We are a nation of laws. Truth, justice and the American way have long been ingrained into our collective consciousness and daily life.

Our inalienable rights – emphasizing liberty and human dignity – bestowed upon us by our Founding Fathers, the framers of our Constitution, drafting the laws of our land, as a rebuke to authoritarian rule, henceforth safeguarding our civil liberties for generations to come.

But these words have been more commonly attributed to a fictitious superhero, beloved by millions, Super Man, the Man of Steel, as he strived to save us citizens of planet Earth from the forces of evil.

However, take heart, we do have amongst us, real-life heroes, despite monumental, but certainly not insurmountable trials and tribulations, who swore to defend truth, justice and the America Way, as it applies to all. They are our legal professionals.

But instead of supernatural abilities, their super powers are their intellect, tenacity; think years of schooling, not to mention bar exam, mustering the know-how to pass this arduous test, and solemn oath to the Constitution, the Supreme Law of the land.

In honor of their gallant efforts and celebration of National Law Day, let’s glimpse behind the gavel and shine some light on these seekers of truth and justice, who wittingly waived their rights to plead the Fifth and remain silent.

Thanks to our Founders, who ratified our Constitution in 1788 – on permanent display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. – we still have that right. Herein lies their testimony.

Jennifer Gaughan 

Director of Legal Program

Legal Aid of Nebraska

■ Why did you choose to be a lawyer:

I believe people should be treated fairly in our justice system, and I wanted to help people who face barriers advocating for themselves.

■ Where/when did you get your law degree:

I graduated from the UNL College of Law in 1999.

■ What type of law did you specialize in:

I do public interest work, providing free civil legal aid for legal issues related primarily to family law, domestic violence, housing, debt, and public benefits.

■ Where do you work now:

Since graduating from law school, I have worked for Legal Aid of Nebraska, a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal services to low-income Nebraskans. 

■ The importance of lawyers to society:

Laws are the foundation of our democracy. Lawyers play a vital role in ensuring people are treated fairly and equally under the law. They help protect rights, safeguard liberty, and hold powerful institutions accountable. Lawyers promote justice and the rule of law.

■ What are the rewards of the job:

Being able to serve Legal Aid’s clients and having wonderful co-workers who are dedicated and talented.

■ What are the biggest challenges:

There are so many more people who need help with civil legal services than Legal Aid has the capacity to serve. In 2024, Legal Aid received nearly 20,000 requests for help, and approximately 300,000 Nebraskans are financially eligible for our services. Currently, the uncertainty of what changes may impact the people Legal Aid serves, our staff, and our communities is a challenge.

■ What is your proudest moment and/or accomplishment:

Co-counseling a case that was successful at the United States Supreme Court and resulted in changing the law in Nebraska to give greater protections to low-income homeowners.

■ Best advice to new lawyers:

Find a mentor. Take time to enjoy life.

■ After a hard day in court/with client, how do you unwind:

I debrief with co-workers and then spend time with my family.

■ If you could change one thing about your profession:

I think the legal profession can be slow to change, including in adopting new technology or rethinking outdated systems. While change can be challenging, it can also result in improvements for attorneys and those we serve, making the legal system more accessible, efficient and effective.

■ Should a president be above the law in terms of immunity:

No one should be above the law. In terms of immunity, I think it depends on what the issue and circumstances are when acting in the official capacity of that role.

■ What more is needed to make sure we have a fair and just government:

A fair and just government depends on equal access to justice. I think there are many people who can’t afford an attorney and are forced to navigate complex legal systems on their own. Laws and procedures are often difficult to understand, which puts those without representation at a serious disadvantage. To truly uphold fairness and justice, we need to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has meaningful access to legal help.

■ Who or what inspires you:

People who stay positive despite significant setbacks or challenges, people who advocate against injustice, seeing an act of kindness, and my family, are all things that inspire me.

■ What is your secret sauce:

I try to be thoughtful and see things from others’ perspectives. I also try to appreciate what I have and enjoy life and not take things for granted.

■ How will you celebrate National Law Day:

I plan to attend the OBA Law Day Luncheon.

