Eight people were recognized for their contributions to the legal profession during the annual Nebraska State Bar Association’s annual conference, which was hosted in LaVista Oct. 17-20.

Known for his humility and civility, as well as a smile for everyone, the Honorable William J. Riley was posthumously recognized with the President’s Professionalism Award, given to a bar member who “exemplifies the attributes of the true professional; whose conduct is always consistent with the highest standard of practice; and who displays appropriate courtesy and respect of the public, clients, fellow attorneys, and the justice system.”

Riley, who died in March at the age of 75, enjoyed a 50-year legal career, including serving as Chief Judge of the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court as well as being the first Nebraskan to serve on the Judicial Conference of the United States.

Former Nebraska State Senator Steve Lathrop received the Award of Special Merit for his work during a 12-year career in the Legislature, where he spearheaded legislation and addressed issues important to the state’s legal profession. He is a partner with Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf and Lathrop.

Frank Daley Jr., who served almost a quarter of a century as the executive director of the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Commission before retiring earlier this year, was named as the recipient of the George H. Turner Award. Daley, whose responsibilities included overseeing campaign finance disclosures, lobbying, and statements of financial interest at the state and local level, Daley was recognized for the integrity he brought to the position beginning in 1999. The state bar appreciated the role he played in helping to develop government lawyers.

Mary Kay Hansen, who has spent several years leading the way for the development and success of women in law, received the Jan Gradwohl Outstanding Contributor to Women in Law Award. With more than three decades working in family law and Social Security, Hansen leads Mary Kay Hansen Law and Mediation PC LLO in Lincoln.

The NSBA Diversity Award was presented to Assistant Professor Korey T. Taylor, a University of Nebraska College of Law instructor known for his work in promoting diversity and inclusion with law firms and organizations. Taylor worked as assistant public defender in Douglas County and has served as President of the Midlands Bar Association.

Lynne Morton, who serves as the director of the Douglas County Law Library, received the Award of Appreciation for her work in helping self-represented litigants navigate their way through the county’s justice system.

Receiving the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, Ryan J. Kirshenbaum serves as the lead staff attorney for the Nebraska Methodist Health System. Known for his outstanding contributions to the community, Kirshenbaum has taught classes at various colleges, as well as meeting with members of the public.

NSBA President Jason Grams presented a special award to Liz Neeley, who has served as the association’s executive director for 10 years.

Grams, a partner at Lamson, Dugan and Murray LLP in Omaha, also relinquished the role of President to Michael J. McCarthy, who will serve a one-year term until the 2024 conference. McCarthy leads the Law Office of Michael J. McCarthy LLC in North Platte.