(KLZA)-- Governor Pete Ricketts has appointed David Bargen of Adams as District Court Judge in the First Judicial District.

The First Judicial District consists of Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline, and Thayer counties.

Bargen, 49, has practiced law at Rembolt Ludtke LLP in Lincoln since 2006, becoming a partner in 2012.

  His practice includes municipal and governmental law, water law, and civil litigation.  He has served as city attorney and assistant city attorney to several Nebraska municipalities, and has represented other government entities, including counties, in a variety of capacities.  He has also served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Nebraska in various lawsuits.

His trial work includes jury and bench trials in state district court, cases in federal court, appellate arguments, and contested case hearings before agencies.

Bargen holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Master of Science in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  He also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law, where he graduated with high distinction.

Bargen is being appointed to the First Judicial District to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Vicky L. Johnson.