. Miller and Matthew A. Lathrop.
And, while they are about as nice a duo as you will find, they are among the go-to firms for people involved in personal injury lawsuits. Click here for full story
Schemmer Associates Inc.
Announces Three New Shareholders
Schemmer Associates Inc., a local full-service architecture, engineering and construction field services consultant, is pleased to announce Joe Binge, P.E., Dan Kerns, AIA and Matt Rasmussen, P.E., have exercised stock offer options to become certificated shareholders of the firm.  Joe Binge, P.E. has more than 18 years of experience specializing in electrical engineering. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1999. He is a licensed professional engineer in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, North Dakota, Virginia and Oklahoma. He is a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, a leader for the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, and serves as an Advisor for the Lincoln Chapter Order of DeMolay.  Dan Kerns, AIA, NCARB has 19 years of experience as an architect and project manager. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in 1996 and graduated with distinction. He received a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1999. Kerns is a licensed professional architect in Nebraska. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.  Matt Rasmussen, P.E. has nine years of structural engineering experience specializing in the design, inspection and rating of highway bridges. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Iowa in 2005 and a Master of Science degree in structural mechanics and materials from the University of Iowa in 2008. Matt is a licensed professional engineer in Nebraska and Iowa, and a qualified team leader for fracture critical and routine bridge inspections in Nebraska and Iowa.
Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Schemmer has regional offices in Lincoln, Nebraska; Des Moines and Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
For more information regarding Schemmer Associates Inc., please go to: www.schemmer.com.
Subscribers:
Now you can access the entire issue online!
Just look for the COMPLETE ISSUES link in our menu.
Issues will be available online for five weeks following publication.
The Daily Record
Click above to go to our facebook |  – Photos by Lorraine Boyd Barristers Plead for Reversal
It was a tournament for the ages. The weather was perfect, dry and not too hot,
which was a good thing for the Barristers who forgot their cooler. The annual Barristers Club v. Douglas County Attorneys Softball Tourney at Dill Field on August 7 proved to be more than a little confusing. The Barristers couldn’t quite field a team and their pitcher was nowhere to be seen. The D.C. Attorneys graciously offered to share some players, and pitcher Don Kleine agreed to pitch for both sides. The first game was no pitchers’ duel, with the final score 15-13 in favor of the Barristers. Looking for a quick wrap-up to the best two-out-of-three series, the Barristers quickly enlisted late-arrival Judge Mike Coffey to pitch for them. Despite being overdressed, he agreed, but after a valient effort the D.C. Attorneys proved to be too much, winning the second game 18-5, (called after 5 innings due to the mercy rule). The rubber match saw the D.C. Attorneys invoking the mercy rule again as they wrapped up the series (no one could remember the final score). So, the D.C. Attorneys were victorious, AGAIN if you believe them, as they claim they won last year despite the Barristers being (erroneously?) declared the winner. Winners (pictured above) and losers alike adjourned to Tiger Tom’s, whose owner is the father of D.C. Attorney Kristen Lynch, to celebrate their victory /drown their sorrows. Click here for more photos
  Photos by Lorraine Boyd
Field Day stalwarts (from left) Dick Lydick, Hon. Michael Coffey, Jim Jansen and Hon. Ronald Reagan love the event, both coming and going. They joined 120 other golfers for OBA’s annual event at Champions Run.
There It Is – on The Green!
After an experimental joint golf scramble event with Legal Aid of Nebraska last year, the Omaha Bar Association returned to their longtime flagship golf event at Champions Run. The response was enthusiastic, although the tennis event attracted few players. A new wrinkle was introduced: In addition to the traveling plaid jacket award, the winner (loser) is now the keeper of the traveling Championship Belt (see photos inside). This year, the soon-to-be coveted belt went to Andy Wilson. Field Day chairman Mike Coffey predicted that a new, exciting era of competition has been launched. Click here for more photos
Names Submitted for County Judge in the
Second Judicial District
Greg M. Ariza, Omaha; Brandie M. Fowler, Omaha; PaTricia A. Freeman, Papillion; Christopher J. Lathrop, Papillion; Bryan C. Meismer, Fremont; and S. Colin Palm, Bellevue, have submitted applications for appointment as County Judge in the 2nd Judicial District consisting of Cass, Otoe and Sarpy counties. The primary place of office for the judicial vacancy is Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. The vacancy is due to the appointment of Judge Stefanie A. Martinez to the District Court bench.
