LDM congratulates Maddie C. Hasley, Spencer J. Mitchell and Diana Vazquez Ayala on their recent achievements of being sworn in and joining the Firm as attorneys. Maddie is an associate in LDM's litigation department in the Firm's Omaha office. She graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law where she was a Senior Member of the Moot Court Board. She also received the American Board of Trial [...]

Partner Cathy Trent-Vilim was recently invited to become a Fellow in the Academy of Appellate Lawyers. The Academy is an invitation-only association of respected appellate lawyers. Fellows face stringent membership criteria, undergo rigorous screening, and are approved by the Academy’s Board. Fellows must have 15 years of appellate practice and receive unsolicited nominations from two Fellows. After a rigorous vetting process, the Board of Directors votes on each [...]

Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP (LDM) welcomes attorney Austin C. Printz Austin Printz is a litigation attorney in LDM’s Omaha office. Prior to joining the Firm, Austin served in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corp for four years, where he assisted active duty and retired military members with preparing wills, solving landlord-tenant disputes, and providing guidance on divorce. He also represented the United States as a [...]

Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP recently promoted Sarah Rotermund as the Executive Director. Sarah, previously the Firm’s Director of Marketing, will now lead the day-to-day operations of the Firm in addition to her continued oversight of marketing initiatives. Sarah is a 40 Under 40 recipient and has over 10 years of experience helping businesses and individuals navigate marketing challenges in various industries. Her experience as an advisor for [...]

Attorney Ellen K. Geisler recently obtained a successful result at a jury trial on behalf of a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident in an admitted-liability case. The jury trial was solely on the issue of the nature and extent of Plaintiff’s injuries caused by the accident and the amount of damages that would compensate Plaintiff for those injuries. At the conclusion of trial, Plaintiff’s counsel asked [...]

Designed to help law students put their best foot forward and reduce barriers to entry in the legal profession, LDM launched the Suit Scholarship for Creighton University law students. The scholarship is an award of up to $500 to alleviate the financial burden of purchasing business professional attire for on campus interviews, open houses and other industry events law students may attend. The application, selection and award distribution will be [...]

Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP (LDM) welcomes attorneys Josh R. Baumann, Georgia R. Rice and Ryan P. Tunink. Josh Baumann joins LDM's Omaha office as a litigation attorney. His areas of expertise include medical malpractice defense, business dispute litigation, wrongful death, personal injury and insurance matters. Prior to joining the Firm, Josh was a Deputy County Attorney for the Douglas County Attorney's Office and subsequently practiced in civil matters for [...]

Partner Jason C. Palmer recently received a defense verdict representing the City of Urbandale in a personal injury claim regarding an alleged defective sidewalk. The plaintiff filed suit after tripping on a piece of elevated sidewalk causing a compound fracture of the wrist with a subsequent surgery inserting a plate and multiple screws.

Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP is proud to announce that 12 attorneys have been recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. This recognition is awarded to individual attorneys with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region. Congratulations to the following Partners! Appellate Practice Jason W. Grams Rick Harris (West Des Moines, IA) William R. Settles Cathy Trent-Vilim Closely Held Companies and [...]

Partner Jason C. Palmer recently presented “Health Emergencies, Drug Users and the Mentally Ill" to the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP). His presentation addressed the management of inmates who might be demonstrating withdrawal symptoms - from any substance, including alcohol - while in custody. Click here to learn more about ICAP.

Partners Sean A. Minahan, Monte Schatz, Eric W. Tiritilli, and Daniel J. Waters presented a series of workshops focused on farm succession planning at the Farmers National Company’s 2023 Landowner Workshop Series. These nationwide workshops help landowners plan for the future, build their legacy and educate their families on succession planning. Click here to learn more.

Partners Patrick G. Vipond and Denise M. Destache recently obtained summary judgment dismissal on behalf of a Nebraska hospital, emergency room physician, and anesthesiologist in a medical malpractice lawsuit arising out of allegations of a delay in treatment. Key to the success was an understanding and analysis of the legal burdens and requirements for causation in medical malpractice actions in Nebraska. LDM’s defense effort involved two separate [...]

Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP is pleased to announce five attorneys have been selected to the 2023 Great Plains Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. 2023 Great Plains Super Lawyers  Jason W. Grams - Business Litigation William R. Settles - Professional Liability: Defense Patrick G. Vipond - [...]

Partners Patrick G. Vipond and Michael L. Storey recently obtained a directed verdict at trial on behalf of an Iowa obstetrician. Plaintiff alleged that the obstetrician and a family medicine physician, who was represented by different counsel, failed to obtain informed consent when the obstetrician recommended that the diabetic mother proceed with a vaginal delivery for a baby with an estimated fetal weight of 10 pounds, 8 [...]

Attorney Erin Artz presented at the Nebraska Business Development Center’s Minority Small Business Summit on June 8, 2023. This summit gives minority small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to strategize network, participate in educational sessions, and connect to community resources. LDM was proud to sponsor this event which allowed everyone who attended a ticket at no charge. Erin gave an overview of the services LDM provides, how [...]

On June 8, 2023, Partner Craig Martin gave a presentation to the members of the Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA). Craig discussed how a construction contract is one of the best tools to get paid in full, and on time. He also talked about how contracts need to be reviewed from time-to-time and offered some tips on how to improve upon existing construction contracts.

LDM is happy to welcome five new Law Clerks - Anna Clark, Darlene Gomez, Kendra Sparby, Kelsey Schott and Zoey Shipley. Anna and Darlene have joined the Omaha office and Kendra, Kelsey and Zoey are working at our West Des Moines location. We welcome them, and are thrilled to have all of them on our team. Five new clerks, four different schools, one common goal, pretty exciting times here [...]

Law Clerks Maddie Hasley and Spencer Mitchell graduated from UNL College of Law on Saturday, May 20th. Maddie graduated with distinction and was selected as a member of Order of the Barristers. Spencer graduated with high distinction and a pro bono certificate. Congratulations to both on this achievement!

Partner Sean Minahan and attorney Olivia McDowell recently obtained summary judgment dismissal of a breach of contract action relating to custom oat baling work. LDM's clients, the plaintiffs, performed windrowing, raking, and baling of oats on the defendant's property pursuant to an oral agreement. Upon completion of the work, the defendant refused to pay for the custom baling. As a result, the plaintiffs brought suit for breach [...]

Partner Jason C. Palmer recently presented on the basics of cargo claims under the Carmack Amendment to the Auto Owners Insurance Company. His presentation discussed the basics of Carmack claims and what constitutes “delivery” of cargo under Carmack. It also covered defenses to the Carmack Amendment including the “Savage” rule.

Attorneys Erin Artz and Olivia McDowell recently returned to their alma mater, Mercy High School, to speak with an Advanced Placement US Government class about law school, lawyering and how law firms work. They also had an opportunity to speak with students who expressed interest in joining the mock trial team, which Olivia McDowell will be coaching this upcoming year.

Partner Mark Novotny and Attorney Olivia McDowell recently obtained a dismissal of a medical malpractice lawsuit against a physician arising out of allegations of misdiagnosis. Key to the success was an understanding and analysis of the Nebraska Rules of Civil Procedure for amendments of pleadings. The plaintiffs sought leave to amend their previously filed complaint to add a hospital as a party defendant but failed to request [...]

Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP welcomes attorney Jack L.C. Pietig. Jack Pietig is a litigation associate at LDM’s West Des Moines office. Prior to joining the Firm, Jack worked as a law clerk for Justice Matthew McDermott of the Iowa Supreme Court during the 2020–21 term. As a law clerk, he drafted language for judicial opinions and conducted research memorandum on a wide array of legal issues. Jack [...]

Partner Jason C. Palmer recently presented to the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) on the “Logistics of Staffing and Critical Incident Response in Jails.” This live discussion covered the logistics of staffing and its direct impact on routine operations, management of inmates and critical incident response. Jason also discussed the related potential for liability and litigation as relates to jail operations. ICAP provides property and casualty coverage to [...]

