Phone 402.390.0300 | Fax 402.390.9676 | Email info@ctagd.com
Formed in 1956, we provide timely, efficient, knowledgeable and professional advice and representation.
The firm is very proud of the recognition its attorneys have received by being inducted into such prestigious organizations as the International Society of Barristers (one), the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (three), the American College of Trial Lawyers (five including past State Chairs and Board of Regents member), the International Academy of Trial Lawyers (two), and the College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers Fellow (one). Our attorneys are also actively involved in several other professional organizations such as the Defense Research Institute and American Board of Trial Advocates (two).
Here to support you when you need expert legal counsel.
Practice Areas | Commercial Law, Civil Litigation, Professional Malpractice (Medical, Legal and Accounting), Personal Injury Litigation, Products Liability Litigation, Real Estate Law (Residential and Commercial), Construction Law, Insurance Law and Coverage Disputes, Employment Law, Agricultural Law, Business Litigation, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law |
Law School | Creighton University School of Law, J.D. 1989 |
Undergraduate University | University of Nebraska at Omaha, B.A. 1981 |
Professional Affiliations | Nebraska State Bar Association Omaha Bar Association Nebraska State Bar Foundation, Lifetime Fellow Nebraska Defense Counsel Association Defense Research Institute American Board of Trial Advocates National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel Nebraska State Bar Association Executive Council, District 2 Various Nebraska Judicial Nomination Commissions |
Additional Information |
For more than 35 years, Mr. Novotny’s practice has included handling all areas of civil litigation representing clients in all courts, tribunals, alternative dispute resolution forums, arbitrations and with governmental regulatory bodies and agencies. Mark regularly represents individuals, corporations, partnerships, governmental entities in all types of complex commercial, professional, insurance, corporate and business litigation in federal and state courts including handling business disputes, intellectual property matters, environmental issues, and regulatory compliance. Away from work, Mark enjoys all aspects of participating and watching sports, fishing, family, and time at his cabin. Additional Info 2025 AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell (highest possible rating based upon peer review) Defense Counsel of the Year by the Nebraska Defense Counsel Association Lifetime Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation Best Lawyers Recipient, 2019 to present Best Lawyers – Commercial Litigation 2019-2025 Best Lawyers Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants 2019-2025 Timothy Wagner v. Gennaro J. Orrico, et al, 8* Circuit Court of Appeals, 8:94CV116. Hoffart v. Hodge, 5 Neb.App. 838, 567 N.W.2d 600. Complex case involving two appeals affirming twice jury verdicts in favor of Mr. Novotny’s clients and setting the standard for habit and routine evidence and scope of expert testimony standards. Chism v. Campbell, 250 Neb. 921, 553 N.W.2d 741. Medical malpractice matter affirming a judgment in favor of Mr. Novotny’s client refining the establishment of the use of the doctrine of res ipsa loquitor in medical negligence case. Waite v. Carpenter, 1 Neb.App. 321, 496 N.W.2d 1 and Waite v. Carpenter, 3 Neb.App. 879, 533 N.W.2d 917. Complicated series of six lawsuits establishing the doctrine of the unauthorized practice of law in this field upholding dismissal for Mr. Novotny’s clients. Hitzemann v. Adam, 246 Neb. 201, 518 N.W.2d 102. Involved medical negligence cases establishing in Nebraska the legal doctrine of not recognizing a cause of action for wrong birth of a viable child in favor of Mr. Novotny’s client. Stetson v. Silverman, 278 Neb. 389. Original mandamus action to the Nebraska Supreme Court establishing the standard for protection of Nebraska State Agency privileges. Mr. Novotny has taken approximately 78 cases to jury verdict in the areas of business disputes, professional negligence, complex commercial litigation, personal injury, civil RICO, environmental, product liability real property issues, will contest, breach of contract, construction law, insurance coverage, agricultural law, employment law, FELA, crossing accidents and intellectual property. Product liability cases include appliance cases, fire, defective materials, defective construction. |
Practice Areas | Appellate Practice, Civil Litigation, Commercial Law, Insurance Law and Coverage Disputes, Personal Injury Litigation, Premises Liability, Products Liability Litigation, Professional Malpractice (Medical, Legal and Accounting), Workers’ Compensation |
Law School | University of Minnesota Law School, 2021 |
Undergraduate University | University of Nebraska-Lincoln, B.A. with High Honors, 2018 |
