Gov. Jim Pillen appoints Justice Derek Vaughn to Nebraska Supreme Court, marking historic first
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen on Monday announced his appointment of District Judge Derek Vaughn as associate justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court.
His appointment fills the vacancy left by Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman, who stepped down on Oct. 31 after 33 years of service.
Miller-Lerman represented the Second Judicial District.
“Judge Vaughn has notable experience as a judge and as a prosecutor,” Pillen said in a press release. “He has a heart for the Omaha community and a long-standing history of public service. His integrity and commitment to the law are evident, and I’m pleased to promote him to this role on the Nebraska Supreme Court.”
Vaughn — the first Black justice on the Supreme Court — accepted his appointment at the state capitol on Monday, offering his appreciation to Pillen.
“I’m grateful to Gov. Pillen for this amazing opportunity,” said Vaughn. “I look forward to continuing my service to the people of Nebraska.”
Since 2023, Vaughn has been a district court judge in Douglas County.
Before that, he was a county court judge for 10 years, also in Douglas County.
He also spent several years at the Douglas County Attorney’s Office, handling criminal and civil cases, as well as a substantial caseload for the county’s problem-solving courts.
Vaughn has been an adjunct instructor at several regional colleges and universities, including the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Midland University, and Dana College.
He has served on several boards, including the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Urban League of Nebraska Board of Directors, the Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice, and the Office of Violence Prevention Advisory Board.
Vaughn is part of the Nebraska Bench Media Committee, which works to foster positive, professional relationships among attorneys, courts, and the media.
He is also involved with Salem Baptist Church and serves as a coordinator for the Zion Baptist Church Wild Game Feast.
Vaughn has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a juris doctor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law.
