News and Announcements
Save the Date! NDCA Annual Meeting
March 5, 2025
Join us June 26-27 at Lincoln, NE
Winter Seminar - Iowa CLE Activity ID
March 5, 2025
If you did not receive an email with the activity ID or certificate of attendance, please contact us!
Nebraska Activity ID 247519
June 22, 2023
2023 Sponsorship Opportunities
January 4, 2023
Check out our sponsorship opportunities here.
Interested in sponsoring the 2023 Annual Meeting? Please contact Cheryl Palombizio at executivedirector@nebraskadefense.org.
NDCA Annual Meeting and Seminar (In-Person or Virtual Option) June 3, 2022 - 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
May 27, 2022
CLE up to 4.50 Hours including 1.25 hours of ethics credits2022_NDCA_AM_brochure.pdf
Effects of Covid-19 crisis on Jurors Attitudes and Decision Making
October 8, 2021
This presentation will explore the likely effects of the COVID-19 crisis on civil jurors’ attitudes, beliefs, and decision-making processes from an evidence-based perspective. In addition to examining the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on jurors, the presenters will discuss changes in jurors’ attitudes towards corporations and corporate defendants and the influence that corporate responses to COVID-19 may have on juror decisions. Attendees also will learn how the COVID-19 crisis may affect jurors’ expectations for and perceptions of key witnesses. Most importantly, this presentation will discuss strategies for successfully navigating and even capitalizing on this crisis in order to promote positive case outcomes.
Nebraska Defense Counsel Association Annual Meeting and Seminar (In-Person or Virtual Option) June 18, 2021, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May 10, 2021
Click here to view the brochure and registration form.
CLE up to 5.50 Hours including 2.0 hours of ethics credits
NDCA Membership Benefits
January 22, 2021
Working Remotely: Legal Ethics and Technology Scams
November 9, 2020
In early 2020, the Maze hackers stole and encrypted data of law firms in South Dakota, Oregon, and Texas. For one firm, the hackers demanded ransom payments of over $900,000. And working remotely can increase the risks that your law firm is the next technology scam victim.
How do you as a lawyer working remotely meet your ethical duties of competence, confidentiality and supervision? You could learn and train your staff on cybersecurity, including phishing emails, ransomware attacks, and computer system security. For specifics on what you might do, attend this seminar.
2020 Annual Meeting is rescheduled to 8/28, 2020
March 4, 2020
Join us at the Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista Hotel & Conference Center for our 2020 Annual Meeting. Download the brochure here
Agenda:
8:00am – 8:25am Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:25am – 8:30am Welcome and Introduction
8:30am – 9:00am Under Review: Appellate Case Law Update Panel
9:00am – 9:30am The Grand Slam: Trial Evidence and the Four Major Trial Objections. This quick hitter presentation will focus the nuts and bolts of what all trial attorneys need to know to make proper objections and argument on the fly at trial.
9:30am – 10:00am Ball or Strike? Defining the Employment Relationship in Today’s Workforce. Two employment attorneys will cover the bases on the complicated definition of an employee and why it matters from a liability standpoint.
10:00am – 10:30am Call to the Bullpen: Coffee & Networking Break
10:30am – 11:30pm Hidden Ball Trick: No Evidence of Medical Expenses. This experienced panel will discuss the more recent trend of the plaintiffs bar to not offer evidence of medical expenses during trial. Panelists will discuss tips and tricks for use during motion practice and trial.
11:30pm – 11:45pm Power Hitters: Meet Our Sponsors and Vendors
11:45pm – 12:45pm All Star Break: Lunch Provided by NDCA
12:45pm – 1:15pm Awards and Business Meeting
1:15pm – 2:15pm The Warning Track: Combatting Juror Misconduct in the Digital Age. Nearly 40 percent of millennials admit to interacting more with their smartphones than with people. Is it realistic to think that they won’t search their phones for answers during a trial? This session will explore ways to combat the digital native’s instinct to go outside the courtroom for answers.
