La entrada Appreciation for the Volunteer Attorneys of the Free Legal Clinic se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

When reflecting on my experience working for Pesek Law, what comes to mind is true advocacy. Not just a mere legal representation on paper or in the courtroom, but thorough and compassionate advocacy. Every day, the trial teams and legal support staff at Pesek Law are working hard to be even better advocates for our clients.

The authentic nature of Pesek Law is rooted in the firm’s commitment to providing bilingual and culturally competent legal services. This commitment is far-reaching, from the moment every client first interacts with the firm to the joy-filled day that many clients receive compensation (monetary justice) for their injuries.

As the team communicates with clients in their preferred language with an understanding of their culture, clients feel fully seen and heard. There is so much more to someone’s story than just their immediate legal needs; and at Pesek Law, we see each client’s whole story.

Pesek Law’s advocacy doesn’t stop there. Even beyond seeking civil justice for our clients, we seek to fully serve our community through community service and involvement. I’ve come to understand that Pesek Law wants to see the community fully flourish and thrive.

That’s why Pesek Law efforts go beyond legal services and deep into the heart of the community to strive for the greater good. It has been a profound experience to witness this intersection of legal advocacy and community enrichment.

Whenever I walk away from one of these experiences, I continually think to myself, “This is what true advocacy looks like.” In my experience, it is rare that law firms go to such lengths to understand, connect with, and fully serve their clients and the surrounding community.

It has been an honor to spend my summer clerking with Pesek Law before my last year of law school. Not only have I gained so many valuable legal skills in pre-litigation, litigation, and trials, but this experience has also shaped my understanding of diligent and competent legal representation. I will never forget the look on clients’ faces as they received life-changing money after suffering life-altering losses at the negligent hands of others. They weren’t just thankful to finally receive the monetary compensation they always deserved as victims of negligence; they were also so grateful that our team provided the true advocacy they needed.

To most law firms, these people are just one file in a stack of cases. But at Pesek Law, I learned that we see their entire stories, lives, and families—because that’s what true advocates do.

La entrada Experiencing true advocacy: Clerking at Pesek Law se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

On June 20, people from diverse walks of life gathered at Metropolitan Community College to experience the talent of the school’s Culinary Arts program, but that’s not all they had in common.

Each person was there to celebrate the True Potential Scholarship in some way. Current scholarship recipients were recognized and cheered on. Recent graduates were applauded for their accomplishments. Families, advocates and community partners shared their pride and congratulations. Benefactors of the program shared in the joy of each and stepped up to do more, raising more than $40,000 to provide 50-60 scholarships in the coming year.

Linares shared with them his journey as a Salvadorian immigrant. Overcoming social and economic barriers, he is now the first lawyer with his legal status in Nebraska. Thanks to scholarships like True Potential, he conquered the struggles faced by each student in the room that night – unable to receive federal loans and many scholarships due to his immigration status.

Thanks to a scholarship like True Potential, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Latino/Latin American Studies and a Juris Doctor. Today, Linares helps unaccompanied migrant children navigate the complex legal system in the United States through the Immigrant Legal Center.

“César is a wonderful success story of someone who’s education not only changed the course of their life, but is contributing to our communities and helping protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Karen, co-founder of the True Potential Scholarship. “We are humbled and grateful that he joined us to inspire our students and our guests. The money we raised at our event will fund 50-60 scholarships for students who have remarkable things ahead of them. Just like César, all they need is a chance.”

For 11 years, the True Potential Scholarship program has been opening doors for young immigrants seeking higher education. Founded by Ross Pesek, CEO of Pesek Law, and his wife, Karen, CFO of the firm, the initiative aims to empower immigrant students by providing them with the opportunity to earn a quality, affordable education and achieve their dreams.

Mexican Consul Jorge Espejel praised the efforts of the program, which specifically focuses on immigrant students for awards.

“True Potential Scholarships provide a great resource for students to be successful in higher studies,” said Espejel. “That’s not only good for Mexican communities, it’s good for the entire state of Nebraska.”

“We believe education is key to building strong communities and opening up chances for everyone to live the life of their dreams,” said Ross Pesek, Karen’s husband, co-founder of the True Potential Scholarship and CEO of Pesek Law. “My wife and I both know what it’s like to live in another country, where everything feels different and you stand out. We were both immigrant students at one point and we both completed our degrees on a path that began with community college. That’s why we started the True Potential Scholarship.”

