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Dave Pantos

Attorney

Having been an attorney for 28 years, Dave embodies the belief that the law can improve the lives of everyone by employing his expertise to help create a more equitable society. Dave is an accomplished nonprofit leader, public servant, political strategist, educator, and community builder. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College and a law degree and master’s in environmental science from Indiana University-Bloomington.

Dave started his legal practice representing injured workers in Denver, CO. Thereafter, he led a nonprofit disability law project in New Jersey for their statewide Legal Aid program. Dave started his Nebraska legal career at Legal Aid of Nebraska as the Director of Litigation in 2006 and was quickly promoted to Executive Director. Under his leadership, Legal Aid founded a statewide health law project and created the Nebraska Immigration Legal Assistance Hotline. Dave’s work there resulted in an expanded board, a bigger presence across the state, and a significant increase in the organization’s budget. In 2014 Dave became Executive Director of the Autism Action Partnership where he helped develop the Autism Legal Clinic and the Partnership for Autism Career Employment. From 2017-2022 Dave’s career took a diversion into politics. He was the campaign manager for the Democratic nominee for US Congress in Omaha and then he was the campaign manager for a mayoral race. In 2022 Dave was the Democratic Nominee for Douglas County Attorney.

Dave has served in a number of prominent board positions. He was appointed vice chair of the publicly elected Board of Governors of Metropolitan Community College, one of the top 10 community colleges in the country. He was also the board chair of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, the premier organization serving nonprofits in the Heartland. Currently, Dave is the treasurer of Threshold Continuum of Care for the Homeless. Dave also volunteers his time for the Tenant Assistance Project through the Volunteer Lawyers Project and as a judge for the Nebraska Bar Foundation’s Mock Trial Program.

An Adjunct Professor for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Dave teaches classes in environmental law and policy and environmental sustainability. He has provided dozens of workshops and public presentations on nonprofit leadership and legal issues for nonprofits.

Dave is a single father of two incredible children, Miles and Lyndon, and husband to Jill Pantos, a nurse at the VA in Omaha.

Pronouns: he/him/his

Juan Padilla

Legal Assistant

Juan Padilla is a dedicated professional with a strong background in community development and philanthropy. Starting his career at Union Pacific, Juan gained valuable insights into corporate operations before transitioning to the Omaha Community Foundation. There, he honed their skills in resource allocation and community engagement.

Juan later joined Canopy South, where he focused on initiatives that uplift and empower the South Omaha community. Currently at Lending Link, he continues to make a meaningful impact by fostering economic growth and enhancing opportunities for local residents. With a passion for community service, Juan is committed to driving positive change in South Omaha.

Pronouns: he/him/his

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards resolving your civil matters.

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