AKC LAW - Key Persons
Alex J. Montoya joined Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP as an Associate Attorney in 2021. As a member of the business team, he assists clients with business formation, contracts, and estate planning. Alex has a particular interest in helping his clients with intellectually or developmentally disabled children or family members. He is a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners - a nationwide network of attorneys and financial planners who provide future planning services to families and organizations.
Alex received his JD from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln College of Law after receiving his bachelor's degree in business administration and health services administration from the University of South Dakota.
While in law school, Alex received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for Insurance Law and Corporate Finance. He also served as a Student Attorney for the Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic and was a Marvin and Virginia Schmid Law Library Research Fellow.
He is admitted to practice in Nebraska.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners
Andrew Deaver is a Partner at AKC Law and licensed to practice in the states of Nebraska and Iowa. His down-to-earth approach to estate planning is to build a long-term relationship with each client that allows him to understand their goals and gain a full understanding of their objectives and concerns. Andy is genuinely concerned about his client's future, and out of this concern, he developed expertise in creating Supplemental Special Needs Trusts. Parents of a child with support needs have more to consider than other parents, and Andy helps them develop a plan that provides for a lifetime of legal, financial, medical, and educational needs.
His understanding of business law is extensive. Andy is adept at assisting clients with business formation. Whether you are starting a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or non-profit, he can help you with the organization, structure, and contracts necessary for your business to succeed and grow.
Andy is a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners- a nationwide network of attorneys and financial planners who provide planning services to families and organizations. He is also a member of the Meritas Emerging Leaders Advisory Board and the Meritas US Leadership Committee.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal, Legal Assistant
Job Titles:
- Partner at Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP
David C. Nelson is a partner at Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP with over three decades of experience advising businesses and individuals on legal matters and drafting, reviewing, revising, and negotiating complex contracts to protect their interests, and also has experience in managing local counsel on litigation, arbitration, mediation, and settlement of claims.
Job Titles:
- Accounts Payable & Records Specialist
Hallie is a Nebraska native. She was born in Grand Island, raised in Aurora, and graduated from Gretna High School. Hallie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication Studies from the University of Nebraska Lincoln.
After several rewarding years working with a non-profit organization, Hallie set her sights on becoming an attorney. She then attended law school at Creighton University School of Law where she served as the Editor in Chief for the Creighton Law Review, graduated magna cum laude, and received multiple awards for her writing and analysis.
Hallie joined the firm following two one-year judicial clerkships. She clerked for Judge L. Steven Grasz on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and for Justice Jonathan J. Papik on the Nebraska Supreme Court. Hallie's legal practice focuses primarily on civil litigation, medical malpractice defense, and employment law.
When she is not in the office, you will find Hallie enjoying time with her husband and children, cooking classic midwestern comfort foods, or reading about American history.
Harvey B. Cooper has counseled large and small businesses on a variety of issues since starting at AKC Law in 1976. He prides himself on understanding the corporate culture of the client, which enables him to offer practical options and advice. His practice focuses on manufacturing, retail, employment, wireless communication, commercial leases, and corporate law.
Harvey has been recognized by Super Lawyers in the area of Employment Law, Best Lawyers in America in the area of Corporate Law, and Martindale Hubbell as AV Preeminent.
Harvey is also a former director of Project Harmony, the Nebraska-Iowa Wireless Association, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
Job Titles:
- Director or Trustee
- Member of the Omaha
Over the span of nearly 60 years, Howard J. Kaslow has epitomized a blend of legal excellence with an unwavering commitment to the community. A stalwart of AKC Law since 1964, Howard's tenure stands as a testament to his vast expertise in corporate and business law, as well as trust and estate planning.
In his corporate practice, Howard represents corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and other entities with corporate, financing, and other business transactions. He assists his clients in the structuring of their businesses, including shareholder and other agreements among the business owners, and with tax and securities issues relating to their businesses.
Howard has broad experience in estate, trust, and probate matters and regularly counsels his clients in the preparation of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Howard specializes in creating personalized plans utilizing sophisticated estate and gift planning techniques such as "Q-Tip" marital deduction trusts, "Crummey" trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, grantor trusts, the use of generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions, private charitable foundations, charitable trusts and supporting organizations, and family limited partnerships and limited liability companies.
He received his BA, magna cum laude, from Yale University and his LLB, cum laude, from Yale Law School. He was also a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford.
Howard is a member of the Omaha, Nebraska State and American Bar Associations. Howard's status as a Fellow of the Nebraska Bar Foundation and the American Bar Foundation underlines his reputation in the legal community.
Supporting the Omaha community is important to Howard, who has served as a director or trustee of numerous civic organizations, including Father Flannagan's Boys' Home, the Omaha Community Foundation, Fontenelle Nature Association, Inclusive Communities, and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. He has held various leadership positions within each of the organizations.
John's expertise in franchise law is extensive. He regularly counsels franchisors and franchisees on franchise relationship laws to help resolve problems and avoid disputes. He also counsels clients in the organization of business entities and drafting of organizational and governmental documents.
