On October 9, Nebraska Appleseed will gather again to celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations who have stood up for justice and opportunity for all during the 2025 Good Apple Awards. We are proud to recognize this year’s honorees.
The Seeds of Justice Award honors outstanding legal contributions to public interest law and/or pro bono contributions by private lawyers and law firms advancing the public interest through public policy reform.
“In 2024, as Nebraska faced critical legal challenges concerning competing abortion-related ballot initiatives before the Supreme Court, this dedicated team stepped forward. Paul Rodney provided outstanding and swift legal expertise in defending the abortion-rights amendment proposed by Protect Our Rights. He skillfully argued that the initiative adhered to the Nebraska Constitution’s stringent single subject rule, asserting that its singular purpose was to limit government interference with abortion, a standard practice for ballot initiatives to define legal terms and effect constitutional change. His compelling arguments were crucial in navigating a complex legal landscape where the court applies a narrower interpretation to citizen-led measures.
Meanwhile, David Gacioch, representing a coalition of 29 doctors led by Dr. Elizabeth Constance, courageously spearheaded a separate, defensive pro bono lawsuit. This ‘both-or-none’ challenge passionately advocated for the right of Nebraska voters to weigh in on both initiatives, asserting their belief that both measures met the legal standard to appear on the ballot.
Crucially, Joshua Livingston performed the heavy lifting as local counsel, meticulously ensuring all filings were compliant and effectively coordinating with clients, a vital behind-the-scenes effort that underpinned the team’s success in safeguarding these vital ballot access rights. When it became clear that efforts to thwart the ability of Nebraska voters to weigh in on this critical issue would be at play, this legal team swiftly convened, developed an outstanding legal strategy, and executed that strategy through their hard work and persistence.
Together, these three attorneys—Paul Rodney, David Gacioch, and Joshua Livingston—demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to justice and the democratic process. Their tireless, pro bono advocacy in such high-stakes litigation ensured that crucial questions regarding reproductive rights remained before the people of Nebraska, reaffirming the fundamental principle that legal expertise can and should serve the public good, regardless of cost. Their work is a profound testament to their dedication to upholding civil and constitutional rights in our state.”– Rebecca Gould, Executive Director
Join us in celebrating David Gacioch, Joshua Livingston, and Paul Rodney at the 2025 Good Apple Awards on October 9, 2025 or make a donation in honor of this year’s honorees. For more information, contact Denni Mitchell at dmitchell@neappleseed.org.