Professional Affiliations | Nebraska Bar Association -- Worker's Compensation Section -- Young Lawyer’s Section Omaha Bar Association |
Additional Information |
Admissions: State of Nebraska Mr. Brower provides effective representation to clients in litigation and dispute resolution. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2021. While at the University of Minnesota, he served as: President of the Litigation and Trial Advocacy Group, a competition team member on the National Energy & Sustainability Moot Court team, Lead Online Editor for the Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality, Commissioner of the Student and Professor Ping Pong Association (SP3), and a role player for the Fighting Mondales Hockey Team. |
Practice Areas | Appellate Practice, Civil Litigation, Commercial Law, Professional Malpractice (Medical, Legal and Accounting), Workers’ Compensation, Construction Law |
Law School | University of Nebraska College of Law, J.D. with Distinction, 2020 |
Undergraduate University | Texas A&M University – Commerce, B.A. Magna Cum Laude, 2017 |
Professional Affiliations | Nebraska Bar Association -- Worker's Compensation Section, Executive Committee Member --Appellate Practice Section, Section Treasurer -- Practice & Procedure Committee, Member Iowa State Bar Association |
Additional Information |
Admissions: State of Nebraska Mr. Faz graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2020. While at UNL, he served as a member of the Nebraska Law Review while also publishing several of his written work. Mr. Faz excelled academically earning him numerous honors and awards during his tenure at Nebraska Law including awards for his writing skills and seven CALI Excellence for the Future Awards. Appellate Cases in Which Participated:
Hyer v. Target Corp., 2023 WL 3829393 (Neb. Ct. App., June 6, 2023);
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Practice Areas | Appellate Practice, Arbitration, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights Litigation, Commercial Law, Director’s and Officer’s Liability, Employment Law, Insurance Law and Coverage Disputes, Products Liability Litigation, Professional Malpractice (Medical, Legal and Accounting), Drug and Medical Device Litigation |
Law School | Creighton University School of Law, J.D. Summa Cum Laude 1983 |
Undergraduate University | Gustavus Adolphus College, B.A. Magna Cum Laude 1980 |
Professional Affiliations | Nebraska State Bar Association Iowa State Bar Association Omaha Bar Association American Bar Association Nebraska State Bar Foundation |
Additional Information |
Admissions: Professional Experience: Published appellate cases in which participated: Washington County Bank v. Red Socks Stables, Inc., 221 Neb. 300, 376 N.W.2d 782 (1985). Barry v. Bohi, 221 Neb. 651, 380 N.W.2d 249 (1986). Chadd v. Midwest Franchise Corp., 226 Neb. 502, 412 N.W.2d 453 (1987). Uryasz v. Archbishop Bergan Mercy Hospital, 230 Neb. 323, 431 N.W.2d 617 (1988). In re Estate of McFayden, 235 Neb. 214, 454 N.W.2d 676 (1990). Hansl v. Creighton University, 243 Neb. 21, 497 N.W.2d 63 (1993). Gerken v. Hawkins Const. Co., 243 Neb. 157, 498 N.W.2d 97 (1993). Global Credit Services, Inc. v. AMISUB (Saint Joseph Hosp.), Inc., 244 Neb. 681, 508 N.W.2d 836 (1993). Hanigan v. Trumble, 252 Neb. 376 562 N.W.2d 526 (1997). First Nat. Bank of Omaha v. Three Dimension Systems Products, Inc., 289 F.3d 542 (8th Cir. 2002). First Nat. Bank of Omaha v. Acceptance Ins. Companies, Inc., 675 N.W.2d 689 (Ne Ct. App. 2004). State ex rel. Special Counsel for Discipline, Nebraska Supreme Court v. Fellman, 267 Neb. 838, 678 N.W.2d 491 (2004). Ferer v. Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C., 272 Neb. 470, 759 N.W.2d 75 (2006). Royal Ins. Co. of America v. Duhamel Broadcasting Enterprises, Inc., 170 Fed.Appx. 438, 2006 WL 616277 (8th Cir. 2006). Bellino v. McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, PC LLO, 274 Neb. 130, 738 N.W.2d 434 (2007). Classe v. Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., 2007 WL 1898536 (Ne. Ct. App. 2007). State ex rel. Counsel for Discipline of Nebraska Supreme Court v. Hubbard, 276 Neb. 741, 757 N.W.2d 375 (2008). Auto Services Co., Inc. v. KPMG, LLP, 537 F.3d 853 (8th Cir. 2008). Pennfield Oil Co. v. Winstrom, 276 Neb. 123, 752 N.W.2d 588 (2008). Phoenix Properties, LLC v. Biggs, 2009 WL 416267 (Ne. Ct. App. 2009). Gillham v. Kennedy Dental Associates, 2009 WL 3161617 (Ne. Ct. App. 2009). D & S Realty, Inc. v. Markel Ins. Co., 280 Neb. 567, 789 N.W.2d 1 (2010) (first appeal). D & S Realty, Inc. v. Markel Ins. Co., 284 Neb. 1, 816 N.W.2d 1 (2012) (second appeal). Green v. Box Butte General Hosp., 284 Neb. 243 818 N.W.2d 589 (2012). Board of Trustees of City of Omaha Police and Fire Retirement System v. City of Omaha, 289 Neb. 993 858 N.W.2d 186 (2015). Hillyer v. Midwest Gastrointestinal Associates, P.C., 24 Neb. App. 75, 883 N.W.2d 404 (2016). Schmidt v. Ramsey, 860 F.3d 1038 (8th Cir. 2017). Hemsley v. Langdon, 299 Neb. 464, 909 N.W.2d 59 (2018). Bonness v. Armitage, 305 Neb. 747, 942 N.W.2d 238 (2020).
