As part of the Nebraska State Bar Association’s (NSBA) 125th anniversary celebration in 2025, Omaha public finance partner Patti Peterson compiled an “Historic Member Spotlight” on Kutak Rock’s two main founders and NSBA members Robert J. Kutak and Harold L. Rock for the November/December issue of The Nebraska Lawyer.

Citing their dedication to pro bono and community service, Peterson detailed the actions and characteristics that made each man stand out in his time, discussed challenges and barriers they faced, and highlighted key defining moments in their careers. While both were dedicated public servants, Kutak was a “restless visionary,” as opposed to Rock, who took a calmer, steadying approach to law and mentorship.

Kutak’s contributions as chair of the American Bar Association’s Special Commission on Evaluation of Professional Standards (“the Kutak Commission”) cannot be overstated, leading to the overhaul and eventual adoption of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct shortly after his death in 1983. Rock served as president of the Omaha Bar Association, the NSBA and the Omaha Legal Aid Society. He was chair of the Nebraska Indigent Defense Task Force and held other leadership positions that allowed him to give back to his community.

“Although their personalities and approaches differed, both men had the same goals of increasing diversity, equity and professionalism in the practice of law, while using their knowledge and education to help society, and particularly those who might otherwise needlessly suffer without equal access to legal assistance,” said Peterson.

The complete article is available through the NSBA, reproduced with permission from the Nebraska State Bar Association, The Nebraska Lawyer (November/December 2025).

Click here to read the full article.