Bio
Of Counsel John A. “Jack” Cheloha
Your Persuasive Voice with Government Officials
John A. “Jack” Cheloha stands as a trusted ally for businesses, municipalities, counties, schools, and government entities alike. With over 34 years of experience, Jack has carved a distinguished path in government affairs, regulatory matters, and various domains of law crucial to his clients’ success.
Jack’s mission is to serve as the persuasive voice that resonates with government officials, ensuring his clients’ voices are not just heard but amplified where it matters most. Through strategic networking and relentless dedication, Jack navigates the intricate corridors of governance with finesse, creating awareness and advocacy for his clients’ agendas.
In the realm of law and policy, Jack is a formidable force, adept at navigating complexities and delivering tangible results. From pivotal roles in passing legislation for landmark infrastructure projects to shaping telecommunications law in Nebraska, Jack’s track record speaks volumes. As a respected member of the legal community, Jack has also served in leadership positions within the Nebraska State Bar Association, advocating for the interests of his profession and his clients.
What distinguishes Jack is not just his legal prowess but also his unwavering empathy. He understands that his clients’ challenges are not merely legal—they’re personal. With genuine care and determination, Jack approaches each case, making his clients’ problems his own and stopping at nothing to help them along the way.
Bar Admissions:
- Nebraska
Jack’s “Why”
Jack’s foundation is his family. With his wife, Leigh, by his side, Jack takes pride in raising their two accomplished children, both set to graduate in 2024. Their household is completed by their two beloved dogs, River and Lucky. When Jack isn’t advocating for his clients or spending time with his family, he enjoys honing his golf skills, taking walks with his dogs, and staying on top of the latest developments in politics and sports.
Practice Areas:
- Government Affairs
- Regulatory Affairs
- Municipal Law
- Constitutional and Charter Law
- Gaming Law
- Telecommunications Law
Empowering Clients through Government and Community Relations
At Goosmann Law Firm, we understand the profound impact governmental and community relations can have on our clients’ endeavors, whether they are corporate entities, non-profit organizations, or individuals. Recognizing this importance, we are committed to expanding our services to include robust representation before federal, state and local legislative bodies as well as regulatory agencies with the experience of our team.
Comprehensive Governmental Representation
Our Governmental and Community Relations Department will offer a wide array of services aimed at advocating for our clients’ interests at every level of government. These services include:
- Drafting Legislation, Ordinances, and Regulations: We will assist clients in crafting legislation, ordinances, and regulations that align with their objectives, ensuring their voices are heard in the policymaking process.
- Resolving Conflicts: Our team will adeptly navigate conflicts related to land and water use, condemnation, and zoning, providing strategic counsel for our clients.
- Representation on Tax Matters and Public Financing Projects: We will advocate on behalf of clients regarding special assessments, land valuations for tax purposes, and public financing projects, leveraging our knowledge to maximize benefits and minimize liabilities.
- Representation in Hearings, Audits, and Appeals: Whether before boards, panels, or commissions, our attorneys will zealously represent clients in hearings, audits, and appeals, ensuring their rights are protected and their interests are vigorously defended.
At Goosmann Law Firm, our commitment to excellence extends beyond traditional legal services. By offering governmental and community relations representation, we empower our clients to navigate the complex landscape of governance with confidence. We are dedicated to fostering enduring relationships and results that drive success for our clients, both now and in the future.
Employment
City of Omaha
Deputy City Attorney/City Lobbyist (October 2016 to March 2024)
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with key contacts in municipal, county, state and federal governments and in public and private organizations
- Collaborate with legislative committees, individual legislators, public officials, trade and industrial associations, chambers of commerce and business organizations to assure full communication of ideas, interests and purposes
- Appear before the Nebraska Legislature on behalf of the City of Omaha
- Consult with the Mayor, City Council, Law Department, and other City of Omaha officials to determine and secure the support and passage of appropriate legislation
- Assist City of Omaha officials with policy decisions by performing research, compiling statistical data and providing reports
- Hire and supervise interns who assist during Nebraska Legislature sessions
- Perform research as needed for the Law Department, including in connection with telecommunications, rights of way, billboard regulation, and municipal liability
City Of Omaha
City Lobbyist (November 1994 to October 2016)
- Established and maintained effective relationships with key contacts in municipal, county, state and federal governments and in public and private organizations
- Collaborated with legislative committees, individual legislators, public officials, trade and industrial associations, chambers of commerce and business organizations to assure full communication of ideas, interests and purposes
- Appeared before the Nebraska Legislature on behalf of the City of Omaha
- Consulted with the City Council, Mayor and other City of Omaha officials to determine appropriate state legislation and secure support and passage of appropriate legislation
- Performed assignments as needed or the City Council, including budget research, constituent complaint issues, and weekly agenda items
Kennedy, Holland, Delacy & Svoboda
Associate Attorney (1990 to 1994)
- Practiced legislative lobbying and civil litigation
- Represented various contract clients before the Nebraska Legislature dealing with issues related to higher education, appropriations, health care, banking and finance, gaming, insurance and tort reform
- Extensive experience with insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, workers’ compensation, personal injury, contract and family law
- Appeared weekly at hearings in Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy and other local counties
- Responsible for extensive legal research and writing of briefs, memoranda, and demand letters
Knudsen, Berkheimer, Richardson & Endacott
Legal Clerk (1988 To 1990)
- Primarily performed legal research and drafted briefs, pleadings, interrogatories and contracts
- Assisted in trial preparation, client contact and case investigation
Bailey, Polsky, Cada, Todd & Cope
Legal Clerk (Summer 1988)
- Primarily performed legal research and drafted briefs, pleadings, interrogatories and legal memoranda
Community Involvement
- Nebraska State Bar Association-Member of the House of Delegates
- JDRF Advocacy & Fundraising