The Nebraska State Bar Association has named Kutak Rock partner Dwyer Arce as a recipient of the 2025 Award of Special Merit in recognition of his service on the Rules Subcommittee of Nebraska Supreme Court Committee on Practice and Procedure. The other members of the Rules Subcommittee—Justice Jonathan J. Papik, Judge Julie D. Smith, Professor John P. Lenich, Joy Shiffermiller, and Jeanette Stull—will also receive the award for their contributions.

The Nebraska State Bar Association recognized the Rules Subcommittee for its four-year effort culminating in the November 2024 publication of amended Court Rules of Discovery and Rules of Pleading in Civil Cases. These amendments introduced meaningful stylistic updates—enhancing readability, clarity, and usability—and addressed both longstanding and emerging procedural issues. Together, these reforms improved efficiency for litigants, attorneys, and judges while advancing the administration of justice across Nebraska.

The Award of Special Merit originated in 1973. It was established to recognize an individual or organization for services advancing the legal profession, the administration of justice, and the public interest.

The award will be presented to Dwyer and the other Rules Subcommittee members at the Nebraska State Bar Association Annual Meeting on October 7, 2025.

Dwyer’s practice focuses on appellate proceedings, and commercial litigation generally, in state and federal courts nationwide. In addition to his service on the Nebraska Supreme Court Committee on Practice and Procedure, he is also the Chair of the Nebraska State Bar Association Practice & Procedure Committee and a member of The American Law Institute, the National Conference of Bar Presidents, and the Executive Board of the ABA Council of Appellate Lawyers.