Nebraska Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, announces retirement

BEATRICE – The Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court has announcd he is retiring, after 18 years of service on the bench.

Chief Justice Mike Heavican plans to retire October 31^st.

In a retirement letter to Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, Heavican said it has been a great honor to serve as the Chief Justice.  He said he was grateful for his initial appointment by then Governor Dave Heineman…and that voters retained him at the ballot box on three occasions.

Heavican wrote that he was proud of the accomplishments of Nebraska’s judges, court staff, probation officers  and other Judicial Branch employees…upholding the basic principles of justice for all and equality before the law.

Heavican thanked the Associate Justices he’s served with on the high court, along with staff members of the court.

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." 

Lieutenant  Governor Joe 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.”

The first step in replacing Chief Justice Heavican will be for the Judicial Nominating Commission to announce the application deadline for the position.