Zeide's article accepted by UMKC Law Review
09 Jan 2023
Assistant Professor Elana Zeide's article, "The Silicon Ceiling: How Artificial Intelligence Constructs an Invisible Barrier to Opportunity" has been accepted for publication by The University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) Law Review. In the article, Zeide examines artificial intelligence, algorithms, automation and platform intermediation in education and employment.
Read the abstract below:
Algorithmic assessments increasingly shape individuals’ success in education and employment. Schools, recruiters, and companies now rely on automated platforms and analytics services to sort through an overwhelming number of options. Similar technologies help students and workers find opportunities to pursue. The “opportunity brokers” who provide these tools not only vet applicants, but also personalize advertisements, curate user-facing recommendations, and identify potential candidates to recruit or promote.
Because algorithms rely on data reflecting historical bias and inequality, artificial intelligence can retrench existing patterns of inequity. Automated systems compound this disadvantage as a few dominant companies draw on the same data and apply similar criteria. Further, the scale and pressures of the platform economy encourage both organizations and opportunity seekers to prioritize options with the highest probability of success. This leads to less diverse outcomes across industries and over time, constructing an imperceptible, but systemic, barrier to opportunity that I call the Silicon Ceiling.
Like the glass ceiling, the Silicon Ceiling undermines traditional regulatory regimes focused on discrete decisions and ex post remediation/fair scores and procedural guarantees. Algorithmic intermediation occurs out of view as targeted advertising, personalized recommendations, and passive recruiting shape the candidate pool well before formal decision making. As a result, the automated opportunity system precludes, rather than denies, access to opportunity. Most people will not know the details of the decisions, the entities making them, or that they have even been evaluated. It is not just that the “black box” of algorithmic opacity obscures inflection points; the barrier itself is invisible. These paradigmatic shifts call for new conceptualizations of harm and structural reforms to shatter the Silicon Ceiling.
Grob, '07, selected as president at McGrath North
04 Jan 2023
McGrath North has selected Jonathan L. Grob, '07, to serve as the new president of the firm. Roger W. Wells, who has served as the firm’s leader since 2010, will transition to the role of chairman and continue his full-time business law practice for key firm clients.
"This selection is part of our ongoing transformation to transition firm leadership to our next generation of outstanding lawyers," Wells said. "We have also added new members to our Board, new practice group leaders and new chairs of key firm committees all as part of this carefully planned process. This succession strategy has also intentionally advanced our genuine commitment to diversity, apparent in additions to our Board, practice group leadership and committees."
Grob has served on the Board of Directors as executive vice president of the firm, as leader of the firm’s top-rated Tax, Trusts and Estate practice group and on various firm committees and project teams. In this new role, he will continue his full-time practice and commitment to the clients he supports and serves. Grob is highly recognized by key national professional rating services for his excellence in all aspects of the tax, trusts and estate planning fields, is a fellow in the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel, a former adjunct professor at Creighton University School of Law and a frequent lecturer on tax, estate planning and other topics.
"I am humbled, and at the same time, very excited to assume leadership of our firm, joined by our strong team of fellow leaders spread across all of our practice areas,” Grob said. "At McGrath North, we focus first and always on supporting our clients’ success, serving them with excellence, creativity, integrity and respect. And to do this, our firm management is firmly committed to continue building a talented, experienced and diverse team of professionals and to support them so they succeed both professionally and personally."
Finger, '16, made shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
04 Jan 2023
Craig Finger, '16, has been promoted to shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck effective Jan. 1, 2023. Brownstein is a Denver-based law and lobbying firm with practice areas in corporate and business law, energy and natural resources, intellectual property and real estate.
A member of the firm’s Litigation Department, Finger’s practice encompasses the intricate world of commercial litigation with a particular expertise in navigating highly complex and emerging legal issues. He has extensive experience advising on and litigating issues related to the constantly evolving legal cannabis industry. Finger brings the required high-level analytical skills to navigate novel and complex legal questions in a variety of practice areas, including employment, class actions, securities, general contracts, breach of fiduciary duty and other business torts, consumer protection, cannabis, administrative law and government investigations. In addition to his commercial litigation work, he is skilled in helping businesses resolve pre-litigation disputes.
