Nebraska's Supreme Court Chief Justice to Retire
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen and Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly offered their reactions to the announced retirement of Chief Justice Mike Heavican. Gov. Pillen received a letter from Chief Justice Heavican of the Nebraska Supreme Court stating his intent to retire on Oct. 31, 2024.
Gov. Pillen shared the following:
"I congratulate Chief Justice Heavican on his retirement, and I thank him for his amazing public service to the state of Nebraska. He has served Nebraska's Supreme Court with professionalism, rooted in deep regard for the rule of law. I have enjoyed getting to know Chief Justice Heavican and I often repeat to others the observation he made to me about walking into the Supreme Court Chamber. He noted that each time felt like the very first – conveying a wonderment, love and appreciation for a career that has resulted in immense satisfaction and fulfilment. I wish Mike the very best in all his future endeavors."
Lt. Gov. Kelly served with Chief Justice Heavican during his time in the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office. He said:
“In different roles – in the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and as the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court – he has been the perfect example of all that a public servant should be.”
Attorney General Mike Hilgers’ Statement in Response to Retirement of Chief Justice Heavican
“I thank Chief Justice Heavican for his lifetime of service to Nebraska and congratulate him on his retirement. The Chief Justice’s record of service to the State is virtually unmatched. He has spent the entirety of his legal career in public service, serving as our State’s U.S. Attorney and the Lancaster County Attorney. As Chief Justice, he has provided exemplary leadership for our judiciary, traveling the State every year to visit courthouses and judicial branch employees. As Speaker and now Attorney General, I have had a front row seat to his immense impact on our State. His honesty, thoughtfulness, and pursuit of fairness and justice are second to none. We will miss his leadership.”
Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican announced he would retire, effective October 31st:
“For decades, Chief Justice Heavican worked to uphold justice and to protect equality under the law. He gave everyone a fair shake and led on behalf of the entire Judiciary. The Nebraska Supreme Court and our state are better off because of his service. Congratulations, Chief Heavican!”
Pursuant to law, the Judicial Nominating Commission will solicit the names of potential nominees to be presented to Gov. Pillen for consideration of appointment.