Before a gathered crowd, attended by those near and dear, many who helped shape and mentor his career, the Hon. Beau G. Finley was formally appointed a county court judge for the Fourth Judicial District of Nebraska.

The ceremony, filled with humor, insight and gratitude, was held Friday, Feb. 16, in the Legislative Chambers at the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center. Finley was appointed Nov. 16, 2023, by Gov. Jim Pillen.

A defense attorney with experience in criminal, juvenile and civil law, Finley started his career as a public defender in Douglas County, later joining the law offices of Davis & Finley, then Finley & Kahler.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, where he majored in English and history, and a juris doctor from the Nebraska College of Law.

“He is one of the finest lawyers we have in Omaha,” commented Hon. Matthew Kahler, a Nebraska Judge in the Douglas County Juvenile Court, who has known Finley as a co-worker, opposing counsel and ultimately judge for nearly 25 years. Kahler praised Finley’s expertise in a range of all levels of the judiciary.

“He is well prepared, deeply cares about his clients and an excellent trial attorney,” he said.

Chad Salem, a close friend of Finley for nearly 40 years, echoed Kahler’s many stated accolades.

“I can say without hesitation that Beau is one of the most honest, thoughtful and ethical people that I know. He loves his family and community like few others do. It is for these reasons, plus his many years of legal expertise, that I have long believed a position on the bench is the perfect place for Beau,” Salem said.

“His tenure as a county court judge will be one filled with fairness, good judgment and most of all, compassion. The State of Nebraska and Douglas County in particular improved significantly the day Beau was appointed,” he added.

For Finley, the appointment is undoubtedly a highlight of his professional career. “I have practiced law in county court for over 26 years, and I have always seen it as a sort of home base for me. While some may see the pace and volume of Douglas County Court as a negative or something to avoid, I have always viewed it as something familiar; something I understood. I have loved practicing before the court, and now the opportunity to serve on it is an incredible honor for me,” he, undauntedly, said.

Yet, early on, Finley’s career decisions weren’t always set in stone. Finley joked about his career goals as a child jesting that “When I was 5, I wanted to be an otter. Science (particularly biology and physiology) was not my strong suit as a kid.”

Given that becoming an otter did not pan out, Finley was drawn to the practice of law. “Oddly enough, I opted to go to law school because I thought I was a pretty good technical writer, and I felt like I could persuade people with my writing,”  but Finley never thought his technical writing skills would elevate him into a two-decades-long trial lawyer career baring him witness to the challenges and complexities that judges face.

“The decisions judges make each day in court affect people’s lives in significant ways. Even though the judges in Douglas County Court deal with dozens of cases daily, I see them constantly focusing, and, at times, agonizing over doing things correctly and justly.

“For the short time I have been on the bench, I see the weight and pressure of these decisions being something that judges have come to accept and understand. It does not mean that it is easy, however. I admire all the judges in our jurisdiction for their ability to set aside that weight and pressure and consistently do their jobs with excellence,” he said.

While he deems the judgeship the highlight of his career, his family, who took part in the robing ceremony, is what gives him the most pride.

They include wife, Jennifer, an attorney, two children, Jude and Piper, dog, Baxter, and yes, four chickens, Pickles, Penelope, Waffles and Wendy, “who are very much a part of the family,” he “defensively” added.

“I’m really proud of my kids. My wife and I became parents later in life than many do, and I didn’t know whether it would happen at all. We do most everything together as a family, and I cannot imagine my life without the kids. I’m not able to say that about anything else in my life,” he said.

In summary, Finley offers this insightful advice:

“When the going gets tough, you have three choices: (1) you can quit (which sometimes is the right move); (2) you can complain; or (3) you can work harder, steel yourself, focus, and try to find a way forward. While no one always overcomes ‘tough’ circumstances, if I can say I truly chose option (3), I seldom feel regret.”