In more traditional times, a hog was roasted on the patio, downed by kegs of beer, amid lively music, hearty helpings of cornbread and coleslaw, whilst the whiskey “flowed” to the farmers, who catered the event, an unbeknownst-to-some, rural custom, as a way to grease the wheels, to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Although there was no roast, some 50 years later, to the casual observer, there appeared to be plenty of good-natured ribbing on tap, among the esteemed gathering of judges, lawyers, academia, students and the like, some sworn (in) adversaries, who have had their day in court.

But this was a time to put all the courtroom drama aside, as roughly two hundred guests attended the Omaha Bar Association’s anticipated annual event, hosted recently by First National Bank of Omaha in the courtyard of their West Omaha Business Park, amid background music, open bar and catered hors d’oeuvres.

It was one of many in-person, social gatherings the OBA has throughout the year, according to Dave Sommers, who has served as its executive director for the past 13 years.

“The purpose of the event is to come together as a legal community in a relaxed social setting, to build the bonds of friendship and collegiality. Old colleagues catch up with each other, new attorneys are introduced to members of the bar, and opposing counsel share a drink with each other – and hopefully are warmer to each other in their dealings as a result,” he said.

“The event,” he added, “is exclusive to current OBA members, and the attendees include over two dozen judges, law students, new attorneys just starting law practice all the way up to managing partners of large firms in town, city council members, prosecutors, public defenders, and corporate counsel.”

While many of the attendees know how to argue a good case, they apparently know how to have a good time, as well.

“The Omaha legal community is one of the most supportive and friendly legal communities in the country, and fun and relaxed social events like this are a big part of the reason why we stay that way. No presentations – just a social opportunity. We don’t want to ruin the vibe with speeches,” Sommers jested.

Now a time-honored tradition, the benefits, in addition to good food and drink, include catching up with friends and colleagues, meeting members of the judiciary in a social setting, outside the courtroom, as well as enterprising law students who may be a good fit for your law firm or office, he added.

The annual event was initially established in 1971 by J. Terry Macnamara, a longtime attorney at McGrath North, who was with First National Bank’s Trust Department.

“Terry saw an opportunity for the bank to hold a social event for the local legal community, to serve as the ‘kick off’ for that year’s OBA leadership,” Sommers said.

“OBA terms run July-June each year, and back then the summer wasn’t full of events, so after Labor Day was the start of a calendar of events that would generally have one meeting a month,” he explained.

Since then, the gathering has been held for 53 of 54 years, with the only year missed being 2020, due to the impending global pandemic.

“For the first 27 or so years, the event was held at the First National Bank Building at 16th and Dodge, north side, right next to Doubletree, in the courtyard and lobby. Then, around 1998, the event was moved to First National Business Park at 140th and FNB Parkway. In all those years, FNBO (formerly First National Bank of Omaha) has been the exclusive sponsor, except in 2021. Due to COVID, it was held at the Field Club of Omaha,” he added.

It has been a partnership sealed in friendship and loyalty, highly valued, immensely enjoyable, and long-established years ago, according to various members regarding the annual event.

“We are so grateful to Craig Sall (event chairman) and the entire FNBO team for their continued hosting and support of this event. We couldn’t do it without them. And FNBO makes us look young – we’re 150 years old in 2025, but they are 168 years old,” Sommers was quick to counter.

Previously known as the Douglas County Bar Association since 1875, the Omaha Bar Association was incorporated in 1889 to promote the administration of justice and uphold the honor and integrity of the profession of law in Omaha. Our purpose is to increase the usefulness, activity, professionalism and influence of the bar and the legal profession, according to its website.

In fact, OBA encourages cordial relations among lawyers, it further states.

“OBA members enjoy many benefits of membership, including the opportunity to participate in the Lawyer Referral Service and to attend meetings and programs on current topics of interest to lawyers.

But that’s not all the OBA has to offer, they said.

“The OBA provides public interest programs relating to the legal profession. We proudly sponsor public service programs through which many of our 1500-plus members give back the community,” the site states.

Open to all attorneys in all areas of practice, membership is voluntary; however, a significant majority of attorneys in the metro area maintain membership in the OBA, they note.

In addition to the fall gathering, other social events include October and November dinners, an annual wine tasting, field day, medical legal dinner, and Young Lawyers Division events, such as game watches, pub quizzes and more.

“The Omaha Bar Association calendar is full of social events that are great opportunities to put down the legal briefs and talk with fellow attorneys in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, a large contingent of the local judiciary can be found at most OBA events, and enjoys interaction with the bar members,” the site said.

OBA also offers a quarterly newsletter, free CLE – just the cost alone could cover membership dues, they said – committee involvement, found to be a gratifying way to give back to the profession, online community engagement, in a collaborative, members-only environment, as well as special events, such as Law Day, a nationally recognized day set aside to celebrate the Rule of Law.  Law Day underscores how law and the legal process contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. Law Day also provides an opportunity to recognize the role of courts in this democracy and the importance of jury service to maintaining the integrity of the courts, according to the OBA.

For more than 65 years, the Omaha Bar Association has proudly celebrated Law Day, with a themed luncheon, noted speaker and a host of other special events, including professional and public service awards, various other recognitions, student poster and essay contests, as well as mock trials with metro-area schools, they noted.

But you be the judge – at least in this case … If interested to learn more about the OBA, please visit their website at www.omahabarassociation.com