LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen appointed Douglas County District Court Judge Derek R. Vaughn on Monday as the next associate justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court.

The appointment for the Supreme Court’s Second Judicial District replaces the first woman on Nebraska’s high court with the high court’s first person of color, according to state records and national data since 1960.

A spokesperson for the judicial branch confirmed Vaugn is the first African American appointed to the Supreme Court.

Vaughn served Douglas County as a county court judge for a decade before Pillen elevated him to the district court two years ago. He will represent the Omaha-area seat previously held by former Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman, who retired Oct. 31, having served since 1998.

“I’m ready to pull my sleeves up and ready to get to work,” Vaughn said Monday.

‘I See People For People’

Vaughn graduated from the Nebraska College of Law in 1999 and served in the Douglas County Attorney’s Office between then and 2013, when former Gov. Dave Heineman appointed him to the county bench. Vaughn handled civil and criminal cases, as well as cases in problem-solving courts. He also is now one of four drug court judges in Douglas County.

As a prosecutor, Vaughn said he worked with people at their worst — including some without hope or family support — whom he wanted to provide second chances. As a judge, Vaughn said he came “full circle” and encouraged and motivated people facing similar situations in his courtroom.

“People may be telling you that you’re nothing, and I’m saying that you matter, you’re somebody,” Vaughn said of that work. “It’s wonderful when the light clicks back on.”

He continued: “I see people for people, and I’m going to treat people the way that I would want to be treated, with respect, with dignity.”

‘Unmatched’ Love For Family, Community

Pillen said Vaughn’s background in a family that believes in the power of education and public service, as well as his dedication to community, were among the qualities that stood out for the appointment. The governor described Vaughn’s love of family and community as “unmatched.”

“It is the combination of that court experience, community involvement, incredible reputation and commitment to our state that makes Justice Vaughn a great choice to serve in our state Supreme Court,” Pillen said.

Omaha attorney Patrick Guinan and Vaughn were the only candidates to apply for the Supreme Court seat. The duo faced public interviews in mid-October and both applicants were forwarded to Pillen for his consideration. At least two candidates must be considered for judicial appointments.

Vaughn said the lack of lawyers seeking vacant judgeships, particularly in more rural areas, is one the biggest challenges facing the judicial branch and that the “next generation of judges” needs to be engaged. Pillen agreed in wanting to emphasize the privilege of being a public servant.

The Nebraska Supreme Court consists of six associate justices who serve specific judicial districts and a chief justice who serves the state at large. Every member of the state Supreme Court attended Vaughn’s appointment ceremony.

Nebraska Supreme Court justices are paid a salary of $228,431.18. District court judges are paid $211,298.84.

Vaughn’s appointment will head to voters in the Second Judicial District beginning in the 2028 general election. If retained, he would face a retention vote every six years, pursuant to the Nebraska Constitution.

Day In Court

As a trial court judge, Vaughn said he viewed himself as the impartial “referee” for lawyers and worked to ensure that the process was fair. He said he would take that understanding to the Supreme Court and that he often tells people, “I have no agenda. This is your day in court.”

“I want people to feel that even if you’re upset with the decision, that you were heard and that whatever position that you may be taking, that it was considered, and you can understand the reasoning behind the opinions,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn said the Supreme Court seemed a “natural fit.” He noted that his father was the first African American game management agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the first African American U.S. marshal for the District of Nebraska. His mother was a long-time teacher. He said he grew up with “outstanding role models” who encouraged education.

“Never forget where you came from and be involved,” Vaughn said. “Do the best that you can do.”

Vaughn said he interviewed with Pillen one morning in Lincoln and had to return to Omaha for court. Vaughn said he was “elated” and “speechless” to learn he would be appointed, earning a laugh from family when he said he is “not normally lost for words.”

Vaughn’s wife, two adult children, mother, nieces, sisters and pastor joined him Monday.

“This is my village here, at least part of my village, and I’m so honored and humbled just to be here today,” Vaughn said. “Thank you, Governor Pillen, for this amazing opportunity.”

A ‘People Person’

Nebraska Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly, a former county attorney for Lancaster County and later U.S. attorney for Nebraska, has helped Pillen with his now-three Supreme Court appointments. Pillen elevated Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke in November 2024 and selected now-Justice Jason Bergevin to succeed Funke.

Kelly said he has known Vaughn for more than 20 years across two county attorneys’ offices. Kelly said Vaughn is a “likable guy” and “people person” who became a fast friend.

“He’s a great guy to know and great to watch him in the community and the things that he does off the bench that keep him keyed in,” Kelly said.

Pillen said he has been in Vaughn’s community many times over the past three years as governor and always saw Vaughn as an active member with a great heart. Pillen said Vaughn is the same man he was when he became a county judge in 2013.

“I’m focused on people’s eyes, not their color, not where they’re at, just on their eyes and who they are. Eyes are the gateway,” Pillen said. “I couldn’t be more proud to have appointed Judge Vaughn.”

This story was published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. Read the original article: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/10/pillen-appoints-first-justice-of...