John W. Ballew, Jr.

John W. Ballew, Jr. is a highly accomplished attorney with over 30 years of experience in family law and personal injury litigation. He has built a strong reputation for handling complex divorce cases, high-asset property disputes, and appellate matters. As one of only two attorneys in Nebraska to be both a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and board-certified as a Family Law Trial Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, John provides clients with expert legal representation. His dedication to excellence has earned him recognition in The Best Lawyers in America© every year since 2001, including multiple Best Lawyers® Family Law “Lawyer of the Year” awards in Lincoln.

John earned his J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law (1978) and his B.S. in Business Administration (1975) from the University of Nebraska, graduating with distinction. His strong academic foundation in law and business has helped him effectively handle financial and property disputes in divorce cases.

John began his legal career in private practice in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where he became a partner at Simmons, Olsen, Ediger, Selzer & Ballew P.C. In 1991, he moved to Lincoln and joined Baylor, Evnen, Curtiss, Grimit & Witt before co-founding The Bruckner/Ballew Law Firm, P.C. in 1995. In 1999, he partnered with Vic Covalt to form his current firm, where he continues to focus on complex family law litigation and personal injury cases.

Throughout his career, John W. Ballew, Jr. has helped clients navigate challenging divorce and custody battles, advocating for fair settlements and trial verdicts. His work with Nebraska lawmakers has led to significant legal reforms in divorce and bankruptcy law. He has appeared before the Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals more than 40 times, shaping case law in family law, personal injury, and property taxation.

John is a dedicated legal educator, frequently presenting at Nebraska Bar Association seminars on family law, divorce, and evidentiary issues. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to justice make him a trusted advocate for clients in Nebraska.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Ballew Hazen Byrd PC, LLO
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Nebraska State Bar Association
• Member, Lincoln Bar Association

Licensed State

• Nebraska

Education

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

Awards & Badges