The public hearing of the Judicial Nominating Commission will be held in the County Board Room, Sarpy County Courthouse, Administration Building, 1210 Golden Gate Drive, Second Floor, in Papillion, Nebraska, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2017. The Commission will review all applicants for the office at that time. The public is welcome to attend the hearing and present information concerning candidates for the judicial opening.
 Jim Richards, president of Capstone Consulting, believes in fostering honesty, support, mentorship and innovation, especially through “Build Your Own Adventure.”
– Photo courtesy of Capstone Consulting Capstone Consulting’s Core Values:
Servant Partnership, Integrity
By Lorraine Boyd
The Daily Record
Omaha-based Capstone Consulting is thriving in the hard-edged business of tech – by maintaining an incredible amount of heart.
“We promote Servant Partnership as a core value,” said company president Jim Richards.
A Servant Partner, Richards said, is someone who shares risks and rewards with their partner (client), puts that partner’s needs first and helps the relationship develop and perform as effectively as possible.
“We were looking to model this style of relationship with our clients and realized ‘Servant Partnership’ was the most appropriate term,” he said. “We believed so much that we trademarked the term and built a certification exam around it. We know that looking out for the best interest of our clients is the right model.” Click here for full story
Meetings & Seminars
For the Legal Community
______
SEPTEMBER 1, 2017
Nebraska State Bar Association
2017 Legal Diversity Summit
Creighton Harper Center Ballroom
602 N. 20th St., Omaha
For More Information: www.nebar.com
______
SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
Business Ethics Alliance
Fall Executive Breakfast
Holland Performing Arts Center
13th and Douglas St., Omaha
7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
For More Information: www.businessethicsalliance.org
______
SEPTEMBER 8, 2017
Nebraska State Bar Association
Business Law Section Seminar
Embassy Suites - Lincoln
1040 P St., Lincoln
For More Information: www.nebar.com
______
SEPTEMBER 13, 2017
Nebraska State Bar Association
Real Estate Section Seminar
Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center
12520 Westport Pkwy., La Vista
For More Information: www.nebar.com
______
SEPTEMBER 13, 2017
Business Ethics Alliance
Fall Luncheon
Omaha
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
For More Information: www.businessethicsalliance.org
______
SEPTEMBER 14 through 15, 2017
Nebraska Paralegal Association
2017 Fall Seminar and Mid-Year Membership Meeting
University of Nebraska at Omaha, Thompson Center
6705 Dodge St., Omaha
For More Information: http://nebraskaparalegal.org
______
SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys
NATA Board Meeting
Embassy Suites Omaha/La Vista Hotel &
Conference Center
12520 Westport Pkwy., La Vista
For More Information: www.nebraskatrial.com
______
SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys
NATA Annual Dinner
Happy Hollow Country Club
1701 S. 105th St., Omaha
For More Information: www.nebraskatrial.com
______
SEPTEMBER 29, 2017
Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys
NATA Annual Meeting & Fall Seminar
Embassy Suites Omaha/La Vista Hotel &
Conference Center
12520 Westport Pkwy., La Vista
For More Information: www.nebraskatrial.com
______
OCTOBER 11 through OCTOBER 13, 2017
Nebraska State Bar Association
2017 Annual Meeting
For More Information: www.nebar.com
______
NOVEMBER 3, 2017
Nebraska State Bar Association
Annual Workers’ Compensation Section Seminar
Embassy Suites
1040 P St., Lincoln
For More Information: www.nebar.com
______
NOVEMBER 8, 2017
Business Ethics Alliance
Fall Dialogue
Temple Israel
13111 Sterling Ridge Dr., Omaha
7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
For More Information: www.businessethicsalliance.org |
