Probate and Trust Administration |  Estate Planning | Employment Law | Business Formation and Planning

jeffpalzer@smithpauley.com | (402) 504-4912

With more than three decades of legal experience, Jeffrey T. Palzer provides client-focused counsel to individuals, families, closely held businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Jeff is known for his practical judgment, strategic insight, creative solutions and personalized approach, helping clients navigate complex legal issues with confidence, clarity, and long-term perspective.

Jeff’s practice is rooted in estate planning, probate and trust administration, and business planning. He advises clients on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, guardianships and conservatorships, and estate and trust administration. He also works extensively with business owners and nonprofit leaders on entity formation, governance, succession planning, and ownership transitions. Jeff’s integrated approach allows him to align estate, business, and personal planning goals, particularly for entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and mission-driven organizations.

In parallel to his estate and business planning practice, Jeff brings a comprehensive and well-established background in employment law, developed over more than three decades of legal practice. He has represented both employers and employees in a broad range of workplace matters, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, disability accommodations, leave issues, and restrictive covenants. Jeff regularly advises clients on compliance with federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, the ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, and applicable Nebraska employment statutes.

Jeff has handled employment law matters before the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and he has litigated cases in state and federal courts, including the Nebraska Court of Appeals, the Nebraska Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. In helping clients avoid litigation, he provides proactive counseling to employers on employee handbooks and policies, workplace investigations, performance management, disciplinary actions, terminations, and risk management strategies designed to reduce exposure and resolve disputes efficiently.

Jeff’s ability to navigate both employment and business issues allows him to provide practical, business-oriented advice that reflects not only legal obligations but also operational and organizational realities.

In addition to his legal practice, Jeff has a longstanding dedication to legal education and community service. He has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Legal Studies Program at Kaplan University and at Creighton University School of Law, where he directed the Legal Writing Center and taught courses in legal writing and ethics. Over his career he has served as legal advisor to several nonprofit organizations, including EPS Pregnancy Services, St. Pope Paul VI Institute, Camino Fully Alive, Institute for Priestly Formation, Catholic Homeschool Association of Omaha and the Central High School JROTC Parent Organization.

Outside the office, Jeff is deeply engaged in his faith community, having served as Parish Council President for Our Lady of Lourdes, District 4 Coordinator for Catholic Engaged Encounter and as parish coordinator for the 'Exodus 90' and 'That Man is You' men’s ministry. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Julia, and their family, as well as participating in community outreach programs.

Education:

• Augustana College, B.A., Political Science and Philosophy (1991)

• Creighton University School of Law, J.D., cum laude (1994)

Bar Admissions:

• State of Nebraska (1994)

• U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska (1994)

• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (1995)

Professional Affiliations:

• Nebraska State Bar Association

• Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity

Community Involvement:

• Legal Advisor, Camino Fully Alive

• Men's Ministry Coordinator, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

• Volunteer Lawyer, Nebraska Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer Project

• Ambassador, Cloisters on the Platte