Students are invited to apply year-round; applications are available online and reviewed as they are received. Find more information and apply online at https://truepotentialscholarship.org/apply

About True Potential

Since 2013, the True Potential Scholarship has been helping young people who find it hard to go to college because of their immigration status. True Potential Scholarships provide young immigrants an opportunity to make their dreams reality through quality, affordable education and are a key part of the mission at Pesek Law. Learn more at https://truepotentialscholarship.org/.

About Pesek Law LLC

Pesek Law specializes in legal defense services for Spanish-speaking individuals affected by negligence. With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by mixed-immigration status families, Pesek Law is dedicated to protecting their clients’ rights and securing fair compensation. The firm is committed to their clients and bringing hope and justice to their community. For more information on Pesek Law, visit www.peseklaw.com or call (402)342-9684.

La entrada Changing Lives for Immigrant Students: True Potential Scholarship Event Raises Funds for Over 50 Awards se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

A Recipient and a donor share their thoughts on the impact of True Potential Scholarship.

Since 2013, the injury law firm, Pesek Law, has contributed to the True Potential Scholarship program, an endeavor that has been opening doors for young immigrants seeking higher education. Founded by Ross Pesek, CEO of Pesek Law, and his wife, Karen, CFO of the firm, the initiative aims to empower immigrant students by providing them with the opportunity to attend college and achieve their dreams.

“True Potential Changed my Life:” Meet Israel

Israel is a nontraditional student who headed back to school after starting a family. He says the True Potential Scholarship created a turning point for him.
“My journey with True Potential and Karen has been amazing!” he said. “They gave me the opportunity to go back to school to study and improve my life. I feel extremely blessed to have their support.”

He received his first award in 2023, starting his first class in September. He’s been tackling classes one or two at a time ever since and is on track to earn his degree in 2025.

How did you learn about the True Potential Scholarship?

I heard about the True Potential Scholarship from Roberto, a success navigator at the learning community center in South Omaha. He helped me to find resources and apply for different scholarships.

What degree are you pursuing?

I am pursuing Electrical Technology. Years ago, I was volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and I saw the electricians installing wires. There were wires everywhere, from the electrical panel to each of the rooms, hallways, stairs – everywhere. It grabbed my full attention; it was so interesting to me.

What career are you working toward?

I would like to become a full-time electrician. I was studying for my GED when representatives from Metropolitan Community College – where I am now attending classes – visited the center. They talked about trades that were in high demand, as well as some opportunities that Metro was offering once we finished the GED. One of the trades was electrical. I was so excited! I immediately thought about my experience with Habitat for Humanity and knew this was my chance.

I could learn more about something I found so interesting and potentially make it my career. With the help of True Potential, I know I will. They have helped me so much and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

What advice do you have for future students?

For anyone who dreams of continuing to study, I would say make an effort to find resources. No matter how difficult it is, never give up.

Of course, it is very discouraging and sad when you apply for scholarships and, for different reasons, you do not qualify for any of them. Fortunately, there are Angels like Karen at the helm of organizations like True Potential making dreams come true for people like me. I did not have the opportunity to study in my country to fulfill my dreams and goals, but now I do.

Business Owner, Mentor, Benefactor: Why Ricardo Castro Gives to the True Potential Scholarship

Ricardo Castro, founder of Castro Realty, has been a sponsor of the True Potential fundraiser for ten years. Ricardo also employs a True Potential graduate, Martha Gomez. Martha is one of the first realtors in Nebraska with DACA status. Ricardo has been a mentor to her and other students.

How did you learn about the True Potential Scholarship?

Ross Pesek was the first person to share True Potential with me.

What made you decide to support this cause?

I support the True Potential Scholarship because it is focused on a specific segment of our community that, I feel, needs the boost. My wife and I immigrated from Peru, so we understand some of the challenges these students are facing.

I trust Ross and Karen, and I appreciate the work they are doing to provide justice and equal opportunity for families of mixed immigration status.”

What advice do you have for students?

Keep reaching for your goals. Be disciplined, never give up and remember to ask for help. If you have goals and plan to reach them, you can absolutely do it.

