THE NEBRASKA STATE BAR ASSOCIATION'S VOLUNTEER LAWYERS PROJECT
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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

​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

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


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​​2010 Susan M. Koenig
​2009 Alan D. Martin
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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)

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​​1997 Gail S. Perry
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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.


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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.
  • Home
  • Volunteer
    • Case Referral Program
    • Clinics
    • Tenant Assistance Project
    • Nebraska Free Legal Answers
    • Courthouse Self-Help Desk
    • Nonprofits
  • Resources
    • Clinic & Self-Help Center Information
    • Virtual Self-Help Center Sign Up
    • Legal 101 Videos
    • Legal Brochures/ Guides
  • Awards
    • Robert M. Spire Award
    • Visionary Awards
    • Rise Awards
    • Nominate
  • Donate