Professor Eric Berger narrates course on U.S. Constitution
03 Jan 2023
Professor Eric Berger has recorded 24 video lectures for a course entitled “The U.S. Constitution Through History," released in fall 2022 by Wondrium (formerly known as The Great Courses). This is Berger’s second Wondrium course about constitutional law. Throughout the course, Professor Berger discusses the U.S. Constitution from the time of its conception through 230 years of social and political change.
“The history of the Constitution is a history of the ideas that define our country and our national identity,” Berger said.
The Earl Dunlap Distinguished Professor of Law, Professor Berger's scholarship focuses on constitutional law. Much of his work explores judicial decision making in constitutional cases, with special attention to deference, fact finding, rhetorical strategies and other under-theorized factors that help shape judicial opinions in constitutional cases.
Alice Kang on reimagining the judiciary
16 Dec 2022
Political Scientist Dr. Alice Kang recently received the C. Herman Pritchett Book Award from the American Political Science Association for her latest work, “Reimagining the Judiciary: Women's Representation on High Courts Worldwide.”
Along with her co-authors, Kang has been instrumental in creating the first international database of when and how women are elevated to high courts. A grant from the National Science Foundation made this work possible. The findings show that women often were appointed to high court when a country was being influenced by the changing norms of nearby countries. The database covers judicial appointments of women to courts equivalent to the U.S. Supreme Court in both developing and stable democracies. Kang’s study is one of the first to apply an international lens to research on judicial appointments of women, she explained in a conversation with University Communication last year.
Kang shared her findings with legal professionals this fall in a discussion facilitated by the College of Law’s Women’s Leadership Initiative. Kang said it was helpful talking to members of the Nebraska community about their experiences.
“It was really nice to be able to talk with people in the state about their observations and analyses of what encourages diversification of the judiciary, because it is still predominantly male and white,” she said.
Having women in the judiciary is important for several reasons, Kang said.
“Beyond just the question of fairness, it's really important to think about the composition of decision-making bodies and whether they reflect all of the different life experiences and perspectives that exist in that society,” she said.
Kang said one of the main takeaways from the discussion revolved around networks, which often lead to encouragement from trusted colleagues or mentors. These networks, she said, tend to be gendered and racialized, which means some individuals get a helping hand while others don’t.
“Something that can be really powerful for people in Nebraska who are senior members of the legal profession or judicial profession is to consciously think about who you're nudging or encouraging to apply for vacancies,” she said. “In our estimation, it really matters what the people at the highest ranks do.”
Kang and her co-authors agree that it’s important to keep diversifying who goes to law school and practices, but they also believe that the lack of diversity shouldn’t be used as an excuse as to why there can't be gender parity now.
“We don’t need to wait for more people to enter the pipeline, there’s already a sufficient number,” Kang said. “It’s just a matter of whether they are being selected.”
Now, Kang said she is working on plans to update and maintain the database. Additionally, she said she hopes to study the intersection of race and sex in the judiciary.
Maria C. Escobar-Lemmon of Texas A&M and Valerie Hoekstra and Miki Caul Kittilson of Arizona State University co-authored “Reimagining the Judiciary: Women's Representation on High Courts Worldwide.”
Kathurima, '19, selected for Top 40 Under 40 Black Lawyers in Nebraska
13 Dec 2022
Joy Kathurima, '19, of Hightower Reff Law in Omaha has been selected for inclusion into the Top 40 Under 40 Black Lawyers in the state of Nebraska by The National Black Lawyers.
This honor is given to only the top 40 under 40 African American lawyers in each state or region with reputations for providing excellent legal representation in their respective practice areas. Membership into The National Black Lawyers is by invitation only and is based on current member referrals and independent research.
The National Black Lawyers is a professional organization that celebrates legal excellence and promotes attorneys as subject matter experts, facilitates the exchange of timely
information to enable members to maintain their status as leaders and represents a strong national network of top African American attorneys.
Blankley, Mueller, Mason selected for AALS Pro Bono Honor Roll
12 Dec 2022
Professor Kristen Blankley, Director of Public Interest Programs Kala Mueller and Jordan Mason, ’23, were recently selected for the Inaugural Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Pro Bono Honor Roll. The AALS Pro Bono Honor Roll acknowledges and highlights the exceptional work of individuals engaging in, expanding and/or supporting their law school community in providing pro bono legal services.
For the purposes of this award, pro bono is defined as work that is primarily legal in nature, supervised by a licensed attorney (for law students), not for pay or academic credit and of service to underserved individuals, groups, or those with barriers to access to justice. Each recipient was nominated for their unique contributions to their community.