Partners Mark E. Novotny and Anne Marie O’Brien have been approved by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to serve as qualified arbitrators for deciding disputes. Mr. Novotny and Ms. O’Brien underwent extensive background checks, interviews, training, and testing to become qualified FINRA arbitrators. FINRA arbitrators are independent and are chosen to hear disputes and issue final, binding decisions. FINRA provides an arbitration forum, pursuant to rules [...]

Partner Adam R. Feeney presented at the Midlands African Chamber’s Power Hour on Thursday, March 16, 2023. During his presentation he discussed the importance of drafting and following organizational agreements for businesses. Adam specializes in commercial litigation and arbitration. He has represented clients in various disputes, including corporate partnership, breach of contract, creditors’ rights, product liability, RICO, securities fraud, employment, trusts, and estates. To learn more about Adam [...]

Partner Jason C. Palmer recently presented a webinar on the basics of cargo claims under the Carmack Amendment to the Iowa Motor Truck Association (IMTA). His presentation discussed the basics of Carmack claims and what constitutes “delivery” of cargo under Carmack. It also covered defenses to the Carmack Amendment including the “Savage” rule and limiting the liability of the carrier through the bill of lading and tariffs. Jason’s [...]

Law Clerk Maddie Hasley received the Excellence in Trial Advocacy Award by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) on Friday March 3, 2023 at the University of Nebraska College of Law Student Bar Association’s annual Meeting of the Minds event.

Attorney Erin K. Artz recently participated in Creighton Law School’s “Women in Business Law” panel discussion. This panel, hosted by the Women’s Law Student Association and Business Law Society, brought together attorneys from local law firms to share their insights and career development advice with women law students interested in business law.

At the 37th Annual Fellows Dinner, Partner Jason W. Grams was recognized by the Nebraska State Bar Foundation as part of the Class of 2022 Fellows. Nomination and selection to become a Fellow is based upon their dedication to improving the administration of justice, leadership in the profession, civic service, integrity and Foundation support. This is a prestigious honor bestowed annually on only 30 lawyers. Mr. Grams joins [...]

Partner Patrick G. Vipond and Associate Mary C. Mikuls recently obtained a successful summary judgment for a hospital client, having the case against the client dismissed. In addition to a claim for medical malpractice, this success also came in an action under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (“EMTALA”). Also referred to as the “anti-dumping” law, EMTALA is a federal statute requiring emergency medical providers [...]

Of Counsel Loree Nelson and Attorney Theodore T. Appel judged oral arguments conducted by first year law students at Drake Law School on February 28 and March 2, 2023. These oral arguments are designed to give first year law students at Drake Law School the practical experience of appellate advocacy and receive real time feedback on their presentation and arguments from members of the legal community. The [...]

This year marks Lamson Dugan & Murray’s (LDM) 25th anniversary. Founded in 1998, LDM was created with the goal of forming a partnership of talented legal professionals who brought enthusiasm and excellence to the practice of law for the benefit of the Firm’s clients. LDM started with 20 attorneys collectively possessing over 150 years of experience in civil and corporate law. Today, the Firm has 49 attorneys, even more years [...]

William R. Settles has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. The induction ceremony at which Mr. Settles became a Fellow took place recently before an audience of approximately 525 during the recent Spring Meeting of the College in Key Biscayne, Florida. Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar [...]

Partner Cathy Trent-Vilim was recently published in the American Bar Association’s (ABA) 2023 Winter Issue of the Council of Appellate Lawyers. Her article, “The Dos and Don’ts of Crafting a Strategic and Helpful Amicus Brief,” shares how to craft an amicus brief in a way that will not only get the court’s attention, but also serve the brief’s fundamental purpose: helping the court. Click here to read the [...]

Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP recently prevailed in the Iowa Court of Appeals in a case involving a patient subjected to an emergency hospitalization order. The patient sued the medical provider and law enforcement alleging claims of false imprisonment and false arrest. On review, The Court of Appeals, without opinion, affirmed the District Court’s grant of summary judgment to the defendants. Click here to read similar appellate news: [...]