Date:

February 27, 2008

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Mayor Chris Beutler today announced that Judge John Hendry, retired Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, will serve as the next City Attorney for Lincoln. Judge Hendry is expected to join the City in April.

“The community is incredibly fortunate that Judge Hendry has agreed to re-enter public service as City Attorney,” said Mayor Beutler. “His eight years of service to the State as Chief Justice were marked by common sense, fairness and attention to detail. He brings a wealth of experience as a jurist, lawyer and manager to this new position. He will be a valuable part of the team that is moving Lincoln forward in a positive direction.

“I am grateful to Mayor Beutler for extending to me the opportunity to return to public service and enthusiastic about the challenges and possibilities this new aspect of public service offers,” said Judge Hendry. “The Mayor and City Council are committed to moving the City forward in a collaborative and positive fashion and I am eager to use my administrative and legal experiences in support of that effort.”

Judge Hendry served as Chief Justice from October 1998 through October 2006 and as a Lancaster County Court Judge for three years prior to his Nebraska Supreme Court appointment. He was in private practice for more than 20 years before serving as a judge. He taught a course in law office management last fall as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Nebraska College of Law. He is a 1974 graduate of the College.

Beutler thanked Dana Roper, who is retiring. Roper served as City Attorney since 1999.

The City Attorney’s Office has a staff of 26. The office provides legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, departments, committees and commissions. The office also initiates and defends legal actions on behalf of the City.