2:15pm – 3:00pm The Astros’ Trash Can: Surveillance. A primer on the use of surveillance during discovery and at trial
3:00pm – 3:15pm Seventh Inning Stretch: Afternoon Break & Networking
3:15pm – 4:00pm Playing by the Commissioner’s Rules: Governmental Immunity. This presentation will discuss the current status and cases of first impression involving the State Tort Claims Act and Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act.
Attendee Registration Form
NDCA First Annual Associates Program
October 22, 2019
This program is for one to three year associates who will have the opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers about topics relevant to young lawyers, including billing, how the tripartite relationship works, and information from judges and court staff. The program will be followed by a cocktail reception for an opportunity to network with other young lawyers and NDCA members.
2018 Annual Meeting
June 1, 2018
You will not want to miss the opportunity to see international speaker, James Kane in Lincoln at the NDCA's Annual Meeting. 
Putnam v. Scherbring
January 9, 2018
The Nebraska Defense Counsel Association (NDCA) is pleased to announce the Nebraska Supreme Court's recent decision in Putnam v. Scherbring, 297 Neb. 868 (2017). A copy of the Supreme Court's opinion can be found here.
In the Putnam case, the NDCA submitted its first-ever amicus curiae brief in connection with an appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court. The Court in Putnam resolved an issue relating to the timing of expert witness disclosures and the admissibility of untimely disclosed expert opinions. The Court in Putnam agreed with the position NDCA advocated in its amicus curiae brief, and ultimately determined the trial court did not abuse its discretion in excluding from trial the late-disclosed expert opinions.
NDCA's amicus curiae brief was written by its Vice President/President-Elect Cathy S. Trent-Vilim of Lamson, Dugan & Murray, L.L.P. The lawyers representing the prevailing party in Putnam were attorneys Mark Laughlin and NDCA-member Jacquie DeLuca of Fraser Stryker PC LLO.DanielLindstromCorr10.09.17,MLaughlinLetter_Amicus.pdf
DRI's 2017 Annual Meeting
October 4, 2017
DRI's 2017 Annual Meeting is blowing into Chicago, IL, Oct. 4-8, 2-17. The landscape, architecture, culture, history and charm of Chicago make it the perfect city to host more than 1,000 defense attorneys looking for an opportunity to ENGAGE, LEARN, CONNECT and GROW!
The theme of the 2017 Annual Meeting is "Connecting for Results". Participating in this year's annual meeting will provide an opportunity to ENGAGE through presentations from the world's foremost authorities on the legal landscape, the Supreme Court, foreign affairs, politics and so much more. You will LEARN about developing legal topics while earning up to 12.0 hours of CLE credit, including up to 3.0 hours of ethics credit. You will also have the chance to CONNECT with more than 1,000 DRI members from across the country in DRI's hometown. And more importantly, you will have opportunities to join substantive law committees and get more involved in DRI which will allow you to GROW personally and professionally.
Some of the headliners for the 2017 Annual Meeting include:
Eric H. Holder, Jr., Former U.S. Attorney General, will provide an analysis of the State of the Legal Profession including many important issues arising from the intersection of law and public policy.
Jeffrey R. Toobin, Senior Legal Analyst, CNN Worldwide, Staff Writer at the New Yorker, Author who will provide an insightful and compelling look at the changes and makeup of the new Supreme Court.
John O. Brennan, Former Director of the CIA, will provide a look at National Security and Foreign Affairs.
Richard W. Painter, S. Walter Richey Professor of Corporate Law, University of Minnesota Law School, will take a look at the need for ethics and lobbying reform stemming from the level of trust we place in our elected officials.
Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune and Sonja R. West, Associate Professor of Law, University of Georgia School of Law will speak on a panel moderated by Katie S. Phang, Berger Singerman LLP, Legal Contributor for NBC News/MSNBC. The panel will discuss the media's role in informing the American public and the importance the medial plays in a healthy democracy. (Please note this is a ticketed event.)
