Kim Robak is a Nebraska Patron Fellow and serves as the Nebraska State chair. She currently serves as a senior partner of Mueller Robak LLC. She previously served as a partner in private practice before serving as Legal Counsel and Chief of Staff to then-Governor and former U.S. Senator Ben Nelson. She served as the Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska from 1993 to 1999. Following her government service, she joined the University of Nebraska as Vice President for External Affairs and Corporation Secretary, where she remained until joining Mueller Robak LLC as a partner in December of 2004.
What does being an ABF Fellow mean to you?
Being an ABF Fellow gives me an opportunity to support much-needed legal research. What many might not know is that the American Bar Foundation is one of the premier sources of research to support the expansion and understanding of legal policy and understanding. The information gathered by the Foundation serves not only the legal profession but provides important background for scholars and the media about legal issues and trends.
Where do you consider your home town and what is your favorite thing about it?
My home “town” is Nebraska. It’s funny how people react when they find out I am from Nebraska. It ranges from a discussion of football to whether we have the same amenities as found on the coasts. I truly was asked once whether we had cars in Nebraska! I love that Nebraska is a beautiful state with friendly, warm and engaging people. I could do with a little less cold in the winter…
Why did you decide to pursue a career in law?
My father was a lawyer in a small town in Nebraska. I wanted nothing to do with the law watching him while growing up. I had a friend who wanted to be a lawyer and he talked me into taking the LSAT with him so he would have a study mate. He ended up not going – but I did. I fell in love with the law during law school. It was one of the best moves I have ever made.
If you hadn’t pursued a career in law, what would you have done?
I would have either been an actress or a doctor. Both long stories…
What do you do in your free time?
I LOVE the game of golf. I am not as good as I would like to be, but there is nothing better than being outdoors on a golf course hitting balls. I play whenever I can. When I’m not playing golf, I dabble in taking pictures and gathering recipes to try.
Who is your professional hero?
Every woman practicing law and who is making inroads for other women. When I started practicing, I was told there were clients who didn’t want a woman representing them, so I could only work on the project in the background. I had 2 weeks for maternity leave and worked at home during those two weeks. Huge advances have been made for women to be equal participants in the legal profession since that time. The women who have paved those roads are my heroes.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
If I could wave a magic wand and make any change I wanted, I would give everyone the ability to engage in civil discourse. We need to get back to being able to have differing opinions without vitriol and violence. I love a good debate. I wish I could have more of them and still be friends with those on the other side of the aisle or issue from me.