Learn more about the True Potential Scholarship; donate or apply now by clicking here 

True Potential Scholarship

La entrada Injury lawyer firm in Omaha gives annual scholarship that opens doors for young people se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

You might find it surprising, but I know what it’s like to feel out of place. I lived in Mexico City once. I looked so different and stood out so much that people would even stop to take pictures of me in the street. Those moments made me really understand how important it is to connect with others on a human level, no matter how different we seem. We all want the best for ourselves and our families.

My wife, Karen, immigrated to the United States with the goal of becoming bilingual and then returning to Mexico to complete her college education. We met at Central Community College and, well, the rest is history.

We both went on to earn our degrees with the help of scholarships – law school for me and Public Accounting for her. We have worked incredibly hard to get where we are today. Being immigrants, going to community college and getting scholarships made a huge difference in our lives. We met a lot of people who faced the same challenges we did, especially when it came to barriers to higher education.

In 2013, we started the True Potential Scholarship because we believe everyone deserves a chance to make their life better through education. Education opens doors to good jobs and strong families, which builds up our entire community.

The scholarship focuses on helping young immigrants because they face a lot of tough barriers. Some of them don’t find out about their immigration status until they’re almost done with high school. Suddenly, their plans for college seem impossible. Our scholarship gives them a chance to go to college, learn the skills to build the life they’ve dreamed of and help our communities grow.

We started by helping young people who have DACA and Temporary Protective Immigration Status here in the U.S. But now, we help all immigrants. Our mission is to help these young folks get to college without letting the cost stop them in their tracks.

Another detail of the True Potential Scholarship is that we specifically partner with community colleges. Why? Well, it’s more affordable, which means the scholarship can help more students. Plus, students can stay close to home and manage their schedules better. We’re working with community colleges in Nebraska and Iowa that match our scholarship funds, making the money go even further.

Applications are accepted year-round. If you or someone you know would like to apply for a True Potential Scholarship, just go to our website www.truepotentialscholarship.org.

If you have questions, please get in touch! We believe in helping everyone reach their true potential.

Because when we help others, we make our world a better place.

La entrada True Potential Scholarships: Helping Immigrant Students Succeed in Higher Education se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

I saw people struggling with really simple things. Because they had immigrated to the United States, language was a barrier. Finances were a barrier. Families in my community were suffering and I didn’t believe it had to be that way.

I also believed I could make a difference.

That year marked the beginning of the free legal clinic that has now been going strong for more than 12 years. Located in the parish offices of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 23rd and O Streets, the clinic is just a stone’s throw from our law office in the heart of South Omaha. Every Monday night, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (though volunteers often stay late to meet with everyone who comes), our doors are open to all on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The setting is humble, but the services rendered can be life-changing. Our attorneys, all Spanish speakers, offer consultations to every person seeking guidance on a variety of topics.

• “I got this official looking letter in the mail and I don’t know what it says.”
• “I just arrived from Guatemala and I need to find a school for my kid.”
• “I need to apply for residency.”
• “I need to change my name.”
• “How do I get a divorce?”
• “How do I get a restraining order?”

Although it might come as a surprise, I have experienced what it’s like to be an immigrant. Everybody looks differently than you and everybody speaks differently than you. When I lived in Mexico City, people would stop and take pictures of me on the street because I looked so different from everybody else. This memory drives me to connect with everyone I meet on a human level. We are all just people.

At the beginning of every consultation, I say, “how can I help you? Como le puedo servir?” More often than not, people are asking for small things–at least things that seem small to me. But that simple translation of a letter, that basic advice, that bit of correct information, can be monumental in solving the problem they are facing.

As a result of these humble meetings, I am able to walk down the street and see families who avoided being broken apart by deportations. People we assisted in getting immigration status. People we’ve helped get compensated after work injuries or car crashes. And I know we did something that was important for a family and important for our community. As a result of these meetings and the results of our work, we are proud to see former clients.

Today, with more Spanish-speaking volunteer attorneys, we’re able to help even more families. We are honored to be joined in our efforts by Julia Cryne and Larry Jarvis, both immigration law experts fromCarlson and Blakeman LLC. Deanna Piña, joins us as a Family Law attorney from the Nebraska Legal Group. Pesek Law’s own Daniel Martin also joins the ranks as an accident and insurance bad faith lawyer.

