LINCOLN, Nebraska – Judge Tom Stine was sworn in on Oct. 6, 2011 to serve on the bench of the Nebraska Workers’Compensation Court. Attorney General Jon Bruning opened and officiated the swearing-in ceremony, which took place in the Nebraska State Capitol’s Court of Appeals Courtroom. Justice John M. Gerrard administered the oath of office.
Gov. Dave Heineman appointed Judge Stine to replace Judge Michael P. Cavel who retired on Sept. 30, 2011. The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court is composed of seven judges who are initially appointed by the governor and who then remain on the bench for successive six-year terms upon approval of the electorate.
Judge Stine has practiced law for more than 20 years in Nebraska and has served for six years as Civil Litigation Bureau Chief at Nebraska Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General.He has also served as Assistant Attorney General since 2000.
Prior to entering public service, Judge Stine was a trial attorney with an emphasis on workers’compensation and personal injury. As the Civil Litigation Bureau Chief he organized and oversaw workers’ compensation litigation, federal civil rights litigation, state tort litigation, state contract litigation, employment law litigation, Administrative Procedures Act litigation, and inmate litigation.
A member of the Nebraska State Bar Association since 1989, Judge Stine has served in the association’s Leadership Academy Steering Committee and House of Delegates. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1984 from Wayne State College and attended the University of South Dakota School of Law, graduating in 1987.
Source: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court