For 15 years, John was the City Attorney for the city of Bellevue, Nebraska. During this time, he gained invaluable experience in municipal law and administrative law, including employment and political issues, as well as land use and planning. He has developed a solid understanding of Nebraska laws relating to claims against cities and political subdivisions and has assisted clients with claims before various public bodies.
John has extensive experience, domestically and internationally, with cogeneration plants (production of electricity and steam) and independent power plants, including the negotiation and drafting of letters of intent, steam sales agreements, plant site leases, option and purchase agreements, plant interconnection documents, equipment agreements, and water supply agreements.
Assisting families and caregivers who are parenting or caring for a child with physical or cognitive challenges is an area of law that John specializes in. He helps clients establish Special Needs Trusts. The trusts give individuals with special needs the ability to use trust assets for "non-necessity" items that would not be available through government benefits.
Julie Ryan joined Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP in 2020. Before joining the firm, she served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Nebraska Court of Appeals. As a Judicial Law Clerk, she was afforded a unique vantage point, analyzing an array of cases from criminal and family law to intricate civil appeals. This pivotal role granted Julie the distinctive ability to fully comprehend both sides of an argument, rooted in her firsthand experience with the nuanced application of Nebraska law.
As a member of AKC Law's Litigation team, Julie harnesses her skills in persuasion, organization, and legal research. When working with Julie, clients are assured of astute representation across Civil Litigation, Appellate Litigation and Appeals, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice Defense, and Employment Law practices.
An Omaha native, Julie received her Bachelor of Science in Financial Economics, magna cum laude, from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. A consistent name on the Dean's List, Julie not graduated as a Presidential Scholar in Financial Economics.
Julie earned her Juris Doctor from Creighton University's School of Law, graduating cum laude. Notable achievements marked her time at Creighton: serving as a student articles editor for the Creighton Law Review, serving as a commendable Legal Writing Center Associate, and distinguished as the Best Brief Candidate in the University's Moot Court Competition. Her role as the Brief Editor for the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition further accentuates her capabilities. In addition, Julie received two CALI Excellence Awards for Legal Research and Writing and Civil Procedure.
Julie is also active in the Defense Research Institute and the Robert M. Spire American Inns of Court.
Julie is admitted to the Nebraska State Bar Association and the U.S. District Court, District of Nebraska.
Job Titles:
- Business Development & Marketing Director
Payton's detail-oriented nature paired with her ability to maintain a view of the big picture and the best interests of her client allows her to handle complex issues effectively and efficiently. She is adept at identifying risks and works to minimize them while facilitating smooth transactions for her clients. Above all, Payton is driven by her desire to help clients achieve their business and personal goals.
Payton graduated from the University of Iowa in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Law & Justice and Ethics & Public Policy. She continued her education at Creighton University School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, in 2022. Payton clerked at AKC throughout law school, and joined the firm as an associate upon passing the bar exam.
Randall C. Hanson is a partner with AKC Law and a member of the business department.
Randy focuses his practice on the representation of business clients, handling complex commercial transactions in the areas of energy law, technology law, and contract law.
In representing energy companies, Randy has participated in the negotiation and drafting of agreements for the construction of gas-fired electric power plants, both combined cycle and simple cycle, utility-scale solar plants, and wind energy plants. Typical agreements in those transactions include development agreements, agreements for the purchase of turbine-generators, heat recovery steam generators, and solar panels. He has developed engineering, procurement, and construction contracts for gas, solar and wind power plants, gas and water pipelines, and electric transmission systems. In addition to the many construction documents, Randy has also negotiated and prepared long term service agreements for the extended maintenance of gas, solar and wind plants, and agreements for the daily operation and maintenance of those plants.
In his corporate practice, Randy has placed special emphasis on the negotiation and drafting of nondisclosure agreements, software and technology development and licensing agreements, and the purchase and sale of both the assets and ownership interests of a business. He has extensive experience in reviewing and negotiating all types of agreements for the provision of services.
Randy received his Bachelor of Science from Midland College in 1969. After serving in the United States Army, he received his Juris Doctor with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1976 and was elected to the Order of the Coif. He is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association.
Robert M. Schartz is a partner with AKC Law and chairs AKC Law's Litigation Group. He joined AKC Law in 2009 after spending eleven years with another Omaha litigation firm. Early in his career, Rob served as Assistant Douglas County Public Defender, where he gained significant trial experience and won his first jury trial just six months into his legal career.
Rob devotes 100% of his trial practice to representing his clients through all stages of the litigation process from pre-suit evidence gathering and negotiations through jury trial and possible appeal. As first chair counsel, he has tried more than 24 jury cases to verdict in federal and state courts. Rob has also argued numerous cases at all levels of the state appellate courts.
He specializes in the defense of physicians, nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare providers in professional liability litigation. Most of Rob's cases involve complex medical and legal issues surrounding catastrophic injuries or death. He has acted as defense counsel on a vast number of other civil liability actions on behalf of individual clients and the client's insurance carrier. Rob has also lectured and spoken to large groups of physicians and hospital personnel on issues related to risk management and trial procedures.
