THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF LEGAL JOBS ON EARTH
LawCrossing Feature
Barbara Carpenter – Professional Performance over Political Difference Barb Carpenter sported a rare professional integrity throughout her career of a court clerk that would make any in the profession proud. After 30 years of service as a court clerk in the Douglas County, Barb Carpenter retired on Friday from the office of the chief deputy clerk of Douglas County District Court.
She joined office in 1981 under former Democrat Rudy
Working under John Friend, Barbara helped the
Tesar. In 2006, she ran for Tesar’s position but lost in
adoption of a statewide online docketing system by
a primary against Republican, John Friend, an Omaha
the Douglas County. Friend told the media that “It
police captain.
was a massive endeavor and it took five years … Her knowledge was invaluable as we were looking at
At the time, she told the media that she did not expect
potential pitfalls.”
to stay in office after losing the primary, knowing it was a Republican who would be joining office and would
Barbara said that she and her staff always tried to offer
have the discretion to appoint his own chief deputy.
the best service to the lawyers and members of the
But fate had other plans. Though the new boss was a
public. “One of my biggest joys was helping people who
Republican, he knew the worth of Barbara and decided
needed help,” she added.
that she would be the best candidate to be his chief deputy clerk.
Now 64, Barbara Carpenter would be devoting time to her commercial real estate leasing company based
Barbara told the media, “I was packed and ready to go,
in Scottsbluff. Her current salary is approximately,
and then John Friend asked if I would be interested in
$100,000 a year and she would be receiving a monthly
staying. I am glad I stayed. He’s been good to work for,
pension of about $4,700.
even though he is a Republican.” John Friend has appointed Jane Alexander, a retired On his part, Friend said on Friday that he had no
civilian employee from the Omaha Police Department as
regrets with his decision over Barbara, despite their
the new chief deputy district clerk of Douglas County.
political differences. He openly admired Barbara Carpenter’s knowledge of the court system and ability
Barbara Carpenter was one of the most popular faces
to lead the office staff. Friend said, “Her reputation
in the Douglas County Courthouse and lives in Elkhorn
preceded her in regards to her character, loyalty and
area of Douglas County, where she plans to continue
professionalism.”
living.
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