About Sarah

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Sarah is a lifelong Nebraska resident. She attended undergraduate and law school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She began her legal career as a clerk for the Nebraska Supreme Court before choosing to join the Lancaster County Public Defender’s Office. She spent almost a decade in the Public Defender’s office, defending clients from every docket before accepting a position with the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy.

In addition to public practice, she has experience in the private sector. As the Criminal Section Head for Berry Law, she led a team of 15-20  attorneys and staff. She has since returned to the Lancaster County Public Defender’s Office where she currently handles major cases and other felonies. During her legal practice, Newell has handled over 50 homicide cases, including death penalty allegations, and defended thousands of clients in both state and federal courts.

Newell also has a long history of professional leadership, serving as the president of numerous organizations like the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and the Robert Van Pelt Chapter of Inns of Court. She currently serves on the Nebraska State Bar Association’s Executive Council, Legislative Committee and House of Delegates, and is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a professional organization that develops the highest standards and best practices of ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism and collegiality. In addition to these professional involvements, Sarah is an adjunct professor teaching trial practice at UNL College of Law.

Sarah lives in central Lincoln with her husband, Phil, and two dogs.