Rob is "AV" Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for professional excellence in both legal ability and ethics. He belongs to the Defense Research Institute and is a member of its Medical Liability section, serving on its Steering Committee and as Nebraska Liaison. Rob is also a member of the Nebraska Defense Counsel Association and is listed in Best's Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys.
He is licensed to practice law in both Nebraska and Iowa and is a current member of the Nebraska State Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association, and the Omaha Bar Association.
Rob obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with honors from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1990 with an emphasis in accounting. He obtained his Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law in 1993.
Rob is also very active in the Omaha community. He is a member of Christ the King Parish, where he served as President of the Education Steering Committee for CTK Elementary School. Rob also serves on the Archbishop's Committee for Development for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha and is a Past President of the Board of Directors for Youth Emergency Services, an organization that aids homeless youth in the Omaha vicinity. Rob also serves as President of the Old Loveland Homeowners Association.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Business and Trust & Estate Planning Teams
Samuel R. O'Neill is a member of the Business and Trust & Estate Planning teams at AKC Law. Before joining the firm, he practiced Estate Planning, Litigation, Family Law, and Criminal Law for a firm in York, Nebraska.
In his Estate Planning and Probate practice, Sam prides himself on providing trustworthy and reliable advice to clients and their families. He can present concepts clearly and concisely, whether it is in the realm of estate planning, asset protection, or estate settlement and probate. Sam works to reduce the risk of fiduciary disputes, but when disagreements occur, he has thoughtful strategies to effectively represent individuals, trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, conservators, and beneficiaries in matters related to estates, trusts, conservatorships, guardianships, and other related estate matters.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Nebraska State Bar Association
A partner at AKC Law, Nicole's law practice encompasses a broad spectrum: including real estate, corporate, commercial, personal injury, and employment litigation. She has extensive experience defending professional negligence claims and claims regarding professional licenses.
Often sought by families dealing with issues surrounding probate, Nicole understands the emotional weight these cases carry. Losing a loved one is never easy, and navigating the subsequent legal complications can further add to the distress. With this empathetic approach, Nicole has been instrumental in assisting clients with matters such as contesting the validity of legal documents, resolving inheritance disputes, and ensuring fiduciaries uphold their responsibilities.
Nicole's academic journey is noteworthy. Her foundation in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, complemented by minors in Mathematics, Political Science, and Economics, showcased her diverse academic interests. A product of the Honors Program and a Regents Scholar, her passion for global perspectives was further nurtured through the Nebraska at Oxford study abroad program. She then obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law and is a proud graduate of the National Institute for Trial.
Nicole is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association and was a member of the NSBA 2012-2013 Leadership Academy. Furthermore, her roles within the Robert M. Spire American Inns of Court highlight her dedication to promoting legal excellence, ethics, and community involvement. Nicole is a Past President and Executive Board Member of the Omaha Jaycees and a member of Leadership Omaha Class 44.
From state courts to the Nebraska Supreme Court, Nicole's influence and prowess are felt widely. Her tireless dedication to her clients, her unyielding pursuit of justice, and her steadfast commitment to fostering legal and community growth make Nicole Seckman Jilek an exemplary figure.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Nebraska State Bar Association
Thomas J. Malicki is a partner of AKC Law and a member of the business department. He joined AKC Law in 1987. He focuses his practice on corporate and securities law, mergers and acquisitions, energy law, trust and estate planning, probate and trust administration, and pension and profit-sharing law.
In his corporate practice, Tom advises clients in complex business transactions, including international business, real estate, and energy/power plant transactions. He also counsels clients concerning tax and securities issues encountered in the implementation of various corporate and partnership structures.
Tom has extensive experience in trust, estate, and probate matters. He utilizes his broad knowledge of estate and trust planning to counsel clients with large estates as to methods of tax savings and probate simplification. He also handles estate administration matters and frequently deals with the Internal Revenue Service in connection with estate and gift tax matters.
Tom is familiar with the maintenance of pension and profit-sharing plans to ensure compliance with ERISA and various other federal rules and regulations.
Tom received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Creighton University in 1984. He received his Master of Business Administration from Creighton University and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the Creighton University School of Law in 1987.
He completed the year-long coursework to earn the designation Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®). The CAP® program provides professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to help clients reach their charitable giving objectives while also helping them meet their estate planning and wealth management goals.
Tom is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association and a Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. He is a member of the Omaha Estate Planning Council and serves on the Board of Directors of the Methodist Hospital Foundation and the Great Plains Tax Institute.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nebraska State Bar Association
After spending eleven years as the Assistant City Attorney for Omaha, Nebraska, Timothy M. Kenny joined Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP. While Assistant City Attorney, Tim was general counsel to the Omaha Airport Authority, an independent non-tax supported governmental entity, and its Board of Directors.
Tim received his Juris Doctor from the Creighton University School of Law in 1974. Tim is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association and is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States.