
KATE Q. MARTZ
Kate is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group where she handles complex litigation for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, political subdivisions, and individuals. Kate’s practice includes matters involving the transportation industry, premises liability, commercial disputes, and professional malpractice. She is a member of the firm’s GoTeam to assist in responding to an emergency accident. Kate also advises clients on employment related issues and can handle those from initial investigation through trial. She has tried a variety of cases in Nebraska and Iowa and handled matters on appeal. In her practice, Kate strives to simplify difficult issues and provide practical advice throughout the litigation process to best achieve her clients’ goals.
Kate grew up in Omaha and lives in Lincoln with her family. Outside of the office, she enjoys all Husker sports, exercise, and traveling. She also spends her time supporting causes in her community for women in business as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Admitted to practice in: State of Nebraska, State of Iowa, U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, U.S District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
Juris Doctor, University of Nebraska College of Law
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics, Rockhurst University, summa cum laude
Professional Affiliations
- Nebraska State Bar Association
- Iowa State Bar Association
- Lincoln Bar Association
- Robert Van Pelt American Inn of Court
- Nebraska Defense Counsel Association
- Defense Research Institute
- ALFA International
- Program Chair for the 2023 Future Leaders Forum Seminar
- Women’s Initiative Liaison for the Transportation Steering Committee
- Member of the Future Leaders Forum, Transportation Steering Committee, and Women’s Initiative Steering Committee
Area(s) of Practice
Litigation
Transportation
Premises Liability
Employment
Insurance Defense
Professional Liability
Significant Matters
- Obtained defense verdict for a transportation company following a jury trial on a negligence claim
- Successfully prepared the brief and handled oral argument in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals on a novel retaliation claim for a corporate client
- Secured a jury verdict below the offer to confess judgment in a personal injury matter
- Obtained a defense verdict in a breach of contract claim for a small business following a bench trial
- Secured a zero damages verdict in a jury trial on an employee’s retaliation claim
- Obtained summary judgment and dismissal of a professional malpractice claim on the statute of limitations
- Represented a professional malpractice client in a bench trial that resulted in a finding of no negligence
Publications
- Remote Considerations: Ethical Concerns Beyond the Pandemic, ALFA International Webinar
- The Future Jury Pool, ALFA International Future Leaders Forum Seminar
Special Distinctions
- Rising Star Award, Nebraska Defense Counsel Association
- CALI Awards for Excellence: Torts, Clinical Practice-Civil Clinic
- Outstanding Civil Clinic Student
- Chief Standing Bear Scholarship Recipient
Community Service
- Nebraska Legal Diversity Council Board Member
- Dean’s Advisory Board Member for the University of Nebraska College of Law
- RISE Lincoln Board of Advisors
- Member, Women Investing in Nebraska
Contact Info
Email Kate