Omaha, Nebraska, is a key economic center in the Midwest, known for its strong finance, healthcare, and telecommunications industries. The city is home to several large employers that significantly contribute to the local economy and provide diverse opportunities for legal professionals.
Companies headquartered here, including major players in financial services, healthcare, and logistics, offer roles for in-house counsel and legal support staff, as they require specialized expertise in areas such as regulatory compliance, employment law, and commercial transactions. Legal professionals seeking to join these prominent Omaha employers will find a dynamic job market with growing opportunities across these sectors.
Biggest Law Firms in Omaha
- Kutak Rock LLP: Founded in Omaha in 1965, Kutak Rock has grown into a national powerhouse with over 500 attorneys across 20 offices in the U.S. Known for its expertise in public finance, litigation, real estate, and corporate law, the firm is ranked #126 on the 2024 Am Law 200 and #186 on the Global 200 for its revenue. Kutak Rock serves both public and private clients and has been a notable player in complex corporate and municipal finance cases.
- Baird Holm LLP: Established in 1873, Baird Holm is one of Omaha’s oldest law firms, offering a full spectrum of legal services including labor and employment, real estate, healthcare, and corporate law. With a focus on the Midwest market, Baird Holm is consistently ranked as a top real estate law firm in Nebraska and has received accolades for its strength in labor law. The firm is known for its commitment to client service and community engagement.
- McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, PC: Founded over 60 years ago, McGrath North is a full-service law firm with a reputation for excellence in litigation, corporate, and intellectual property law. Known for its significant presence in the Midwest, McGrath North serves clients in sectors such as energy, finance, and agribusiness. The firm recently received Mansfield Certification Plus for its efforts in diversity and inclusion.
- Pansing Hogan Ernst & Buser LLP: Specializing in real estate and business law, Pansing Hogan Ernst & Buser is a prominent Omaha firm with deep expertise in property transactions, development projects, and commercial leasing. The firm is widely recognized for its role in handling complex real estate matters throughout Nebraska, serving clients ranging from developers to financial institutions.
- Gross & Welch, P.C., L.L.O.: Gross & Welch, founded in 1927, is known for its expertise in insurance defense, transportation law, and litigation. The firm represents clients in various industries, including trucking, insurance, and manufacturing. With a commitment to providing strategic defense services, Gross & Welch is a respected player in Omaha’s legal landscape.
- Erickson | Sederstrom, P.C.: This Omaha-based firm offers a wide array of services including business law, estate planning, healthcare law, and litigation. Erickson | Sederstrom is particularly known for its work with local businesses, helping them navigate complex legal issues and manage regulatory compliance effectively, making it a valuable partner for regional enterprises.
- Lamson Dugan and Murray, LLP: Established in 1948, Lamson Dugan and Murray provides services in commercial litigation, insurance law, and employment law. The firm has built a solid reputation for defending clients in high-stakes litigation, especially within the insurance and healthcare sectors. Known for its strong litigation team, Lamson Dugan and Murray continues to be a key player in the Omaha legal market.
- Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O.: Founded in 1988, Koley Jessen is a business-focused law firm offering services in M&A, estate planning, intellectual property, and healthcare law. The firm has been recognized for its robust corporate practice and frequently assists clients in complex transactions and compliance matters. Koley Jessen’s commitment to client-centered service has made it one of Omaha’s most respected firms.
- Carlson & Burnett, LLP: Carlson & Burnett focuses on family law, estate planning, personal injury, and elder law, providing personalized legal services to individuals and families in Omaha. Known for their compassionate approach, the firm’s attorneys are dedicated to serving clients in sensitive legal matters, from divorce to elder care planning.
- Suiter Swantz IP: Specializing in intellectual property, Suiter Swantz IP is a boutique firm that provides patent, trademark, and IP litigation services to clients across various industries. With a focus on protecting innovation, the firm has become a trusted partner for tech companies, inventors, and entrepreneurs looking to secure their intellectual property rights.