Angela Lennon

Partner Koenig | Dunne

■ Why did you choose to be a lawyer:

From a young age – according to family stories, as early as second grade – I told my mom I was going to be a lawyer. That idea stuck with me and stayed in the back of my mind as I grew up. Looking back, I think even then I had a sense of how lawyers could make a meaningful impact through leadership, service, and the pursuit of justice. I was drawn to the idea of being part of a profession that helps individuals and strengthens communities, and that pull never really went away.

 

■ Where/when did you get your law degree:

I went to Creighton University School of Law and graduated in 2012.

 

■ What type of law did you specialize in:

I specialize in divorce, collaborative divorce and mediation.

 

■ Where do you work now:

I am a Partner at Koenig|Dunne, a divorce law firm serving Nebraska and Iowa families. Before I went to law school, I wanted to gain experience in the local Omaha legal market. As luck would have it, Koenig|Dunne was hiring a receptionist for their law firm, and I immediately applied. As such, I started my legal career at Koenig|Dunne as the receptionist, which turned into a law clerk position, which turned into being a Partner. 

 

■ The importance of lawyers to society:

Lawyers serve a critical function in upholding the rule of law, which is the cornerstone of a stable and just society. Through their role as advocates, counselors, and officers of the court, lawyers help ensure that legal principles are applied consistently and equitably.

They facilitate access to justice, protect individual and collective rights, and provide a necessary check on the exercise of power – both public and private. By navigating complex legal systems, lawyers contribute to the orderly resolution of disputes and the maintenance of legal and institutional integrity. In doing so, they reinforce the foundational democratic ideal that all individuals and entities are subject to and protected by the law.

 

■ What are the rewards of the job:

The greatest reward of being a divorce attorney is the opportunity to guide people through one of the most difficult chapters of their lives and help them move forward with dignity, clarity, and hope. At Koenig|Dunne, our mission is rooted in empowering clients with compassion and advocacy. We don’t just resolve legal issues – we support and guide people in making some of the most important decisions they’ll ever face, often about their children, their finances, and their future.

Seeing a client go from overwhelmed and uncertain to confident and at peace is deeply meaningful. Knowing we helped them protect what matters most, while treating everyone involved with respect and professionalism, is what makes this work not only impactful – but deeply rewarding.

 

■ What are the biggest challenges:

One of the biggest challenges of being a divorce attorney is navigating the deeply personal and emotional nature of family law. Divorce is not just a legal event – it’s an emotional journey that affects every aspect of a person’s life. Clients are experiencing grief, fear, anger, and uncertainty, all while having to make complex legal and financial decisions.

Another significant challenge is that many family law issues are not well-suited to resolution through the traditional court system. Litigation is an adversarial process, yet divorce often requires solutions that are more nuanced, cooperative, and future-focused – especially when children are involved. Courts can’t always address the emotional, relational, and long-term co-parenting dynamics that are central to many family law matters.

 

■ What is your proudest moment and/or accomplishment:

In the Fall of 2019, we launched Untie Online, which is an affordable, online divorce service powered by our Koenig|Dunne attorneys. Untie Online is the first of its kind in Nebraska to help people navigate the divorce process using technology, education, and attorney support. 

Our Vision at Koenig|Dunne is “To forge the future with courage and change the legal experience in a wholehearted, real way.” One of the ways we are working toward this vision is to change the legal experience for families in Nebraska who need the support of a divorce lawyer, but finances and lack of resources prevent their full and complete access to the justice system.

As one of the largest divorce law firm in Nebraska, we saw firsthand the impact that access to justice plays when spouses and parents try to navigate the justice system without some form of legal representation. We saw the need for reimagined divorce support. We knew that by leveraging technology, we could do our part to increase access to justice for Nebraska families.

Being able to bridge the access to justice gap has been one of my most proud accomplishments to date.

 

■ Best advice to new lawyers:

The best advice I can give to new lawyers, especially those in private practice, is this: Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Call opposing counsel, introduce yourself, and take a moment to build some rapport. Being a strong advocate for your client doesn't require being combative or unkind. In fact, professionalism, courtesy, and respect go a long way in this profession. The relationships you build with your fellow attorneys – and your reputation in the legal community – can be just as important as your courtroom skills. Approach every case with integrity, and you’ll set yourself up for a successful career.

