Rise Awards
The Nebraska State Bar Association Rise Award is presented to law students from each Nebraska based law school for their exemplary dedication to, and contributions in support of, programs sponsored by the Nebraska Lawyers Foundation throughout their law school career. The 2023 Rise Award winners are Ivy Lutz and Katelyn Swaney. Their bios can be read below. Past Rise Award winners are listed at the bottom of the page.
Ivy Lutz, University of Nebraska College of Law
Ivy began her work with VLP and the Tenant’s Assistance Project in March 2021 as a volunteer observing court hearings, recording outcomes, alerting volunteers when cases were called, and greeting tenants when they arrived at the courthouse. Soon thereafter, Ivy was hired as a law clerk by the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights where she assisted with the coordination of rental assistance, as well as contributed to the creation of eviction defense packets used by TAP volunteers. In May of 2022, Ivy took over coordinating the outreach component of TAP, wherein volunteers visit the homes of families being evicted to notify them of their hearing and of the resources available to them at the courthouse. As a senior certified law student, Ivy provided direct legal representation to tenant families in need. Ivy entered her appearance in over 50 eviction hearings during the summer term in Clinic, diligently working to achieve just results for her clients in every matter. In the fall of 2022, Ivy was invited to serve as a teaching assistance in the newly-created Housing Justice Clinic wherein she continued to support VLP and TAP.
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Katelyn Swaney, Creighton University School of Law
Katelyn is a 3L student committed to helping people understand the law and legal processes affecting their lives. She has a passion for people and advocating for equal access to justice and legislative reform. She served the residents of Douglas County of limited means through her enrollment in the Milton R. Abrahams Legal Clinic in the Fall of 2022 and Spring of 2023, representing clients in domestic abuse, family law, landlord/tenant, and simple estate planning cases. During the fall semester, she significantly exceeded the number of hours required to earn her clinic credits and always presented and performed professionally. Katelyn’s devotion to public service extends to her volunteer work, coursework, and paid legal work. She has worked for the Tenant Assistance Project (TAP) since October 2021 and also served TAP through the Abrahams Legal Clinic, preparing Eviction Defense Packets and facilitating individuals at court during eviction proceedings. In addition, she has volunteered with Sarpy County Teen Court as a Judge from May 2021 to the present. She also interned for Project Harmony, conducting legal research on child trafficking and consent laws, creating informational pamphlets for victims and families, and tracking legislative bills related to Child Advocacy Center matters.
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Past Rise Award Winners
2022 Rachel Tomlinson Dick
Alan Dugger
Margaret "Maggie" McCabe
Justin Pritchett
2021 Amy Sonnenfield
Andrew Bedell
Alan Dugger
Margaret "Maggie" McCabe
Justin Pritchett
2021 Amy Sonnenfield
Andrew Bedell