The attorneys who volunteer at our free legal clinic are equipped to provide general advice across a broad spectrum. When necessary, we guide individuals to appropriate non-profits or private services. Attorneys may also choose to take a case outside the clinic if the individual wishes to hire them.

But this isn’t about selling ourselves or our firms. Always, our primary aim is to ensure our community has access to accurate and reliable legal advice, in a way they understand. For Pesek Law, the free legal clinic is more than a hub of legal consultations, it’s a cornerstone of community trust and education. We’re working to create meaningful interaction between legal professionals and community members.

We hope this effort is a reflection of our deep-rooted commitment to serve and empower our community. It is certainly one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and ethical practice, to justice and community service.

If you have questions about the free legal clinic, please contact Pesek Law at (402) 342-9684 or visit us online at www.PesekLaw.com.

By Ross Pesek

La entrada Got Legal Questions? Get Help Every Monday–No Cost, No Judgment se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

• This year, thanks to the generosity of many friends and organizations, we are able to help 45 students reach their True Potential through quality, affordable education.
• The Free Legal Clinic continues to be a resource for accessing reliable legal guidance in Spanish, this work could not be done without the help of attorneys who give their time and talents to this cause: Julia Cryne, Larry Jarvis, Deanna Pina, Daniel Martin and Ross Pesek.
• In 2023 we hosted two Planting Days through the South Omaha Business Improvement District for planter maintenance in our street, over 40 volunteers of all ages, organized by Pesek Law, planted 600+ plants in the planters along the commercial corridor.
• Pesek Law donated over $25,000 to various community initiatives focused on South Omaha-based youth activities and athletic leagues.

La entrada Thankful for a successful year! se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

Immigrants with low income here in Nebraska would need to work approximately 10 hours to pay for a legal consultation, which costs around $200.

That’s why the legal clinic, a valuable free resource for Spanish-speaking individuals seeking reliable legal advice, holds significant importance.

At Pesek Law, we are proud to provide this service at the free Monday night legal clinic, with the assistance of standout volunteers such as Julia Cryne, Larry Jarvis, Deanna Piña, Daniel Martin, Ross Pesek, and other volunteers.

The legal clinic is open every Monday from 7-9pm at the Parish Offices of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, located at 4930 S 23rd Street, Omaha NE. Appointments are not required.

For more information, please feel free to call our office at 402-342-9684

La entrada Pesek Law’s summer intern final presentation highlights Free Legal Clinic se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

True Potential recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a successful fundraising event that raised an impressive $38,856.

The funds will be used to provide financial assistance to over 48 students attending Nebraska and Iowa Community Colleges, as well as Nebraska State Colleges. Through the generous contributions of donors, True Potential is committed to helping young immigrants achieve their True Potential through quality, affordable education.

Since its inception in 2013, True Potential, has been able to make a significant impact on the lives of immigrant students in Nebraska and Iowa, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and organizations. Over the past ten years, the organization has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to over 200 immigrants. True Potential’s success is a result of its strong partnerships with community colleges, grant organizations, and supporters who share its vision.

By working closely with community colleges throughout Nebraska and Iowa, the organization ensures that its resources reach a wide range of students. Grants from esteemed institutions such as the Omaha Community Foundation, the Mexican Consulate in Omaha, and the Jesusita y Santos Baros Courage and Fortitude Fund along with business sponsorships from Professional Associates and Castro Reality have played a vital role in sustaining and expanding True Potential’s scholarship program.

The scholarships provided by True Potential have been instrumental in enabling students to pursue their educational goals and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Looking ahead, True Potential remains dedicated to its mission and will continue to provide scholarships to deserving students, making the dream of a quality education a reality for more young immigrants in Nebraska and Iowa.

La entrada Celebrating a Decade of Empowering Immigrant Students se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

The Nebraska Arboretum and Master Gardeners played a crucial role in the success of Spring Planting Day. Their expertise in environmental conservation provided us with a sustainable plan that guided our efforts and ensured we were making a positive impact.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners for their support, which played a crucial role in the event’s success.

At Pesek Law, we’re proud to help organize this event every year. Our team had fun being a part of the spring planting day! The colorful flowers and green plants really spruced up the place, making

La entrada Annual Spring Planting Day, again a great success! se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.