FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2006, 10:40 a.m. CT

(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced his appointment of Ross A. Stoffer of Norfolk to serve as a county court judge for the Seventh Judicial District. The district encompasses Antelope, Cuming, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Stanton and Wayne counties.

"Ross Stoffer brings a wealth of real-world experience to the bench," Gov. Heineman said. "His community service, his background in business and business law, as well as his demeanor, are each well-suited to the task of serving the public as a judge."

Stoffer, 52, joins the county court judiciary after spending more than a quarter century in private practice at Mueting & Stoffer Law Office and its predecessors in Norfolk. His general practice work included juvenile law, criminal law, wills, estates and estate planning, elder law, Medicare and Medicaid issues, family and business law.

While in private practice, Stoffer also worked as an adjunct faculty member at Northeast Community College, teaching business law. His previous work experience included a three-year stint as a law clerk in the Lincoln City Attorney's Office.

Stoffer studied history and political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned a bachelor's degree and a teaching certificate after transferring from Northeast Community College. He also earned his law degree from UNL.

He is a member of the Nebraska Bar Association, the Madison County Bar Association, and the Seventh Judicial District Bar Association. Stoffer has worked as a pro bono lawyer for various organizations, including the Agape Crisis Pregnancy Center and the Christian Cross Festival. He has also served as an officer and member of the Board of Directors for The ARC of Norfolk and is active in the Sacred Heart Parish. In addition, he has served as president of Norfolk Sertoma and vice president of the Norfolk Jaycees.