November 27, 2023
We are deeply saddened to announce that longtime partner Robert L. Nefsky passed away on November 22, 2023. He joined the Firm as one of its first law clerks in 1975 and remained at the Firm as an attorney from 1977 until his passing.
"Bob was a meticulous and measured lawyer and counselor to the Firm’s clients, whom he served with tremendous integrity and intelligence,” said Tara L. Paulson, the Firm’s Chief Executive Officer. “But it was Bob’s commitment to community that made him extra special and inspired our Firm to designate “community” as one of our core values.”
Nefsky grew up in Lincoln and was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned his law degree with distinction in 1977 and served as Associate Editor of the Nebraska Law Review.
His legal practice at Rembolt Ludtke focused on corporate and business law. He was a nationally recognized expert in insurance regulation, including representation of companies before the Nebraska Insurance Department and lead counsel to the receiver in insurance insolvencies. He was repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers in America® in corporate law. He was a member of the Federation of Regulatory Counsel, the national organization of insurance regulatory lawyers with demonstrated competence, and the International Association of Insurance Receivers. He also served as expert witness in surety insolvency matters.
Nefsky was committed to giving back to the community in which he lived and worked. The list of community organizations that benefited from his leadership and service is extensive. They include the following:
Nefsky was especially passionate about supporting the arts and humanities. He helped found and create the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, the private partner in a public-private partnership with the State of Nebraska created to stabilize funding for the arts and humanities in Nebraska. His selfless efforts led the Nebraska Arts Council to award him the Leonard Thiessen Award, named for the founder of the Nebraska Arts Council and awarded to an individual who typifies the highest degree of commitment to the arts in Nebraska.
Litigation partner Sheila Bentzen shared her personal thoughts and memories of Bob:
“Anyone who worked with Bob quickly recognized his keen intellect and fastidious nature. However, those of us who had the pleasure of working closely with him on projects got to know his wry, and even quirky, sense of humor. I have so many fond memories of Bob popping into my office to discuss the day’s latest political mishap or critically dissecting my children’s artwork. Bob was a beloved colleague and friend, and I will so greatly miss our conversations.”
Senior partner Pete Wegman commented on his time working with Bob:
“I had the privilege of working closely with Bob on a significant matter last year. Because of our different areas of practice, I hadn’t worked with him for years. I treasure that opportunity to work with him. It was Bob at his best—a zealous advocate, total attention to detail and the precise language of documents, a commitment for the right and just outcome on each issue, along with a sense of humor.”
Longtime Rembolt partner Alan Slattery shared his thoughts:
“Bob was a partner, colleague and friend since we joined the law firm together in 1975. He was the consummate professional and a passionate advocate for his clients. He had great insight into people and their legal challenges, and he was very loyal to the Firm and to those close to him. He really knew clothing, and in our early years, he helped me pick out several suits from his father’s clothing store, Guarantee Clothing. We shared many Firm events over the years. We already miss Bob.”
Our condolences to his wife Mary and their entire family. May his memory be a blessing.
