The Office of the Governor of the State of Nebraska

10/20/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2025 07:30

Governor Pillen Appoints McGowan as District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District

October 20, 2025

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Governor Pillen Appoints McGowan as District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE - Today, Governor Jim Pillen appointed Richard P. McGowan of Omaha as district court judge in the Fourth Judicial District. That district consists of Douglas County.

McGowan has had his own law practice in Nebraska for 18 years, focusing on criminal defense, juvenile law, personal injury, guardianship, and other related areas. Prior to opening his practice, McGowan served as an attorney in a variety of private law firms. He is chairperson for the Douglas County Board of Mental Health.

McGowan has a degree in philosophy/sociology from Rockhurst University. He earned his juris doctor from Creighton University School of Law.

The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Leigh Ann Retelsdorf.

The Office of the Governor of the State of Nebraska published this content on October 20, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 21, 2025 at 13:31 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]