Professor Blankley focuses her pro bono work on online mediation services that reach underserved populations in rural Nebraska. She can mediate more than fifty cases per year, reaching more than one hundred parties. Many of her cases involve helping parents resolve difficult issues, including parenting across great distances, involvement of other family members in the lives of the children and tax issues complicated by the Advanced Child Tax Credit Payment program. She is one of 49 faculty members on the Honor Roll.
Kala Mueller has led several efforts to develop public interest and pro bono-related opportunities. She leads the administration of the Nebraska Public Interest Law Fund, which provides a limited number of stipends to Nebraska Law students who secure unpaid summer positions that serve the public interest. She led the development of Nebraska Law’s Pro Bono Research Fellows Program, a free service for attorneys in need of research assistance on pro bono legal matters. As a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association’s Pro Bono Collaborative, she works with others to develop ways to increase access to justice in Nebraska and supports the Volunteer Lawyers Project. Kala is a member of the Midwest Innocence Project board of directors and president of their Nebraska Regional Advisory Council. She is one of 41 staff members on the Honor Roll.
Jordan Mason, a third-year student, worked for the Immigration Legal Services Team at Lutheran Family Services as a Nebraska Public Interest Law Fund Fellow in 2021. The legal team helps the immigrant, refugee and asylee communities with a wide variety of immigration needs, from filing petitions to applying for asylum. In her role, she compiled evidentiary support for immigration forms, drafted immigration petitions and communicated with clients. She continued this work in a pro bono capacity after her time as a fellow. Additionally, she did pro bono work for the Wills for Heroes Program and the Advance Directive Clinic Project last summer. “I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to learn about estate planning and draft actual estate documents for people in need,” Mason said. She is one of 51 students on the Honor Roll.
Learn more about Nebraska College of Law’s Pro Bono Initiative here.
McGrath, ’87, among first cohort of attorneys who are transgender admitted to U.S. Supreme Court Bar
06 Dec 2022
Nebraska Law alumna Jessie Lee Ann McGrath, ’87, is among a cohort of ten members of the National Trans Bar Association (“NTBA”) to be admitted to practice before the nation’s highest court. They are the first-ever cohort to do so.
The NTBA group spans the entire gamut of legal practitioners, from a senior prosecutor from California to a partner in a big law firm, to civil rights attorneys, private practitioners and those working in public advocacy work. "We put together this group wanting to showcase to the Court the spectrum of legal talent that happens to be transgender," said Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, Co-Chair of the NTBA. "The message this will deliver is that attorneys who are transgender are just like every other group of attorneys: talented, dedicated and working for clients across the nation," Cameron-Vaughn said.
The idea for the ceremony arose in October of 2019 during oral arguments in the seminal civil rights case, R.G. Harris Funeral Homes v. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, when Justice Neil Gorsuch suggested that banning employment discrimination against individuals who are transgender would lead to "massive social upheaval."
Kristen Browde, Co-Chair of the NTBA, who attended the oral argument in person, was surprised when it appeared that the Court was unaware that there were at least a half dozen out transgender attorneys in the courtroom, including two—Chase Strangio and Gabriel Arkles—who were part of the team of ACLU attorneys arguing the case.
The Supreme Court admission ceremony was initially planned to take place two years ago, but due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NTBA opted to delay the ceremony so that the group could be presented to the full Supreme Court bench.
"It is vital that we demonstrate to this group of justices, and to the nation, that one's gender and presentation in no way affects the abilities or performance of that individual," said Browde, "And, particularly for those justices who have expressed views hostile to people who are transgender, I think it is important to show that we are fully prepared to continue the battle for equality at all levels of the law. Without equality there can be no justice."
The ten attorneys admitted as part of the Supreme Court ceremony were:
- Rook Elizabeth Ringer, a private practitioner from Florida,
- Jessie Lee Ann McGrath, ’87, a senior Assistant District Attorney in California
- Harper Jean Tobin, a public policy attorney and consultant from the District of Columbia
- Ames Barton Simmons, a public policy attorney from Georgia
- Zsea Ofure Bowmani, a professor of law from Illinois
- Sandy Evan James, a public policy attorney from Maryland
- Carl Solomon Charles, a public policy attorney from New York
- Alexander Luo Chen, a law professor from Massachusetts
- Gene Michael Wissinger, a partner at a New York law firm
- James Christopher Knapp, a private practitioner from Ohio
The National Trans Bar Association (“NTBA”) is a national bar association of transgender and gender nonconforming legal professionals, law school students and allies dedicated to transgender equality. The National Trans Bar Association’s core mission is to support transgender and gender nonconforming people in the legal profession and to increase the community’s access to affordable and culturally competent legal services. They also strive to secure formal legal protections for transgender and gender nonconforming people to meaningfully address issues of equity.
