Robert M. Spire Award
The Robert M. Spire award is presented annually to a Nebraska lawyer who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to pro bono service for the poor, as was the hallmark of Robert M. Spire. The recipient is a lawyer who has achieved the highest standards of competence, ethics, and professionalism, and who protects and promotes the administration of and access to justice. The 2025 award winner was Dave Ernst. Dave's bio can be read below. Past Robert M. Spire Award winners are listed at the bottom of the page.
Dave Ernst, omaha
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The 2025 Robert M. Spire Award is presented to Dave Ernst. Ernst is a Partner of Pansing Hogan Ernst & Buser LLP.
In 2017, Ernst began offering free legal services at the Heart Ministry Center in Omaha because he recognized that legal services were critical in helping people move out of the cycle of poverty. In an effort to expand his impact, he established a partnership with the Volunteer Lawyers Project to engage other Nebraska lawyers. VLP’s clinic with the Heart Ministry Center has now been running for four years and has served hundreds of low-income Nebraskans. Ernst also was an early supporter of the Douglas County Tenant Assistance Project and continues to volunteer at both community-based clinics and the Tenant Assistance Project multiple times per month. Ernst exemplifies what it means to be a zealous, patient, thoughtful, and compassionate advocate for his pro bono clients. Outside of his pro bono work with VLP, Ernst also volunteers as a board member for Legal Aid of Nebraska. |
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Past Robert M. Spire Award Winners
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2024 Judith M. Schweikart
2023 Amy Van Horne 2022 James E. Gordon (posthumously) 2021 Ryan P. Sullivan 2020 Hon. Teresa Luther 2019 Harold Rock (posthumously) 2018 James A. Cada 2017 Jane Schoenike (posthumously) 2016 Hon. Stephen M. Swartz, ret. 2015 Avis Andrews 2014 James H. Truell 2013 Adam R. Tripp 2012 Tara L. Gardner 2011 Ann S. Moshman Vertical Divider
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2010 Susan M. Koenig
2009 Alan D. Martin 2008 Diane B Metz 2007 Paul M. Conley 2006 Charles R. Maser 2005 Catherine Mahern 2004 Ralph E. Peppard 2003 John V. Morgan 2002 D. C. “Woody” Bradford 2001 Charles A. Nye Stephen A. Scherr 2000 Mary L. Wilson 1999 Mark R. Widell 1998 Martin J. Kushner (posthumously) Vertical Divider
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1997 Gail S. Perry
1996 Connie Kearney Robert F. Martin 1995 Paul W. Rea 1994 The Marks & Clare Firm 1993 Michael D. Matejka 1992 J. Marvin Weems 1991 Earl D. Ahlschwede 1990 Clark J. Grant 1989 James W. Crampton 1988 James R. Nisley 1987 Paul W. Korslund 1986 David Perlman 1985 John W. Ballew Jr. Vertical Divider
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