Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, Lindsey Miller-Lerman, is retiring effective October 31, 2025. Miller-Lerman represents the Second Judicial District of Nebraska’s Supreme Court. 

In her retirement letter to the Governor and the Chief Justice, Miller-Lerman noted, “It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Nebraska as an appellate judge since 1992.”

According to Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke, “Justice Miller-Lerman has been a trailblazer her entire life. Her legal career is marked by dedicated, professional, and intellectual service to the State of Nebraska.”

The Chief Justice added, “The Nebraska Supreme Court extends its deepest appreciation to Justice Miller-Lerman for her many years of service to the State of Nebraska. Throughout her career, Justice Miller-Lerman has shown extraordinary legal intellect and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. Her opinions reflect both clarity of thought and a deep respect for the people and institutions of Nebraska.”

Miller-Lerman has served the Nebraska judiciary for more than three decades. She was appointed on January 12, 1992, as one of the six original members of the Nebraska Court of Appeals, where she was, throughout her tenure on the court, the only woman jurist. In 1998, she was appointed to the Nebraska Supreme Court, where she again served as the Court’s sole female member for over a dozen years. Justice Miller-Lerman is currently one of Nebraska’s longest-serving judges.

“In addition to her professional achievements, Justice Miller-Lerman has been a valued colleague—thoughtful, collegial, and a genuine pleasure to work with. She is not only a respected jurist but also a kind and caring individual whose presence has enriched the Court. Her contributions will leave a lasting impact on the legal system of our state. The Court expresses its gratitude for her dedicated service and extends best wishes as she enters this next chapter,” added Funke.

The first step in replacing Miller-Lerman will be for the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Supreme Court Second District, chaired by Justice Stephanie Stacy, to announce that they will be accepting applications for the vacancy.

News Reporters:

Judge Miller-Lerman’s judicial biography may be found: https://nebraskajudicial.gov/courts/hon-lindsey-miller-lerman

Replacing a Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court:

In Nebraska, the merit selection system (originally adopted by a constitutional amendment in 1962) is used for all levels of judges.  Merit selection uses nominating commissions to screen, interview, and solicit judicial applicants.

When a justice retires, the Judicial Nominating Commission is responsible to put forth their best efforts in finding the most qualified individuals to accept nomination for judicial office.

Judicial Nominating Commission Timeline

• Deadline for Public Hearing: 60 days from time of the vacancy.
• Deadline for applications to be sent to Supreme Court chairperson: 21 days prior to public hearing.
• Applicants' names released to media: 10 days prior to public hearing.
• Deadline for sending selected names to Governor: 90 days from time that vacancy occurs.

Judicial Nominating Commission information for Supreme Court Second District