Nebraska Supreme Court Nominating Commission Advances Four Judges

The Judicial Nominating Commission for the Nebraska Supreme Court has forwarded the names of four judges to Governor Jim Pillen for consideration as the next Chief Justice, following the retirement of Chief Justice Mike Heavican at the end of the month. The candidates are Justice Jeffrey Funke, Judge PaTricia Freeman, Judge David Bargen, and Judge Ryan Post, all of whom participated in a public interview process. Funke has served on the Supreme Court since 2016, and Freeman was appointed in 2017, while Bargen and Post have been judges since 2022 and 2007, respectively. Pillen must make his appointment within 60 days, or the decision will pass to the acting chief justice. During their interviews, the candidates addressed topics such as adherence to legal precedent and the juvenile recidivism rate, with Funke emphasizing the courts' collaboration with the University of Nebraska Omaha on this issue. The new Chief Justice will earn a salary of over $225,000 and will represent the state at large.