Chris McMahon, Deputy County Attorney for Douglas County leaned over to me as we sat in the company of judges at the 40th annual Law Day lunch on May 1, 2024.  He said that he needed to “duck out early” from  the gathering held at The Field Club.  He was sure that the judge listening to the case he was trying that afternoon would not excuse him from being late for court due to attending this annual event.

Arriving five minutes early to Honorable Matthew R. Kahler’s courtroom, McMahon joked that he had to be on time and asked him if participating in the legal profession’s Law Day Lunch themed “Voices of Democracy” by the American Bar Association would be an acceptable reason to be tardy. They both laughed when Judge Kahler replied “absolutely not” and went on with the day’s proceedings.

McMahon has attended a number of these annual lunches celebrating the legal profession and the volunteer programs and services offered to the community.  He explained that the 93 counties in Nebraska follow state statutes that Don Klein’s office as County Attorney must follow.  While Klein is elected, McMahon is appointed.

Telling his story dovetails nicely with understanding the reason why 130 people attended this Law Day Lunch and how one person can impact the legal community.  This year’s event was newsworthy in part with Nebraska’s Secretary of State Robert Evnen’s presentation focusing on why and how Nebraska’s elections are safe and secure. 

This year’s event theme radiated the thought that free and open elections with strong voter participation ensures that lawmakers follow the democratic will of the people and that the laws they enact are valid.

Dave Sommers, Executive Director of the Omaha Bar Association said “Law Day Lunch adds to the feeling within the legal community that we can pat ourselves on the back.  We are in a noble profession and this event keys on that theme in a large sense for our society.”  He emphasizes that 200 attorneys volunteer throughout the year for the Omaha Bar Association out of its 1,500 member base.

Community Impact

McMahon’s role is to enforce community laws and maintain safety.  His focus is to serve within the juvenile justice system with 13 to 18 year old adolescents.  Primarily, the work involves reviewing law enforcement reports, filing charges and representing the state in court. That day’s timely appearance in Judge Kahler’s courtroom is one example.

The law confines his focus to cases within Douglas County’s jurisdiction.  This office works with Sarpy County, Saunders and all the surrounding areas. He is especially proud of the efforts made to assist juveniles without having official charges filed.

“Douglas County has worked very hard to create and fund many different diversionary services to keep them from being court involved and instead rehabilitated without charges.  Coordinated through the Douglas County Juvenile Assessment Center, this is a nerve center for all of the different services Douglas County juveniles may need.”  Offerings include mentoring, therapy, vocational work through the Job Corps program, and the Assessment Center which operates as a non-profit with “an amazing group of people, some there since the Center’s founding 20 years ago” he said.

Celebrating Law Day With Gratitude

Attorneys, paralegals, legal secretaries, court officials, firm administrators and County personnel attended.   McMahon’s story is an example of the varied backgrounds found in the legal profession.

McMahon explained that he is now working in his second career path.  “I wanted to give back to this community to support Douglas County.  I am very proud of this work.  Every juvenile we are able to rehabilitate has a future impact on their families, schools and peers” while improving community safety.

Before attending Creighton Law School on a part-time basis as a self-described non-traditional night student, he worked for 25 years in finance at  Ameritrade, a local company acquired by Charles Schwab Corporation.  He counts himself blessed to have a great career and then transition into making a meaningful contribution within legal public service.  “Working with Douglas County families, nonprofits and the courts has been a blessing”,  he said.  “I have an immense amount of gratitude for Don Klein and the citizens of Douglas County for my mentally challenging and rewarding work.”

He entered law school at age 45, driving to campus after work was finished for the day.  With humility, he noted that his life experience gave him a different perspective than if he had attended classes at age 25, following his undergraduate years.  His genuine comment about loving Creighton Law School and his profession reflects our conversation shared when we shook hands and conversed over a chicken salad lunch served by a hard-working catering staff.

The Value of Law Day Through His Eyes

McMahon attends the Law Day lunch every year.  “I appreciate the chance to recognize my peers, especially the judges in the community.  The law is an incredible tool to advocate for those without a voice of their own, marginalized and impoverished.”  He commented that Law Day is one time per year to recognize and take a moment to celebrate the legal profession.  Each year, awards are given to shine the spotlight on volunteers and professionals that exemplify the legal community’s highest values.

Awards recognizing public service and lawyers participating in the referral service for 10 years were given.  Special guests included the families of essay contest winners, like Amelia Dolan, from St. Vincent de Paul School, whose first-prize entry was featured in the May 1 edition of The Daily Record, along with the other prize recipients.

 90 elementary students entered the essay contest, which is designed to inspire and introduce students to the legal profession, as a pipeline to the next generation of attorneys and judges, along with the poster contest.

Law Day Lunch is truly a celebration of the legal profession, a big community in this area, gathering together to renew connections and uphold the “Voices of Democracy.”   By the way, most of the attendees were able to stay throughout the lunch.