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Practice Areas | Civil Litigation, Bankruptcy Litigation, Bond and Suretyship Litigation, Insurance Law and Coverage Disputes, Commercial Law, Products Liability Litigation, Employment Law, ERISA Litigation, Arbitration, Real Estate Law (Residential and Commercial) |
Law School | New York University School of Law, 1973 |
Undergraduate University | Creighton University, 1970 |
Professional Affiliations | Nebraska State Bar Association Omaha Bar Association American Bar Association |
Additional Information |
Professional Experience: Mr. Grennan has written Settlement Techniques in Multiparty Cases and Liability of Component Part Manufactures for Nebraska Continuing Legal Education, Inc. He has also written Bad Faith and Extracontractual Remedies in Nebraska on behalf of Professional Education Systems, Inc.; Insurance Coverage Contract Language 101 and Common Types of Insurance Coverage Disputes for National Business Institute. Honors and Awards: He is a fellow in the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. Mr. Grennan has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He received the President’s Professionalism Award from The Nebraska State Bar Association. Appellate Cases in Which Participated: In re Floors & More, Inc., United States Bankruptcy Court, D. Nebraska, 2007 WL 4377812 (2007); |
Practice Areas | Civil Litigation, Appellate Practice, Commercial Law, Construction Law, Insurance Law and Coverage Disputes, Personal Injury Litigation, Political Subdivision Tort Claims, Premises Liability, Products Liability Litigation, Professional Malpractice (Medical, Legal and Accounting), Drug and Medical Device Litigation |
Law School | University of Nebraska College of Law, J.D. with Distinction, 1979 |
Undergraduate University | University of Nebraska, B.A. with Distinction, 1976, Phi Beta Kappa |
Professional Affiliations | Omaha Bar Association Nebraska State Bar Association American Bar Association Defense Research Institute American Board of Trial Advocates: President of Nebraska Chapter, 2015-2016 Nebraska Lion's Eye Bank: Past Chairman of the Board of Directors Fellow of the Nebraska Bar Foundation (Bench Media Committee Member, 2016 to present, Board of Directors Member, 2019 to Present) Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers (2021-present) |
Additional Information |
Ron was named the Best Lawyers® Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants 2022; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants 2019 and 2022; and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants 2019 and 2022 for Omaha. He was also the Best Lawyers 2017 “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants for Omaha. Honors and Awards: ABOTA Advocate. Nebraska Lion’s Eye Bank: Chairman of the Board of Directors (2015-2016). Preeminent AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Professional Experience: Joined Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas in 1979. Admissions: Published Appellate Cases in which Participated: Omaha Bank for Cooperatives v. Aetna Cas. And Sur. Co., 207 Neb. 782, 301 N.W.2d 564 (January 30,1981); |
Practice Areas | Civil Litigation, Drug and Medical Device Litigation, Products Liability Litigation, Commercial Law, Construction Law, Estate and Trust Litigation, Insurance Law and Coverage Disputes, Real Estate Law (Residential and Commercial), Business/Corporation Formation and Planning, Elder Law and Planning, Estate and Trust Planning, Probate Administration, Trust Administration |
Law School | Creighton University School of Law, J.D. 1985 |
Undergraduate University | University of Nebraska at Lincoln, BSBA 1982 |
Professional Affiliations | Nebraska State Bar Association Omaha Bar Association American Bar Association |
Additional Information |
Admissions: Professional Experience: Served as a law clerk to Chief Judge C. Arlen Beam of the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska in 1985. Served as a law clerk to Chief Judge Lyle E. Strom of the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska from 1985 to 1987. Joined Cassem, Tierney in 1987. Identified as ‘Super Lawyer’ by peers in 2013. Received a 5.0/5.0 peer review and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. General Counsel (Pro Bono), Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, 2007 to present. Published Appellate Cases in Which Participated: First Federal Sav. & Loan Assín of Colorado Springs v. Wyant, 238 Neb. 741, 472 N.W.2d 386 (1991) |
Practice Areas | Mediation, Arbitration |
Law School | University of Iowa, J.D. (1971) |
Undergraduate University | University of Iowa, B.A. in psychology (1968) |
Professional Affiliations | President of the Omaha Bar Association (2003-04) President of the Nebraska State Bar Association (2009-10) Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers (1996-present), State Chair (2004-06), Regent (2011-15) Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers (2004-present), State Chair (2007-present) Fellow in the Nebraska State Bar Foundation (1999-present), Board of Directors (2008-14) Member of the National Association of Distinguished Neutrals (2014-present) |
Additional Information |