 

■ What is your secret sauce:

My “secret sauce” for success is the community of legal professionals I’ve surrounded myself with. One of the most rewarding – and often overlooked – aspects of being an attorney is the incredible support, wisdom, and camaraderie that exist within our profession. Whether it's a mentor who offers perspective, a colleague who listens without judgment, or a peer who challenges you to grow, having a trusted community is invaluable.

Practicing law can be demanding and isolating at times, which is why it’s essential to find your people – those who remind you of your purpose, keep you grounded, and help you celebrate the wins (big and small).  My advice to lawyers, especially those early in their careers, is to get involved. Join bar associations, attend events, build real relationships. It’s our shared experiences, support, and collaboration that make this profession not only sustainable – but truly fulfilling.

 

■ How will you celebrate National Law Day:

We will spend National Law Day with our local legal community at the Omaha Bar Association’s Annual Law Day Lunch. This year, our focus is “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One”.

“The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One” is a reminder that despite our differences – across backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences – we are united under the shared principles of the U.S. Constitution. The phrase “Out of Many, One” (from the Latin E Pluribus Unum) speaks to the strength of a diverse nation coming together with a common purpose.

This Law Day theme highlights how the Constitution was designed to bring together many voices into one democratic society governed by the rule of law. It protects our freedoms, balances powers, and ensures that every person is treated equally under the law – no matter who they are or where they come from.

For legal professionals, this theme is also a call to action: to uphold justice, promote inclusion, and help ensure the Constitution’s promises are realized for all. It challenges us to reflect on how we can foster unity, even in times of division, and to use the law as a tool to bring people together in pursuit of a more perfect union.

Dagmar Rita Myslinska, JD, PhD

Associate Professor

Creighton University School of Law

■ Why did you choose to be a lawyer:

To learn how and why our world works the way it does, and I also wanted to obtain a degree that would provide me with transferable skills; another reason was to learn about immigration law and to help refugees, in light of the fact that my family came to the U.S. as refugees.

■ Where/when did you get your law degree:

Columbia ’04 (JD); London School of Economics ’19 (PhD, Law)

■ What type of law/courses do you specialize in:

In addition to pro bono asylum law, I practiced complex commercial law (both litigation and transactional sides). I have been teaching a variety of core courses (including Torts, and Contracts), and electives, which are aligned with my research interests (such as International Human Rights and Immigration).

■ Why did you decide to teach law:

I started teaching law purely as a hobby, as an adjunct, while I was still in practice, and fell in love with it. It still feels like an avocation, and I am immensely grateful to have a career that gives me joy on a daily basis and never feels like a “job”.

More specifically, I decided to teach in order to inspire and mentor the next generations, especially students coming from backgrounds underrepresented in the profession; and to always keep growing by learning new things – from every new research or writing project, every new group of students, new courses that I get to teach, and interactions with other pedagogues and scholars. After years in the corporate world, I also greatly appreciate having intellectual freedom and an opportunity for work/life balance as an academic.

■ Notable honors, works, publications, achievements:

My research monograph, Law, Migration, and the Construction of Whiteness: Mobility within the European Union (Routledge, 2024), was recently shortlisted for the Socio-Legal Studies Association (UK) Hart Book Prize for Early Career Academics 2025. The book has received some wonderful academic reviews, and I just finished a book tour for it in the UK and Sweden.

My research on Eastern European immigrants’ experiences in the UK was cited in a report for the UK Parliament and by the European Network Against Racism. I am currently Chair-Elect of the European Law Section of the Association of American Law Schools. When I was teaching at Goldsmiths University London in the UK, I founded and directed the Immigration Law and Policy Clinic. While a student at Columbia, I received the Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar Award. I also completed a federal judicial clerkship, which I greatly enjoyed. I have served as a peer reviewer for several academic journals and book publishers, including Stanford University Press and Hart.

■ The importance of lawyers to society:

Lawyers play a crucial role in helping to explain and enforce rules that protect society and promote ethical behavior. They also have opportunities to contribute to social justice movements by advocating for policy reforms, and, by informing communities of their rights, lawyers empower individuals to take action against injustices.

■ What are the rewards of the job:

Lawyers have the power to shape laws, defend the innocent, and ensure fair resolution of disputes. Legal work tends to be mentally stimulating and intellectually challenging, and presents opportunities to help people on a daily basis. Legal education and practice also develop transferrable skills and thus provide a fairly wide selection of career opportunities.

