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In their own words: Judges, lawyers, professors discuss diversity in Nebraska's legal community

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A Lee Enterprises, Incorporated newspaper. Majority shareholder: David Hoffmann, Hoffmann Media Group.

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In their own words: Judges, lawyers, professors discuss diversity in Nebraska's legal community

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On Juneteenth, as the country neared Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's swearing-in as the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, the Journal Star reached out to several people on the bench, in the legal community and at Nebraska's law schools to ask their thoughts about diversity in the state's courtrooms.

We asked what drew them to a career in law; how long they've been working in Nebraska and if they plan to stay; why diversity is important in the judicial system and what can be done to foster diversity in the legal community.

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(7) updates to this series since Updated Oct 27, 2023

In their own words: Horacio Wheelock

"I immigrated from a country with little rule of law and it is inspiring every day to be a part of this great country’s system of law and justice."

In their own words: Jordyn Piper

"We need to help make the journey to law school more accessible for young people. Many people of color or from diverse backgrounds do not have attorneys in their families or broader friend groups."

In their own words: Stefanie Martinez

"Having an awareness that each individual is different and unique based on a culmination of their life experiences is the foundation of equity and fairness."

In their own words: Genesis Agosto

"One thing that will improve diversity among attorneys and judges here in Nebraska is to try to retain the diverse law students that attend Nebraska law schools."

In their own words: Raul Guerra

"No matter who you are, we need lawyers and judges in our communities who look like you or share your life experiences."

In their own words: Christal Sheppard

"Bringing diversity of skills and experiences to any endeavor can result in a better end-product, whether it is the skill sets needed to build a house or a judicial system."

In their own words: Jose Rodriguez

"In order to apply the law in the most equitable fashion possible, the judicial system must incorporate the varied perspectives of all of its constituents."

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Lori Pilger | Lincoln Journal Star

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As featured on

Nonprofit takes on challenge of diversifying legal community in Nebraska

"I feel like our state is a better state when there's a diverse representation, whether that's politically, racially, ethnically, in ability, all of those things," said Shawntal Mallory of the Nebraska Legal Diversity Council.

First female Black district judge in Nebraska: 'There’s still a lot to be done' to make courtrooms more diverse

When Tressa Alioth was sworn in last year, she quietly became the first Black woman to be appointed as a district court judge in Nebraska.

Suspect in BSDC sexual assault case granted bond reduction

In his argument for a reduction, the Beatrice man's attorney said the case is being held up by the State Patrol’s investigation.

Hearing set Feb. 1 to consider candidates for next district court judge for Lancaster County

The vacancy is due to the Nov. 27 retirement of Lancaster County District Judge Robert R. Otte.

Lancaster County's first woman judge remembered as a trailblazer

"It is difficult to summarize in a few words what a lasting impact Jan Gradwohl has made," Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson said.

Three applicants seek to be district judge in Lancaster County

The vacancy is due to Judge Robert Otte's recent retirement.

A legal desert - Attorneys are scarce in Nebraska's rural areas

Here's a little known fact: A dozen counties in Nebraska currently have no practicing attorneys. And by 2027, four more counties are projected to join them. 

'It changes lives' — Inaugural class graduates from Lancaster County DUI Court

Community members and state officials squeezed into a classroom at the UNL College of Law to support the first graduating class of Lincoln's DUI Court.

Pillen gets two names for consideration to become next district judge in Lancaster County

Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Jennifer Huxoll, of Palmyra, currently works in the Civil Litigation Bureau, and Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Matthew Mellor, of Lincoln, works in the criminal division.

Pillen names Matthew Mellor next district judge in Lancaster County

Matthew Mellor, 40, currently is a deputy Lancaster County Attorney in the criminal division prosecuting felony drug cases and crimes against children.

Lincoln juvenile court judge gets state honor for new problem-solving court

This month, the Nebraska Supreme Court recognized Judge Elise White for her service to the community for spearheading the problem-solving court, a first of its kind in the country.

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