Robert M. Spire, the prolific Nebraska lawyer and philanthropist who inspired the award for attorneys to honor their devotion to public service and education, believed in law as a catalyst for change.  Spire award winners demonstrate a commitment to the public’s knowledge of the law.  Each year on Law Day, two service awards are presented: The Robert M. Spire Public Service Award, which is presented to an attorney or attorney organization; and the Omaha Bar Association Public Service Award, which is presented to a non-attorney individual or organization.

The criteria under consideration for the award includes: (1) The public’s knowledge of the law or the legal system has been enhanced in some significant way by the recipient’s efforts; (2) The recipient has focused on providing service to the community for purposes other than pecuniary profits; and (3) The recipient has demonstrated long-term commitment to the enhancement of the public’s knowledge of the law.

The award recipients are nominated by the Omaha Bar Association’s Public Service Committee and chosen by the OBA Board of Directors.

Robert M. Spire Public Service Award Recipients  for 2024: Jennifer Gaughan and Muirne Heaney of Legal Aid of Nebraska

Omaha Bar Association's Public Service Award Recipient for 2024: Nebraska Examiner

Laurie Smith Camp Integrity in Service Award

This award – started in 2021 and named after the first female federal judge in Nebraska – is awarded to those who have shown great contributions to the community in terms of advanced diversity and inclusion; improving access to justice; providing pro bono service; mentoring others; advancing innovation in the legal profession; or serving and representing the legal community.

Laurie Smith Camp Integrity in Service Award Recipient: Dianne S. Lozier

The Ellick Award is named after Alfred G. Ellick, who created the OBA Lawyer Referral Service in 1962. The award is given to lawyers that have been part of the OBA Lawyer Referral program for ten or more years. This program lets people in need of legal advice to reach out to lawyers for a small fee and find the legal help that they need.

Alfred G. Ellick Lawyer Referral Service Award Recipient: Doug Novotny