Shavers, '09, nominated for NY Emmy
17 Nov 2022
New 42 Chief of Staff Amber Shavers, '09, was recently nominated for a New York Emmy Award for her work as a producer on “Let’s Get This Show on the Street,” a special event aired by The WNET Group. The program was nominated on August 12, 2022 in the Special Event Coverage- Edited category. Amber is the daughter Anna W. Shavers, former Cline Williams Professor of Citizenship Law and associate dean for diversity and inclusion in the College of Law.
Through the NY Emmys, the New York Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences looks to recognize talent and ability in creation, performance and composition of works that improve the quality of television. On October 6, the NY Emmy for Special Event Coverage- Edited was awarded to “On Stage Presents Broadway’s Revival” from Spectrum News NY1 and “Tunnel to Towers - 20 Years of Helping Others” from WNYW-TV.
Additionally named in the nomination for “Let’s Get This Show on the Street” were Diane Masciale, Co-Executive in Charge; Neal Shapiro, Co-Executive in Charge; Kristy Geslain, Executive Producer; James King, Artistic Director; Joe Harrell, Executive Producer; Anna Campbell, Producer; Josh Broome, Re-Recording Mixer; Mary Ann Toman, Editor; Russell Granet, President & CEO; Elizabeth Cashour, Producer; Lauren Fitzgerald, Producer; Dave Upton, Producer.
Read our Q&A with Amber Shavers below.
What did this nomination mean to you and your team at New 42?
This nomination was an incredible honor and unexpected. It felt very special to be recognized in this way. When we were producing the event the idea of receiving any kind of nomination or award never crossed our minds. The event was challenging to produce since we were one of the first major outdoor events in Times Square "post"-Covid. But we were truly committed to closing down 42nd street to support arts education and honor all of the arts education teachers who worked incredibly hard during the pandemic.
How does your time at Nebraska Law inform the work you’re currently doing?
I always tell people that my time at Nebraska Law was invaluable. One of the main things that I gained was a true belief that I could meet any challenge and find the information I need to know. For example, on my first day of Trial Ad I found out the final would be doing a trial in front of a jury. I remember thinking that this should be interesting since I didn't know the first thing about how that was going to work. It ended up being one of my favorite classes and I felt a real sense of growth. In the entertainment world, there are lots of moving parts and critical projects that can get thrown your way. Yet, in large part because of my time at Nebraska Law, I know that if I don't have the answer or a plan initially, I'll be able to figure it out.
What’s next for you and New 42?
I am enjoying my current role and I'm thrilled that our theater and studios are back open. I am proud to be a part of such a dynamic and creative community right in the middle of Times Square. I feel a special connection to NYC and I remain passionately committed to being a proponent of the arts. NYC is open and I invite everyone to come and enjoy the city and catch a show - whether it's for a return visit or the very first time!
Reed, '24, selected for 2022 Diverse Student ADR Summit
16 Nov 2022
Tony Reed, '24, was recently selected by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) to attend the 2022 Diverse Student Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Summit.
The program, launched in 2019, introduces ADR to students and provides an in-depth understanding of what it takes to become a successful arbitrator and/or mediator. The summit lasts a day and a half and features experienced ADR professionals and litigators from a variety of backgrounds. Attendees learn the importance of networking, connecting with mentors, gaining relevant experience and building a good reputation in the field.
Reed traveled to New York, New York to attend the summit on November 12 and 13. He was encouraged by Professor Kristen Blankely to apply and was one of 20 candidates selected from a large pool of applicants.
“One of the best parts was meeting law students from across the country,” he said. He said the experience was educational and the AAA offered guidance to those who wish to pursue dispute resolution in the future. Reed is currently working on completing a program of concentrated study, focusing on institutional equity and compliance in higher education.
