Awards

The Nebraska State Bar Association and Volunteer Lawyers Project bestow annual awards to volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding pro bono efforts to Nebraska Lawyers Foundation programs and the community. Awards presented are the Robert M. Spire Award, the Visionary Awards, and the Rise Awards. The 2025 Award winners are pictured below. Click on the award names to learn more about each award and its recipient(s).

2025 robert m. spire award winner

DAve Ernst, Omaha

Nebraska State Bar Association
​2025 Visionary Award winners

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Leah J. Gleason, shelton​
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Kala M. Mueller, lincoln
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Erin K. Artz,
​Omaha

Nebraska State Bar Association
2024 Rise Award winners

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Cassandra Kostal, 
​University of Nebraska College of Law
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Kathryn Matthews, 
​Creighton University School of Law

Contact us

Lawyers/Legal Professionals: (402) 986-6501, press 1
Public information*: (402) 986-6501, press 3
​*The Volunteer Lawyers Project has a small staff. We do not respond to or accept incoming calls, email, fax or mail requests from individuals seeking pro bono legal assistance. Visit the Resources page on this website or call (402) 986-6501 for a recorded message about services available through the Volunteer Lawyers Project or that may be available from Legal Aid and other legal service providers in your area. VLP staff is not onsite to meet with walk-in visitors at the office.

​ Nebraska State Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project Grievance Policy.