The Nebraska County Attorney’s Association (NECAA) named Professor Steve Schmidt as the 2024 Nebraska Prosecutor of the Year during their Criminal Justice Spring Conference.
The NECAA annually recognizes a prosecutor who demonstrates exceptional skill, dedication and performance in their role protecting the safety and rights of the citizens of Nebraska. The award often recognizes an individual or team for outstanding achievements on a difficult case.
During the 2024 ceremony, NECAA Director Daniel J. Zieg, ’11, shared, “This year, the award represents something different and more valuable. This year, the award recognizes and honors an individual who has spent a lifetime advancing the profession. Steve’s work has served not just county attorney offices, but all Nebraska citizens by guaranteeing that those who break the law will be held accountable by a prosecutor who was trained under Steve’s watchful eye.”
Professor Schmidt has retired from the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office and the College of Law’s Criminal Clinic. During his 17 years at Nebraska Law, Professor Schmidt led more than 300 students in the Criminal Clinic.
As part of the celebration, several former students shared memories and stories from their time in the Criminal Clinic, including Stacy Foust, ’07, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General. She said, “The practical knowledge and skills that I gained through that clinic and through [Steve’s] leadership made for the best learning experience I had during law school. [Steve’s] down-to-earth personality made us feel at ease and, while we learned a lot, [he] also made it fun being part of clinic.”
Professor Schmidt will continue to teach Trial Advocacy on a part-time basis and coach Nebraska Law’s national trial team.