Professor Justin Firestone Presents at USAF Academy Webinar
15 Nov 2022
Professor Justin Firestone, Assistant Professor of Practice in the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and faculty at the Nebraska Governance and Technology Center, presented at the first Law, Technology, and Warfare Research Cell Cyber Law Webinar on October 19th, 2022. This bi-weekly webinar series, hosted by the U.S. Air Force Academy, focuses on current developments in cybersecurity and law.
With an interdisciplinary research background which focuses on the intersection of computer science, synthetic biology, and regulatory frameworks, Dr. Firestone gave an engaging presentation centered on examining Section 230 and the Communications Decency Act, with an emphasis on the developing legislation Netchoice v. Paxton.
The PDF of the 5th Circuit’s opinion can be found here: https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/21/21-51178-CV1.pdf
Professor Frans von der Dunk Presents at University of Arizona Conference on Space Law and Policy
11 Nov 2022
Professor Frans von der Dunk recently presented at "The Future is Now: Issues in Space Law and Policy" hosted by the University of Arizona on October 12, 2022 in Washington D.C. The event covered topics ranging from the Outer Space Treaty and property rights to resources, responsible stewardship of the Moon, the crowding of low earth orbit, and national security.
Professor von der Dunk was featured on the first panel on the Outer Space Treaty and Property rights, moderated by Stephen Fleming, Strategic Partnerships and Innovation, Center for Quantum Networks. Also featured on the panel was John Reed, Chief Rocket Scientist, United Lauch Alliance, and Laura Montgomery, Catholic University Columbus School of Law. Von der Dunk discussed the importance of Article II of the Outer Space Treaty and what it means for space mining: recognizing that outer space is a global commons, which entitles all states and the private sector to use resources for their own benefit within the bounds of international law. Additionally, the panel focused on developments in different countries' domestic laws, including the 2015 U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, the 2017 Luxembourg Law on the Exploration and Use of Space Resources, the 2019 UAE Law on the Regulation of the Space Sector, the 2021 Japanese Space Resources Act, and the Artemis Accords.
Stohs selected for Faculty Leadership Program
09 Nov 2022
Associate Professor Brett Stohs is one of 19 University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty members selected by the Executive Vice Chancellor’s Office for the 2022-23 cohort of the Faculty Leadership in Academia: From Inspiration to Reality (FLAIR) program.
This program provides professional development for University faculty who are either considering a leadership role or are in their first leadership position and considering continuing on a leadership path. Participants will focus on learning about and preparing for potential leadership opportunities in campus administration, faculty governance, professional studies, research and academics. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions featuring university faculty in leadership roles both inside and outside the traditional academic leadership structure.
Stohs is the clinical associate professor of law and the Cline Williams director of the Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic. Since the clinic opened in 2013, Professor Stohs has been pursuing research interests in the application of mind-mapping software to clinical legal education. His particular interests relate to using mind-mapping techniques to optimize client assignments to student participants in a live-client clinic.
Professor Beard Speaks on Russian Act of Aggression Against Ukraine at International Law Weekend
07 Nov 2022
Professor Jack Beard served on a panel of experts discussing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the crime of aggression at the Annual International Law Weekend of the American Branch of the International Law Association (ABILA) in New York City. The conference, held annually, features the world's leading international lawyers and diplomats. The theme for the 2022 International Law Weekend was The Next 100 Years of International Law, celebrating ABILA's centennial anniversary and reflecting on the past and future of international law.
Professor Beard spoke during the panel on "Prosecuting the Crime of Aggression: Russia and Beyond in light of Russia's violation of the U.N. Charter." The panel discussed possibilities for prosecuting Russian military and civilian leaders for the crime of aggression. Along with specific models for doing so, the panel considered the limited jurisdictional regime that currently exists for the International Criminal Court, the geopolitical risks of the international system failing to pursue responsibility for the crime of aggression, and the enforcement of Article 2(4) of the U.N. Charter. The ABILA Committee on the Use of Force, which Professor Beard chairs, sponsored the panel.
Students Attend Women in Aerospace Awards Banquet
04 Nov 2022
Students Jill Sloan (LLM '23) and Matias Cava (JD '24) were able to attend the 37th Women in Aerospace Awards banquet in Washington D.C. on October 13th, along with the program's Associate and Executive Directors. The event, which took place before Nebraska's Annual Space Law Fall Conference, showcases the accomplishments of educators, scientists, engineers, and other women making important contributions in the aerospace community. The Women in Aerospace Awards Dinner and Ceremony is an annual event celebrating women's professional excellence in the aerospace industry and is attended by industry and government leaders. Women in Aerospace is an organization dedicated to expanding women's opportunities for leadership and showcasing the accomplishments of women in the industry. The Space, Cyber, and Telecom Law Program received a NASA Nebraska educational grant, which helped to fund student travel to the Annual Conference and attendance at this prestigious event.
Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Students Visit NASA HQ
03 Nov 2022
Every year, the Nebraska Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Program provides student travel awards to attend our Fall Space Law Conference in Washington D.C. This year, thanks to coordination with David Lopez, and international law attorney at NASA Headquarters, students had the opportunity to spend afternoon hearing from lawyers in different practice sessions and tour the Space Operations Center.
The sessions included presentations from lawyers in different practice groups, including Margaret Roberts from the Commercial Law Practice Group, Tom McMurry and Sumara M. Thompson-king, who are the NASA General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel, Victoria Kauffman from the Contracts and Acquisition Integrity Practice Group, Brian Wessel from the Internationonal Law Practice Group, and Dave Barrett from the General Law Practice Group. Additionally, students received a tour of the Space Operations Center from Kevin Metrocavage, who has been a part of the ISS program since its assembly and was previously at NASA Johnson Mission Control. Students learned a lot, and the Program here at Nebraska greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet professionals, ask questions, and make connections.
Space, Cyber, and Telecom Law Students Tour US Capitol
03 Nov 2022
Six students had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. with the Nebraska Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Program for the Annual Space Law Fall Conference in October. While in DC for the conference, LLM and JD students also had the opportunity to tour the US Capitol. The tour was provided through Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer's office and guided by an interning staff member. The tour included vieiwings and interesting information about the Capitol Rotunda, the Old Supreme Court Chambers, the Old Senate Chamber, National Statutory Hall, Emancipation Hall, and the Crypt beneath the Rotunda.
Schaefer Shares International Trade Expertise at National and International Conferences
02 Nov 2022
Schaefer co-organized, with Professor Richard Steinberg of UCLA Law School, an American Branch of International Law Association International Law Weekend trade law panel in New York City on October 21, 2022 titled, “The International Trade Regime’s Foundations in an Era of Increased Geopolitical Conflict.” Professor Schaefer also moderated the panel; speakers included Professor Steinberg, Professor Kathleen Claussen of University of Miami Law School, Kelly Ann Shaw, Partner at Hogan Lovells, and Professor Sergio Puig of University of Arizona Law School.
Professor Schaefer also participated in two small roundtable discussions on trade sanctions and supply chains along with lawyers from Brazil, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Australia at the International Bar Association’s Annual Conference in Miami on October 31, 2022.
Professor Schaefer also was a speaker on the legal and regulatory panel at Morrison Foerster Law Firm’s (NYC) Sovereign Investor Conference on October 18, 2022 along with Thomas Ayres, Chief Legal Officer, Voyager Space, Karina Drees, President of the Commercial Space Flight Federation, and Emily Pierce, Attorney-Advisor, US State Department.
Professor Schaefer also served as a discussant at the August 15, 2022 online “Four Societies” conference on – a joint conference of the American Society of International Law, the Canadian Council of International Law, the Australia-New Zealand Society of International Law and the Japan Society of International Law. Professor Schaefer will serve as a discussant again at the ASIL Research Forum meeting on Nov. 12, 2022.
Schaefer is the Clayton Yeutter chair at the University of Nebraska College of Law and Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance. He previously served as the Veronica A. Haggart and Charles R. Work Professor of International Trade Law and the Founding Director of the Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law Program.
Elsbeth Magilton and Frans von der Dunk Present at International Astronautical Congress Conference in Paris
26 Oct 2022
Executive Director, Elsbeth Magilton, and Professor Frans von der Dunk both prepared papers for presentation during the International Astronautical Congress Conference in Paris. Held in September 2022, the conference brings together global space players to encourage the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes, with more than 80 countries represented.
Elsbeth Magilton presented her paper “Science and Strength: The History of the Relationship Between Civil and Military Space Organizations in the United States” during the IAA History of Astronautics Symposium. Her work, supported by 2L student and research assistant, Grant Jones, covered the historical relationships between the US military and commercial space businesses.
