This year, the Omaha Bar Association celebrated National Law Day with the theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many One.”

It highlights how the Constitution was designed to bring together many voices into one democratic society, governed by the rule of law, according to Angela Lennon, President of the OBA. For legal professionals, it was also a call to action: to uphold justice, promote inclusion, and help ensure the Constitution’s promises are realized for all.

Taking a united stance, the American Bar Association, recently filed a lawsuit to stop members of the Trump administration from using their power to intimidate law firms, along with numerous other organizations, affected by his executive orders, which many deem not only controversial, but unconstitutional.

To carry on the theme, the Daily Record is highlighting one of the many, who have vowed to uphold the Constitution, the supreme law of the land, in a series of profiles.

Among them is Joshua Livingston, an attorney, who is running for the Nebraska State Legislature. He was among the many keynote speakers at the local No Kings Rally, held recently in the metro, a national day of defiance, organized by grassroots movements, staged in opposition to authoritarian actions taken by the current administration.

“I was so proud to be able to join that rally,” said Livingston, reflecting back on the event, which drew upward of 5 million people nationwide, and in solidarity with other parts of the world.

“Speaking at the event was important for me because I wanted to share my message that despite everything going on in our world right now, I am confident that those who stand up for their beliefs and use their voices for good will always strengthen our country.”

Especially considering recent events, including the recent ICE raids here, he added.

“It was so inspiring to be able to gather with so many people in one location and speak to a group who genuinely care about their neighbors and want the best for their community,” he said, of the estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people gathered along the banks of the Missouri, bridging the Omaha and Council Bluffs communities together.

“The message I wanted to convey to the group was that the voice of the people will always be louder than the voices of those who may seek oppress,” he said.

“Our country is strongest when we respect the will of the people. Some of our leaders seem to have decided that their own viewpoints are more important than those of the people they represent, and it is imperative that the people never let the elected officials forget, who they are legislating on behalf of,” he reiterated.

However, Livingston had found his own North Star long ago. It’s family – which has seemed to guide him throughout his career.

Livingston is an experienced attorney specializing in divorce law and other family law related issues at Koenig | Dunne, an Omaha firm recognized many times over for their level of professionalism, commitment to client services and legal expertise.

For as long as he can remember, Livingston has wanted to be an attorney, by his own account. He had admired his grandfather’s family law practice and aims to instill the same professionalism and expertise into his own practice, he said.

Following in his family’s footsteps, Livingston has practiced in juvenile law, bankruptcy, and criminal law. However, his passion is divorce and family law.

But it goes much deeper than that. Livingston, like so many of his clients, has actually walked the walk, gaining valuable insights, helping steer his career.

“As a teenager my parents divorced, and I recognized, even then, the significance of having an experienced and compassionate individual who could offer an outside perspective,” he said.

To date, he has remained committed to bringing this same level of empathy and understanding to his clients and their families, he said.

Originally from California, Livingston holds a J.D., cum laude, from Creighton University and a B.A. from the University of North Texas. He is admitted to practice in Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, and the U.S. District Court for Nebraska and actively contributes to legal education and policy through various professional associations.

Livingston began his career in 2016 in private practice with McChesney & Farrell focusing on family law, juvenile law, and consumer debt cases.

He began working at Child Support Services in Douglas County in 2017. In late 2018 he moved to the Child Support Division at the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office. In May 2021, he was promoted to Senior Deputy County Attorney within the Child Support Division.

He has also served on the Creighton School of Law Young Alumni Council, The Nebraska Child Support Enforcement Association Board of Directors, and has been recognized by the Nebraska Bar Association for contributions to the Nebraska Free Legal Answers Program.

Outside of court, he is active in community education and legal advocacy, having frequently presented at conferences on child support, implicit bias and family law reform.

In addition to his community service efforts, Livingston has prepared various presentations on “The Gig Economy,” “Implicit Bias,” and “Establishment and Disestablishment of Parentage.” His article, “Advancing Access to Justice,” was featured in The Nebraska Lawyer, and he has been in-house certified through the completion of various trainings on leadership and racial equity issues.

Committed to improving access to justice and supporting underserved families, Livingston has had the opportunity to extend his advocacy to a nationwide audience, serving on the NSBA Legislative Committee and as a Nebraska State Senate legislative candidate for District 8 (Dundee/Benson), he said.

“From the moment Josh joined Koenig | Dunne, he jumped in with both feet,” according to Lennon. “He never hesitates to support his colleagues and consistently goes above and beyond for his clients and his community. Josh is an advocate in every sense of the word – whether in the courtroom or in the community. He brings a bright light to everything he does, and I feel truly fortunate to work alongside him,” she said.

In his own words, here are some insights that propelled him toward a legal career:

• The Importance Of Lawyers To Society:

Society thrives on stability, lawyers are arbiters of stability. Although we may disagree with one another, we are always working toward upholding the rule of law.

• What Are The Rewards Of The Job:

Being a support system and advocate for a family going through a difficult time is immeasurably rewarding.

• What Are The Biggest Challenges:

The biggest challenge I often face is having to witness families struggle to adapt to the change that comes with being involved in a family law matter. Oftentimes, a person’s normal day-to-day life is impacted in unimagined ways and that can be difficult for everyone.

• What Is Your Proudest Moment And/Or Accomplishment:

When I was able to obtain a legal identity for a child despite numerous obstacles and roadblocks. My client told me that many other lawyers told him it was impossible, and when we were successful, I felt so proud for myself and his family.

• Best Advice To New Lawyers:

“Act as if.” Recognize that you deserve to be here and demand your seat at the table.

• After A Hard Day In Court/With A Client, How Do You Unwind:

Family time.

• If You Could Change One Thing About Your Profession:

I love handwriting, I wish more documents could be submitted handwritten.

• What People Don’t Know About You:

I am slowly learning to play the drums.

• Should A President Be Above The Law In Terms Of Immunity:

Absolutely not. To paraphrase Justice Lewis Brandeis, officials are afforded an exceptional position before the law, and they are subject to the same rules of conduct that are commands to the citizen.

• What More Is Needed To Make Sure We Have A Fair And Just Government:

Transparency and accountability. Our officials are representatives of the people and when they act in accordance with the will of their constituency above themselves, fairness and equity will inevitably follow.

• Why Are You Running For The Nebraska State Legislature:

I am running for the Legislature to ensure that Nebraska families are heard, respected, and supported, just like the ones I have been fighting for my whole career. As the next State Senator for District 8, I will work toward a Nebraska that puts families at the forefront of all policy decisions. I will prioritize safe neighborhoods, fully funding public education, accessible and affordable healthcare, and building an economy that creates opportunities for all Nebraskans.

• Who Or What Inspires You:

Those who are brave enough to stand up for their beliefs. Being the voice outside of the crowd takes an immense amount of courage, and I am inspired by those convictions.

• What’s Your Secret Sauce, So To Speak:

Confidence and consideration. I am confident in my chosen paths but willing to consider the possibility of pivoting when I learn information that may require me to reassess.

• How Did You Celebrate Law Day:

By being in court!