Judge Edward D. Steenburg, a respected figure in Nebraska's legal community, will retire from his position as County Court Judge for the 11th Judicial District on February 28, 2025. His career has spanned over two decades, during which he served the State of Nebraska and its residents with dedication.
In a letter to the Governor announcing his retirement, Steenburg expressed gratitude for his time in service: “It has been my honor to serve the State of Nebraska and the residents of the 11th Judicial District for the past 21 years. It has also been a privilege to work with the county judges serving the State of Nebraska.” He further acknowledged his colleagues' efforts, stating, “I have been blessed to work with dedicated court employees in the counties I serve; they are an asset to the court system. I cannot thank them enough for the work they do each and every day.”
Steenburg was recognized for pioneering a nearly paperless court system, showcasing this innovation in Ogallala to the Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court in 2016. His commitment extended beyond courtroom duties into various community activities. He served as a regional coordinator and volunteer judge for High School Mock Trial Projects and was lead judge for Keith County's "Through the Eyes of the Child Initiative."
As a Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation, Steenburg is celebrated for his integrity and contributions to charitable works and community education within legal circles.
Steenburg's tenure began in 2004 when he took up his judicial role. Since then, he has been retained by voters, most recently reaffirmed in 2020.
With his impending retirement, it falls upon the Judicial Resources Commission to assess whether Steenburg’s departure will result in a vacancy based on workload statistics.
Nebraska's judicial power is distributed among several courts including Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district courts, and county courts under administrative guidance from the Supreme Court. The state also maintains separate juvenile courts and a Workers’ Compensation Court.