Professional Experience: Michael F. Kinney started with Cassem Tierney in 1971. After 43 years of litigating a wide variety of lawsuits Mike decided to concentrate solely on his mediation practice. Honors and awards: Mr. Kinney has been named Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Arbitration in Omaha for 2012 and 2019; Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Mediation in Omaha for 2013, 2022, and 2024; Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Bet-the-Company Litigation in Omaha for 2016; Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice – Defendants in Omaha for 2017; and Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants in Omaha for 2020. Mike was also recently selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024, for Omaha, Nebraska, in Arbitration, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Mediation, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs. Recipient of Nebraska Lawyer Foundation’s Visionary Award (2015) for establishment of SOLACE program. Voted by peers one of Nebraska’s Top Ten Super Lawyers (2012); included in Super Lawyers annually (2007-present). Civic Positions/Activities: Papillion / LaVista School Board (1979-85), Nebraska Accountability & Disclosure Commission (1986-97), Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (1989-95), Fontanelle Forest Association Board of Directors (1993-95), Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) (2000-13), Nebraska Eye Bank Board of Directors (2003-09), Bellevue Housing Authority (2005-13), Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice (2004-14), Bellevue School Board (2013-2016), Lift Up Sarpy County (2013-2019). Mediation experience includes over 1000 completed mediations in a wide variety of civil litigation matters. Mr. Kinney has also served as a Special Master, Umpire and Medical Review Hearing Officer. |
Practice Areas | Civil Litigation, Insurance Law and Coverage Disputes, Personal Injury Litigation, Premises Liability, Workers’ Compensation |
Law School | University of Notre Dame Law School, 1992 |
Undergraduate University | Creighton University, 1989 |
Professional Affiliations | American Bar Association Nebraska State Bar Association California State Bar Association Omaha Bar Association Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel |
Practice Areas | Workers’ Compensation, Appellate Practice, Mediation |
Law School | University of Nebraska College of Law, J.D. 1981 |
Undergraduate University | Kearney State College, B.A. Magna Cum Laude 1978 |
Professional Affiliations | Nebraska State Bar Association Nebraska State Bar Foundation Iowa State Bar Association Omaha Bar Association American Bar Association |
Additional Information |
Honors: College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Fellow (2017) Admissions: Professional Experience: Published Appellate Cases in Which Participated: |
Practice Areas | Civil Litigation |
Law School | Creighton University School of Law, 1960 Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society |
Undergraduate University | Creighton University, 1957 |
Professional Affiliations | International Academy of Trial Lawyers (Co-Chairman, Committee on Admissions, 1982-85 and 1997-98; Board of Directors, 1992-98 and 2012-15; Secretary-Treasurer, 2000-01) American College of Trial Lawyers (State Chairman, 1986-87) International Society of Barristers Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation (President, 2017-2018) Nebraska State Bar Association Omaha Bar Association American Bar Association |
Additional Information |
Mr. Gotch has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Gotch is recipient of the Foundation Award from the Nebraska State Bar Association. The Foundation Award honors exemplary service to the Foundation and is presented to lawyers who have made, and who continue to make, a strong commitment to the goals of the Foundation. |
Practice Areas | Civil Litigation, Professional Malpractice (Medical, Legal and Accounting), Commercial Law, Products Liability Litigation |
Law School | Creighton University School of Law, J.D. 1985 |
Undergraduate University | Creighton University, B.A. 1982 |
Professional Affiliations | Nebraska State Bar Association Omaha Bar Association American Bar Association Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers American Board of Trial Advocates International Academy of Trial Lawyers |
Additional Information |
Brien was named the Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in the practice area of Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants in Omaha and Best Lawyers 2020 in Omaha for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. Admissions: |
We have experts in a variety of areas to ensure you are well represented.
Agricultural law, also known as Ag Law, is the legal framework for the farming and ranching industries. It covers a wide range of issues, including land use, water rights, and the use of chemicals and fertilizers.
Mark E. Novotny
Attorney at Law
The latest updates from our firm.
Jan 21, 2025
Dennis Riekenberg inducted into National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas is pleased to announce that Dennis R. Riekenberg...
Apr 13, 2022
Charles Gotch Receives Foundation Award from the Nebraska State Bar Association
Charles F. Gotch has been awarded the Foundation Award by the Nebraska State Bar...
We're here when you need us.
Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas
Attorneys at Law
Phone | 402.390.0300 |
Fax | 402.390.9676 |
info@ctagd.com | |
Office |
9290 West Dodge Road Suite 302 Omaha, NE 68114 |