Kara Jermain hit the ground running at Lamson, Dugan and Murray law firm, bringing a wealth of experience going back to her high school days. – Photo by Michael Tran
By Tim RohwerJermain Brings Her A-Game to Law Firm The Daily Record It would take some time to look over all the awards and academic honors Kara Jermain has acquired. Currently working in the Litigation Department in the West Omaha firm of Lamson, Dugan and Murray, LLP, Jermain graduated summa cum laude from Saint Louis University with an English degree, followed by a law degree with cum laude honors from Creighton University. During her schooling, even in high school, Jermain actively took part in many law-related activities. “I love to learn. There is no shortage of things to learn,” she said. Jermain got her first taste of law during her senior year at Millard West High School as a member of a newly created trial team. They participated in mock trials with the guidance of a real attorney. “I realized how enjoyable it was to analyze a problem and advocate for a position. That piqued my interest in studying law.” Upon graduation, Jermain attended Saint Louis University and even studied abroad. While attending school there, she was a member of the University Honors Program and accepted into the Pre-Law Scholar program. Though Jermain loved St. Louis, she wanted to return to her hometown to continue her studies, so she enrolled at Creighton. While a third-year student, she participated in the National Moot Court Competition, which was held in St. Louis. “We received a set of facts and a hypothetical situation and we briefed a position and prepared to present both sides in oral argument,” she said of that competition. Also in her third year, Jermain participated in a national trial competition in Salem, Ore. She was also a member of the Law Ambassadors Program, the Moot Court Board and the Creighton Law Review. She published an article for the Creighton Law Review entitled “The Artful Dodger: Responding Parties’ Ability to Avoid Electronic Discovery Costs Under 26 (b) (2) (B) and 26 (b) (2) (C) and the Preservation Obligation 42.” “I worked on drafting and researching that article for four or five months. Every sentence had a footnote with support, so it did take time and effort, though the finished product was well worth it.” Upon graduation, Jermain received the Order of Barristers award that provides national recognition for law students who have excelled in written and oral advocacy. Jermain started clerking at Lamson, Dugan and Murray in the spring of 2008. She then passed her bar exam on her first attempt and became a fulltime member of the firm in September 2010. The firm of Lamson, Dugan and Murray, whose lawyers have more than 350 years of legal experience collectively, is organized into two specialized departments – business and litigation, which is where Jermain works. In her current role, Jermain has had the opportunity to represent clients in Nebraska courts throughout all stages of the litigation process. She encourages clients to consider resolving disputes outside the courtroom as well. “Litigation can be expensive and emotional. If you can resolve through negotiation or mediation, that can be a great alternative.” Though she has many responsibilities, her goals are even higher. “I want to keep learning and to keep growing in this practice. I want to perfect my practice and my knowledge of the law.” Jermain encourages young women to pursue this field. “I think diversity in law is imperative. It allows us to understand clients better. Everybody comes from a different background and diversity allows us to embrace that in our community and our representation.” When she’s not working, Jermain said she loves “photography, spending time with my family and, of course, those Huskers.” |