There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to get together with your friends and colleagues at the networking events. The highlight of the events will be the Thursday night reception at The Field Museum where you can see a dinosaur skeleton, explore ancient Egypt, examine the complexities of our own DNA, and explore the many wonders of the world that we live in.
As a past attendee, you know that the Annual Meeting is the most anticipated DRI event; this year is no different. We promise that you will make new contacts, connect with old friends, strengthen existing relationships, and grow personally and professionally. Check out the video for more detailed information (Hit Ctrl and click on the video).
See you in Chicagoland!
Emily Motto
Young Lawyers Happy Hour
May 4, 2017
The Young Lawyers Committee of the Nebraska Defense Counsel Association and the Young Lawyers Committee of the Defense Research Institute will host a happy hour, sponsored by ESI, next week. This event will be held immediately before NDCA's hosted social hour that is taking place in conjunction with the DRI Mid-Region Meeting.
We encourage firms to send their young lawyers to this great event even if your young lawyers are not currently members of NDCA or DRI. It will be a great opportunity to learn about NDCA, DRI, meet other young lawyers, meet NDCA Board Members, and meet other DRI members who will be in town for the mid-region meeting. Details:
YOUNG LAWYERS HAPPY HOUR
Upstream Brewing Company
Old Market: 514 South 11th Street, Omaha
Sponsored by: ESI (Engineering Systems, Inc.)
Thursday, May 11, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The NDCA Hosted Social Hour will be held from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the same location.
As mentioned above, ESI has graciously offered to sponsor the Young Lawyers Happy Hour and will have some information as to the consulting services they offer.
Please let us know if you will be able to make it!
Best,
Emily Motto and Nic Norton
NDCA Young Lawyer Members
DRI Young Lawyer Liaisons
Emotto@baylorevnen.com
nnorton@jacobsenorr.com
NDCA Hosted Social Hour at the Upstream Brewing Company in the Old Market
May 4, 2017
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Upstream Brewing Company, in the Old Market District, located at 514 South 11th Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102.
DRI's 2017 Mid-Region Meeting will be held in Omaha this year. NDCA's Executive Board has been invited to attend the Meeting. We are happy to announce that we will be hosting a social event at the Upstream that on Thursday evening allowing the NDCA to invite more guests. Please contact our Executive Director, Nicole Day if you are interested in attending.
NDCA's 2017 Annual Meeting
March 17, 2017
SAVE the DATE!
NDCA's ANNUAL MEETING
Friday, June 2, 2017
Location: Nebraska Innovation Campus, on 2021 Transformation Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Presenters will include:
Nationally acclaimed Reptile strategist, Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D., of Courtroom Sciences, Inc., who will be presenting concrete ways and strategies to combat reptilian tactics in the courtroom. Now that you know what it is, you need to know how to deal with it. Bill's presentation will be geared toward just that.
and
John G. Browning, Esq. of Passman & Jones in Dallas, Texas, expert in ethics and social media, Author of The Lawyer's Guide to Social Networking: Understanding Social Media's Impact on the Law (Thomson Reuters/West Publishing 2010), will be presenting on how Facebook,Twitter and Instagram affect the legal system.As a veteran litigator and leading expert in law and social media, Lawyers in virtually all areas of the practice of law welcome his advice.
Click here for more details.
We look forward to seeing you at this event!
NDCA Website to be upgraded soon
January 24, 2017
Nicole Day and Rob Futhey are working on a newly formed committee to complete the NDCA's website upgrade and re-branding efforts. Please join us if you are interested in this project. We will be providing more details soon!
DRI 2017 Mid-Region Meeting - Omaha
January 24, 2017
Nebraska will be the host state for the DRI's 2017 Mid-Region Meeting. We will have more details about specific events soon.