■ What are the biggest challenges:

Legal practice often entails stress and long work hours. The huge sense of responsibility for clients’ cases, which is part of the job and helps to make it more meaningful, can be daunting at times.

■ What is your proudest moment and/or accomplishment:

Watching my asylum clients walk out of detention centers after I was able to secure them asylee status; seeing how steep my students’ learning curves are, and then witnessing their successes after graduation as they become ethical legal practitioners who make a difference in their communities.

■ Best advice to new lawyers:

Do not be afraid to change practice areas and jobs within the legal profession until you find something that fits your personality best; never lose sight of your ethics and who you are as a human being; make time to form and maintain relationships with mentors.

■ If you could change one thing about your profession:

Replacing law school admission test and the bar exam with tests that are more inclusive and capture more accurately one’s potential to practice law; reducing the cost of attending law school; making the legal profession more accommodating for parents with young children.

■ Should a president be above the law in terms of immunity:

No; no one is above the law.

■ What more is needed to make sure we have a fair and just government:

Instead of partisanship, everyone should uphold the values of freedom of speech, democracy, transparency, independent judiciary, and separation of powers; our public systems need to be supported with adequate funding; no one should feel intimidated to speak their mind for fear of being penalized; government officials should make decisions with long-term consequences in mind rather than being reactive or acting on a whim; citizenry should be better educated about the rule of law and human rights in practice and about threats thereto.

■ What is the best source of information to learn about legal rights:

Free websites such as nolo.com and findlaw.com; social justice organizations’ sites such as aclu.org (Know Your Rights tab); law school clinics that are open to the community.

■ Given the current political climate, are you concerned the rule of law will hold:

Yes, the legal practitioner and academic communities are greatly concerned about recent erosions of the rule of law.

■ Who or what inspires you:

Students who had to overcome incredible family and personal challenges to get to where they are.

■ How will you celebrate Law Day:

It coincides with International Workers’ Day, which I tend to celebrate instead.

Andrew J. Wilson

Wilson Puk LLP

■ Why did you choose to be a lawyer:

I had no intention of going to law school when I was an undergrad (Industrial Engineering at Iowa State), but the law school seed was planted by one of my Industrial Engineering professors during my last semester. He promoted the idea that contrary to some opinions, an engineering degree was a good degree for law school. I had already taken a job by then, but after a year I realized that I wanted to go to law school. No one in my family was a lawyer so all of this was “new” to me. I wanted to become a trial lawyer – I wanted to be in the courtroom.

■ Where/when did you get your law degree:

University of Nebraska – 1991.

■ What type of law did you specialize in:

Litigation, primarily personal injury, criminal defense, and business litigation.

■ Where do you work now:

Wilson Puk LLP. This is a new firm I started last year with my long-time friend and former partner, JJ Puk.

■ The importance of lawyers to society:

In my 35 years of practice, I have learned that lawyers play a vital role in our society by upholding justice by ensuring individuals and organizations have access to the legal system and that their rights are protected. Having the ability to be heard is very important to our clients. We uphold the rule of law. Through our efforts, we can drive social change.

■ What are the rewards of the job:

The intellectual challenges can be very rewarding. Helping clients who are in need is the most rewarding part of my job.

■ What are the biggest challenges:

Taking on the problems and issues that my clients are facing. It can be very difficult to remove your personal feelings from many of your cases, but I learned early on that if I became too emotionally invested, then I would burn out. So far, I have kept my distance from those flames.

■ What is your proudest moment and/or accomplishment:

I have been fortunate to have many that I could consider, but one that sticks out is a criminal defense client I had a few years back. He was a Native American charged in federal court because the offense occurred on Native American land. From the moment I met him and discussed his case (he was in jail at the time), I realized he had a good defense, and his case was going to trial. I was able to get him released and prepared for trial. We had a jury trial before Judge Bataillon. The jury had the case for about 5 minutes when the bailiff came out and said they had reached a verdict. This caused me some consternation as usually when a jury comes back that quickly, it is not good news for the defendant. This, however, was not the usual, and my client was acquitted.

■ Best advice to new lawyers:

As much as it seems to be, this is not a competition. Do your best for your clients by preparing and analyzing your case, but remember, you cannot choose your facts. There will be times that you will be on the short end of the stick. Recognizing that early will be to your benefit and your client.

