Nebraska’s chief justice to retire at end of October

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska Chief Justice Mike Heavican said Wednesday that he is retiring.

Heavican will step down from the Nebraska Supreme Court on Oct. 31.

“It has been a great honor to serve the past 18 years,” the chief justice wrote in a letter to Gov. Jim Pillen.

Heavican was appointed in 2006 by Gov. Dave Heineman and since won three judicial retention elections.

“I am proud of the many accomplishments of Nebraska’s judges, court staff probation officers, public guardians, and other Judicial Branch employees these past 18 years,” Heavican wrote. “And although there have been many changes and challenges during my term, the basic principles of Justice for All and Equality Before the Law have not changed.”

Pillen praised Heavican for his work as chief justice.

“He has served Nebraska’s Supreme Court with professionalism, rooted in deep regard for the rule of law,” Pillen said in a statement.

Before he was elevated to the high court, Heavican served as Lancaster County attorney from 1981 to 1991 and as the U.S. attorney in Nebraska from 2001 to 2006.

The Judicial Nominating Commission will now take applications for the seat.

The panel will then send Pillen a list of potential nominees to choose from.

This will be Pillen’s first appointment to the state supreme court.