City Attorneys

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Municipal Attorney 101: Foundations for Effective Representation
Drew Graham, Svehla Law Offices, P.C.

This introductory session provides a practical overview of municipal practice for newer or occasional municipal attorneys. Topics include the structure of local government, key statutory frameworks, attorney roles and responsibilities, and effective communication with councils, boards, and staff.  

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Nuisance Abatement and Code Enforcement Strategies for City Attorneys
Drew Graham, Svehla Law Offices, P.C.
Mike Tye, Tye & Rowling, P.C., L.L.O.

Nathaniel J. Mustion, Mousel Brooks Schneider Mustion Shifflet, PC, LLO

Moderator: Stacy Nonhof, Assistant City Attorney, City of Grand Island

This is a practical, strategy-focused session on nuisance enforcement and abatement, exploring key legal and operational considerations such as ordinance drafting, due process, inspections, cost recovery, and litigation. The program will examine tailored approaches across communities of varying sizes and resources, with real-world examples and common problem properties. Attendees will also gain strategies applicable to broader code enforcement issues, including animal, vehicle, and noise violations.

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.  

Break

11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Legislative Update
Christy Abraham, League of Nebraska Municipalities

A yearly update session covering recent Nebraska legislative developments affecting municipalities.  

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.  

Lunch on own  

12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Nebraska Public Records and Open Meetings: A Primer and Recent Developments
Ryan Baker, Attorney General's Office

This presentation is intended to provide an overview of the Nebraska Public Records Statutes and Open Meetings Act. This will also give insight into the Attorney General's process for handling public records and Open Meetings Act petitions and general recommendations for local bodies to maintain compliance with statute.  

2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.  

Break 

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.  

Who Is the Client? Navigating Ethical Duties in Municipal Practice
Kari Fisk, City Attorney, City of Grand Island

Municipal attorneys often face complex questions about who the "client" truly is - the municipality, the governing body, or individual officials. This ethics-focused session explores how to navigate conflicts of interest, confidentiality, divided councils, and requests for personal legal advice, while maintaining professional independence.

3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. 

Closing Panel: Practical Issues in Municipal Law
Drew Graham, Svehla Law Offices, P.C.
Matt Munderloh, Goosmann Law Firm, PLC
Dani Myers-Noelle, Sunflower Law, LLC
Moderator: Aimee Bataillon, City Attorney, City of Bellevue City Attorney's Office

Wrap up the day with an interactive panel featuring attorneys representing municipalities of all sizes. Panelists will address common issues such as Open Meetings Act compliance, conflicts of interest involving elected officials, public records requests, and other day-to-day challenges facing municipal attorneys.