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Overview

A registered lobbyist in Nebraska, Ron advances the government-related objectives of his clients.

He engages directly with elected and appointed officials within the intricacies of the legislative and administrative processes. Specifically, Ron represents clients’ interests before the legislative bodies of federal and state governments, government agencies, commissions and other regulatory authorities.

These companies and organizations have taken advantage of Ron’s extensive lobbying and consulting experience:

  • Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association
  • KVC Health Systems Inc.
  • Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District
  • Waste Management Corp.
  • Home Instead Inc.
  • Nebraska Indoor Tanning Association
  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska
  • NextEra Energy Resources LLC
  • Invenergy LLC

Ron’s advocacy activities also include screening and identifying legislation of client interest, preparing descriptions and comments of proposed laws and regulations, authoring updates, electronic alerts or related communications, and reporting to appropriate client contacts. He assesses and provides consultation regarding the viability of legislative matters, including opposition research, and assists in implementation of media and public relations strategies.

Ron provides legal assistance and counsel to various associations and their respective boards, committees, executive leadership, officers and staff, as well as corporate clients, association nonprofit or for-profit subsidiaries and service entities. In addition, he organizes and provides client support for task forces, coalitions and special projects, including allied and diverse interest groups. He has served on several gubernatorial and legislative task forces, committees or interim legislative studies on workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, economic development, taxation, banking, financial and agricultural issues. He has also sought and promoted clarifications, rulings or amendments to state or federal statutes and regulations and prepared comment letters or testimony on proposed state or federal regulations.

A frequent public speaker, Ron is a member of the firm’s Technology, Manufacturing & Transportation team. He has made presentations before numerous conferences, seminars and workshops for organizations, including the Kansas-Nebraska Schools of Banking, American Bankers Association State Association Counsel, Nebraska Bankers Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska State Bar Association, Council on State Taxation, Nebraska Association of Bank Attorneys, University of Nebraska College of Law, Marshall Memorial Fellows programs, bank compliance officers associations and local chambers of commerce. From 1978 to 1983, Ron served as counsel to the Nebraska Legislature, Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee.

Industries

Services

Education

  • J.D., University of Nebraska College of Law
  • B.A., University of Notre Dame
    • Government and International Studies
  • C.I.D.E.F. Program, Université Catholique de l'Ouest

Admissions

  • Nebraska
  • U.S. District Court, District of Nebraska

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Tort Reform Association
  • Council on State Taxation
  • Nebraska Association of Bank Attorneys, President, 2000-2001
  • Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Business Advisory Group
  • Nebraska Federation of Business Associations
  • Nebraska State Bar Association, Bank Attorneys Section, Chair, 2001; Executive Committee; Publications Committee; Workers’ Compensation Section, Publications Committee and Editor to the “Nebraska Lawyer,” Volunteer Lawyer’s Project
Experience
  • Achieved passage or defeat of legislation or regulatory initiatives on behalf of industry associations, national and international corporations and a major Nebraska political subdivision.
  • Represented Crown, Cork & Seal, Asurion LLC and the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District and others in the passage of affirmative legislative measures by the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature.
  • Represented Wal-Mart in blocking legislation that attempted to restrict development and zoning relative to large retailers and industrial development. Also opposed taxation and labor proposals.
  • On behalf of wholesaler Oriental Trading, prevented legislation that sought to regulate material substances in toys and other products.
  • Organized a coalition and represented technical service providers, including Nelnet Inc., TD Ameritrade, U.S. Assets, Home Instead, Nannonation, Hudl and Nebraska Global to achieve passage of a corporate apportionment formula and sourcing rules for sales of intangibles and services.
  • Represented wholesale electricity supplier NextEra Energy Resources and Invenergy, a developer and operator of renewable energy products, in promoting legislation that would provide wind energy tax incentives and credits.
  • Represented Waste Management Inc. before the Nebraska Legislature regarding legislative bills addressing business matters, including landfill waste, delivery and electronic waste issues.
  • Represented the Nebraska Bankers Association as associate general counsel and registered lobbyist.
  • Directed Nebraska state legislative affairs for the National Federation of Independent Business and served as registered lobbyist.
  • Represented MoneyGram, a major money-transfer company, in regulatory and legislative matters.
  • Provided legislative, regulatory and investigatory representation for major private hospital in Nebraska.
Community Leadership
  • Invest Nebraska Corporation, Board of Directors 
  • Lincoln Diocese, Lector, Acolyte, Lawyers’ Guild 
  • NACI-Business Development Center, Board of Directors, General Counsel 
  • Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vice President and General Counsel 
  • Nebraska Volunteer Service Foundation, Advisory Board, 2001-present 
  • Salvation Army, Advisory Board, Lincoln, 2010-present 
  • Serve Nebraska (Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission) Commissioner, gubernatorial appointment, 2002-present; Vice-Chair, 2009-2010 
  • St. Joseph Parish, Vice President, 2006-2007; Parish Council Representative, 2004-2007 
  • St. Vincent DePaul Society, 2003-present 
  • University of Nebraska College of Law, Client Counseling Competition judge, 2000-present