At the same Symposium, alum Nathan Johnson (LL.M. ’15) presented on Andrew G. Haley, the first practicing space lawyer who helped found the International Astronautical Federal, the International Institute of Space Law, and the International Astronautical Association.
Professor Frans von der Dunk, in addition to receiving the IAA Social Science Book Award on behalf of Irmgard Marboe, also presented during the IISL Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space. He presented his paper “What’s In A Name? – Legal aspects of ‘safety zones’ on celestial bodies and elsewhere in outer space.”
Alumni and former faculty honored with 2022 NSBA Public Service Awards
25 Oct 2022
Three Nebraska Law alumni and a former faculty member were recently honored with 2022 Nebraska State Bar Association (NSBA) Public Service Awards.
The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award was presented to Lily Amare, '15. Amare is a partner at Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather where she practices in the areas of labor and employment, school law, employment litigation, and business litigation. This award is presented to a member of the NSBA Young Lawyers Section who has made exemplary contributions to the community and to public service; who has actively participated in state and local bar activities; and who stands out in the areas of professional knowledge, skill, integrity, and courtesy. In the legal community, Amare has been an active and involved member in Robert Van Pelt American Inns of Court since 2017 and has served as the Secretary/Treasurer since 2018. She has served as a Representative for District 3 for the NSBA Young Lawyers Section’s Executive Council. She also serves on the UNL College of Law Dean’s Advisory Board and serves as an adjunct faculty lecturer and teaches pretrial litigation at the UNL College of Law. Amare has been a member of Lincoln Literacy since 2017 and has served on the Board of Directors for HopeSpoke since 2019. (Top left)
The President’s Professional Award was presented to Thomas M. Maul, ’80, of Columbus. This award is presented to an NSBA member who exemplifies the attributes of the true professional; whose conduct is always consistent with the highest standards of practice; and who displays appropriate courtesy and respect of the public, clients, fellow attorneys, and the justice system. Maul is recognized for 42 years of exemplary service to our legal community. He has served on the NSBA Young Lawyers Section, the Nebraska State Bar Commission, the NSBA Legislation Committee, the NSBA Executive Council and as President of the Association. At the local level, he has represented his district on numerous Judicial Nominating Commissions, the Committee on Inquiry, and served as President and Secretary/Treasurer for the Platte County Bar Association. Maul has been recognized as a leader in promoting rural practice in underserved areas of our state through his involvement in the Rural Law Opportunities Program (RLOP) and nationally through his service on the Legal Services Corporation’s Rural Judicial Task Force. He is an estate planning lawyer and has actively supported his colleagues and the practice through his involvement in the Real Estate Probate and Trust Section and through his service on the Nebraska Supreme Court Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships. (Top right)
The George H. Turner Award is presented to Matthew Munderloh, ’03, an attorney with Johnson & Mock, PC, LLO, where he has a general litigation practice that includes criminal defense, civil rights and constitutional litigation, and a variety of other civil disputes in state and federal courts. He also serves as city attorney for several Nebraska municipalities. This award is presented to a member of the NSBA who has demonstrated unusual efforts in furthering the public understanding of the legal system, the administration of justice, and confidence in the legal profession. Munderloh was selected due to his steadfast service to the public as counsel to individuals and Nebraska communities, including for his successful appeal (accepting only minimal compensation and assisted by ACLU of Nebraska) to the Nebraska Supreme Court in In Re Adoption of Yasmin S., which overturned a lower-court decision that held a same-sex married couple could not adopt a child in Nebraska. Munderloh’s work to help ensure the rights of all Nebraskans strengthens public confidence in the legal profession. (Bottom left)
The Outstanding Contributor to Women in the Law Award was presented to former Nebraska College of Law Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, Anna Williams Shavers (posthumously). This award is presented to a member of the NSBA Women and the Law Section to recognize the lifetime accomplishments of an individual who directly contributed to the active integration and participation of women in the Nebraska system of justice. Dean Shavers was tireless in her mentorship and advocacy for students—especially students of color and young women individually—and as faculty advisor to the Multi-Cultural Legal Society, Black Law Student Association and Muslim Law Student Association. Dean Shavers was a strong advocate for inclusion, dedicating much of her distinguished career to making sure everyone felt valued and supported. She led the University of Nebraska College of Law’s efforts to promote an inclusive community through sponsoring numerous speakers and faculty workshops on inclusive pedagogy and implicit bias. (Bottom right)