LINCOLN, Neb. — Judge Laurie Yardley of the Lancaster County Court has announced her retirement, effective August 1, after three decades of service. In her retirement notice, she expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving the citizens of Lancaster County and emphasized her commitment to the administration of justice throughout her career.
Yardley has been a pivotal figure in the Lancaster County judiciary since her appointment in 1995. Her peers recognized her contributions to the legal field, naming her a Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. This honor acknowledges individuals of outstanding integrity and those who have significantly influenced the legal profession in Nebraska.
Over the years, Yardley has dedicated her efforts to enhancing access to the courts and fostering community engagement. Among her initiatives, she established a county amnesty day and energetically advocated for Lancaster County’s night court, aimed at making judicial proceedings more accessible for residents.
In addition to her work on the bench, Yardley has played an instrumental role in the Nebraska High School Mock Trial program, serving as a regional coordinator. Her advocacy aims to inspire young individuals to engage with the legal system and understand the intricacies of trial processes.
Yardley’s impact extends beyond court proceedings; she has actively contributed to the judiciary by serving on numerous committees established by the Nebraska Supreme Court and the Nebraska County Judges Association, where she held various officer positions, including president.
Throughout her tenure, she has retained the confidence of area voters, who repeatedly elected her to the position of presiding judge of the Lancaster County Court on a rotating basis. Her retirement opens a new chapter in the court system, prompting the Judicial Resources Commission to convene and assess whether her departure creates a judicial vacancy based on existing workload reports.
As Yardley steps away from her judicial responsibilities, her legacy includes a commitment to improving access to judicial services and engaging the community in legal education.
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