Omaha
Omaha’s legal market is shaped by its strong finance, healthcare, and agribusiness sectors. As home to major corporations and financial institutions, lawyers in Omaha often specialize in corporate law, healthcare regulations, and real estate transactions. The city’s thriving economy and key industries provide legal professionals with opportunities in commercial litigation, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. Omaha’s stable business environment makes it an appealing location for lawyers seeking diverse and impactful legal work.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Finding placement within Omaha’s largest employers often requires strategic support, and working with a legal recruiter can significantly boost candidates’ chances. Omaha’s major employers span across finance, logistics, healthcare, and telecommunications, each requiring specialized legal expertise.
- Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: Founded in 1839 and headquartered in Omaha, Berkshire Hathaway is a multinational conglomerate with approximately 372,000 employees. Known for its substantial holdings in insurance, energy, and railroads, Berkshire has an extensive legal team managing regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and shareholder relations. Legal professionals at Berkshire deal with complex litigation and high-stakes transactions, making it one of the most prestigious in-house roles in Omaha.
- Union Pacific Railroad: Founded in 1862, Union Pacific is one of the largest freight rail networks in North America, employing around 30,000 people. Its legal department handles matters related to transportation law, environmental regulations, labor relations, and commercial contracts. Union Pacific’s legal team also plays a crucial role in overseeing compliance with federal safety regulations and defending the company in various litigations.
- Mutual of Omaha: Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a leading insurance and financial services company with a workforce of over 5,000. The company’s legal team focuses on compliance, insurance regulations, and risk management. With the insurance industry facing constant regulatory changes, Mutual of Omaha’s legal department is vital in ensuring the company remains compliant and competitive.
- Kiewit Corporation: Kiewit, one of the largest construction and engineering firms in North America, was founded in 1884 and has its headquarters in Omaha. Employing over 20,000 individuals, the company’s legal team manages construction law, contracts, real estate, and employment law. Kiewit’s legal professionals support large infrastructure projects, often working on complex contract negotiations and environmental compliance.
- TD Ameritrade (part of Charles Schwab): A major player in brokerage and financial services, TD Ameritrade was founded in 1971 and has a significant presence in Omaha. The company’s legal team addresses issues related to securities law, regulatory compliance, and data privacy. Since becoming part of Charles Schwab in 2020, TD Ameritrade’s legal department has been instrumental in integrating operations and maintaining compliance with financial regulations.
- First National Bank of Omaha: First National Bank, established in 1857, is a prominent Midwest banking institution with a large presence in Omaha. The bank’s legal department handles matters related to lending, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. The team’s work includes navigating state and federal banking regulations, making it a notable employer for attorneys with a background in finance law.
- Valmont Industries, Inc.: Founded in 1946, Valmont Industries specializes in infrastructure and agricultural products, employing around 10,000 people globally. Its legal team supports the company’s international operations, focusing on environmental compliance, intellectual property, and corporate transactions. Legal professionals at Valmont are involved in global expansion and navigating international trade laws.
- West Corporation (Intrado): Intrado, a communications and technology provider formerly known as West Corporation, is headquartered in Omaha and has been operational since 1986. With a focus on public safety, healthcare, and enterprise communications, Intrado’s legal team handles data privacy, telecommunications law, and contractual agreements across various industries.
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska: As one of Nebraska’s largest healthcare insurers, BCBS of Nebraska employs legal professionals to focus on healthcare regulations, compliance, and litigation related to insurance claims. Founded in 1939, the company’s legal department plays a crucial role in adhering to federal healthcare mandates and supporting various healthcare initiatives across the state.
- Werner Enterprises: Founded in 1956, Werner Enterprises is a major transportation and logistics provider with headquarters in Omaha. With approximately 13,000 employees, Werner’s legal team addresses issues related to transportation law, labor relations, environmental compliance, and regulatory matters concerning trucking operations. The company’s legal professionals are critical in managing operational compliance and addressing industry-specific litigation.