Also remember that opposing counsel is an adversary, not an enemy. Being pleasant and not overly argumentative will go a long way. Omaha is a small legal community, which is a good thing, so there is a very good chance you will encounter that lawyer again. It is much better to be known as a good lawyer who is easy to work with than one that makes the trivial difficult.

■ After a hard day in court/with client, how do you unwind:

I love sports. I love watching all sporting events, especially my alma mater, Iowa State, and the Green Bay Packers. I love golf. But most importantly, spending time with my wife and family is the best. Being a grandpa is so much fun.

■ If you could change one thing about your profession:

That we continue to improve our efforts in addressing the mental health issues our profession endures.

■ What people don’t know about you:

That I was on stage in college. I may have one line or two. Nothing serious, and I was not very good. Some might say I was worse than not good. But I had fun doing it.

■ Should a president be above the law in terms of immunity:

I do support the idea that a sitting president should have immunity. However, we are seeing what can be done when a president “pushes the envelope.”  We need to establish a line, and when it is crossed, that immunity goes away. Determining that line is way above my pay grade.

■ What more is needed to make sure we have a fair and just government:

We need to start recognizing that “compromise” is not a bad word.

■ Who or what inspires you:

Elected leaders who are willing to do what they believe is right despite knowing that they can or will suffer political consequences as a result.

■ What’s your secret sauce, so to speak:

Being honest with myself.

■ How will you celebrate National Law Day:

Attending the Law Day Luncheon.

■ Anything else you’d like to add:

I have been very fortunate to have had a career as an attorney. It has made me a better person. I still have my moments though.

G. Michael Fenner

McGill Gotsdiner Workman & Lepp

Professor Emeritus

Creighton University School of Law

■ Why did you choose to be a lawyer:

I was inspired by “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Perry Mason (the TV series; not the books). I was also inspired by two of my childhood heroes, Matt Dillon and Paladin – two men who fought for justice. I felt some urgency to stay in school so as to keep my draft deferment and did not want to be a doctor.

■ Where/when did you get your law degree:

I graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law in 1969. (As an aside for my former students, my least favorite class was Constitutional Law; the professor kept his head down and read from his (old) notes for the whole hour.)

■ What type of law did you specialize in:

Constitutional Law, Evidence, and jury instructions, among others,

■ Where do you work now:

I office at McGill Gotsdiner Workman & Lepp. I retired from the Creighton University School of Law just before the pandemic hit.

■ The importance of lawyers to society:

Right now, many of us see the courts as the only separation-of-power – the only check on some pretty obvious and gross violations of the Constitution. The men and women of the federal courts are, of course lawyers. My hat is of to them and to all the lawyers who are fighting to preserve the rule of law.

■ What are the rewards of the job:

First and foremost, my students. Followed by my colleagues at the university and at McGill Gotsdiner, and the individuals, companies, and tribes for whom, as a consulting attorney, I have been able help achieve justice. 

■ What is your proudest moment and/or accomplishment:

When I have been able to help individual students overcome significant life or practice problems. When, as a consulting attorney, I have been able to help clients achieve justice. (When, for example, I helped a tribe recover $90 million for a violation of its constitutional rights.)

■ Best advice to new lawyers:

Keep in touch. Return calls, texts … return all communications from clients. Do it right away. Do this even if there is nothing new to report; if that is the case, return the message and tell them just that. And sometimes send unsolicited communications. Keep in touch. It is good bedside manner.

■ After a hard day in court/with client, how do you unwind:

TV, movies, reading, being with friends and family, and a dram of single malt Scotch.

■ If you could change one thing about your profession:

Make law school less expensive. (I can say that now that I have retired and am no longer asking the law school for raises.)

■ Should a president be above the law in terms of immunity:

Sure … to some extent. Presidents must have some immunity. But perhaps not as much as SCOTUS recently held. We will have to wait and see how the lower courts interpret that opinion; how they fill in the details, which, of course, is where the devil lives.

■ What more is needed to make sure we have a fair and just government:

How many pages will “The Daily Record” give me?

■ How will you celebrate National Law Day:

By attending the OBA Law Day Luncheon.

■ Anything else you’d like to add:

For me, being a law professor is the best job in the world … no disrespect to doctors or accountants or such.