Clete W. Blakeman

Clete W. Blakeman is a Partner at Carlson & Blakeman, LLP, where he focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases. With more than 28 years of experience, he has earned a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and success in representing seriously injured individuals and families who have suffered losses due to negligence. Clete’s commitment to achieving justice for his clients has made him one of Nebraska’s most respected trial attorneys.

Clete earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1991 after completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1987. During his time at the university, he was a three-year letterman and quarterback for the Cornhusker football team and earned First Team All Big-Eight Academic honors. These early achievements reflected his leadership, discipline, and competitive spirit—qualities that continue to define his legal career.

Clete’s exceptional advocacy has earned him numerous distinctions, including recognition by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as one of Nebraska’s “Ten Best Attorneys” for outstanding client service. He holds Martindale-Hubbell’s® prestigious AV® Peer Review Rating and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and the American Board of Trial Advocates, signifying his record of securing million-dollar verdicts and his unwavering dedication to ethical practice. His professional achievements were further highlighted when the American Bar Association Journal named him one of the “12 of the Year’s Most Fascinating Lawyers” in 2017.

Beyond the courtroom, Clete has had a unique parallel career as an NFL referee since 2008, including serving as the Referee for Super Bowl 50. His leadership on the field mirrors his command in the courtroom—both built on fairness, focus, and composure under pressure.

A frequent community speaker and active participant in numerous civic organizations, Clete W. Blakeman remains deeply engaged with the Omaha community. Whether in court, the classroom, or on the football field, he continues to exemplify professionalism, precision, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Carlson & Blakeman, LLP
• Member, Nebraska State Bar Association (NSBA)
• Member, Iowa State Bar Association
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Nebraska Claims Association – Omaha
• Member, Omaha Executive Association

Licensed State

• Nebraska
• Iowa

Education

• University of Nebraska College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  BS in Business Administration

Awards & Badges