Firm Professionals

William J. Mueller

William J. Mueller is senior partner and co-founder of Mueller Robak LLC. Mr. Mueller is a recognized lawyer, community leader and philanthropist. He has succeeded in combining a strong legal and political background to be-come one of the state’s leading lobbyists. He advises clients on a broad range of legislative and government relations matters. Mr. Mueller is a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law and began lobbying in 1984. He served as President of the Nebraska State Bar Association in 2021-2022. He is one of three firm members who were elected President of the student body of the University of Nebraska while in college. Mueller has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America and a Great Plains Super Lawyer in Government Relations Law since 2009. He has been selected for Lifetime Membership in America’s Top 100 Attorneys. In 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2021, Mueller was selected as the Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year in Government Relations practice. He is a Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation and is a Patron Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. Mueller is a past President of the University of Nebraska Alumni Association. Mueller is a Past President of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County. He and his spouse, fellow Mueller Robak partner, Kim M. Robak, chaired the Nebraska Lawyer’s Foundation Barristers Ball and the campaign of the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County. Mueller, an Ogallala, Nebraska native, and Kim M. Robak, a Columbus, Nebraska native, have two daughters, Katherine and Claire.

Admitted to Practice

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska
Nebraska Supreme Court

Education

University of Nebraska College of Law, Juris Doctor
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bachelor of Science

Awards and Distinctions

America’s Top 100 Attorneys^®
Best Lawyers in America^®, Government Relations Law
Best Lawyers in America^®, Lawyer of the Year 2013, 2016 and 2019, Government Relations Practice
Great Plains Super Lawyer^®, Government Relations
Top Lawyer, Corporate Counsel Magazine · Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, AV Preeminent (highest rating available)
Distinguished Service Award, University of Nebraska Alumni Association
Fellow, Nebraska State Bar Foundation
Patron Fellow, American Bar Foundation
Who’s Who in American Law
Who’s Who in American Politics
National Member of The Order of Business
National Moot Court Team, University of Nebraska College of Law
Fellow, The Order of Barristers
Pi Sigma Alpha, The National Political Science Honor Society
Student Body President, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Alumni Service Award

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association
Nebraska State Bar Association, Sustaining Member
- President, 2021-2022
- Legislative Counsel, 1984 to present
- Past Chair, Young Lawyers Section
Lincoln Bar Association
- Executive Council
National Association of State Lobbyists
- Board of Directors

Community Involvement

Nebraska Lawyer’s Foundation, President
University of Nebraska Foundation, Trustee
University of Nebraska Alumni Association, Past President
Lincoln Community Foundation, Past Director and Secretary
Lincoln Public Schools Foundation, Trustee
Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International
Leadership Lincoln Fellow
First Plymouth Congregational Church, Board of Trustees, Past Chair
American Red Cross, Lancaster County Chapter, Past Board Chair
Country Club of Lincoln, Past President
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County
- Past President of the Board
- Past Campaign Chair
- Tocqueville Society, Past Chair

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Kim M. Robak

Kim M. Robak is senior partner of Mueller Robak LLC. She is an accomplished lawyer, community leader and philanthropist. Her background and experience in private practice, state government, and university administration that makes her uniquely qualified to handle projects for a multitude of clients. Robak was a partner in private practice before leaving to serve as Legal Counsel and Chief of Staff to then-Governor and former U.S. Senator Ben Nelson. Robak served as Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska from 1993 to 1999.

Following her government service, Robak joined the University of Nebraska as Vice President for External Affairs and Corporation Secretary where she was responsible for public and government relations, marketing, and information technology for the University of Nebraska system. Robak joined Mueller Robak LLC as a partner in December of 2004.

Ms. Robak is a Columbus, Nebraska native. She and her husband, fellow Mueller Robak partner William J. Mueller, have two daughters, Katherine and Claire.

Admitted to Practice

Nebraska Supreme Court
U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. Claims Court

Education

University of Nebraska College of Law, Juris Doctor, with highest distinction
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bachelor of Science, with distinction

Awards and Distinctions

America’s Top 100 Attorneys ®
Best Lawyers in America®, Government Relations Law
Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year 2014 and 2017, Government Relations Practice
Best Lawyers in America®, Women in the Law
Great Plains Super Lawyers, Government Relations
Top 10 Political Influencers (Campaigns & Elections)
Fellow, National Association of Corporate Directors
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
Fellow, Nebraska Bar Foundation
Fellow, Henry Toll Fellowship Program
Chair, National Conference of Lieutenant Governors
Order of the Coif
Law Review (Editor of Symposium Edition)
National Moot Court Team
National Trial Advocacy Team
Distinguished Alumni Award, College of Law, University of Nebraska
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Teachers College Notable Alum
Distinguished Teachers College Graduate, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, College of Saint Mary, Omaha, Nebraska

Professional Affiliations

Nebraska State Bar Association, Sustaining Member
- Executive Council, 2014-2018
- Annual Meeting Chair, 2014
- Judicial Nominating Commission Member:
  - Court of Appeals – First District, 2013-present
- Barrister’s Ball Chair, 2006
- Budget and Planning Committee, 2005-present
- Ways and Means Committee, 1991-1994
- House of Delegates, 1989-1995
- Public Relations Committee, 1988-1992
- Ethics Committee, 1987-1992
Lincoln Bar Association
American Bar Association
American Bar Foundation State Chair, 2021

Community Involvement

Director, Cooper Foundation, 2009-present
Director, Nebraska Golf Association, 2011-present; Vice Chair 2018-2019; Chair 2019-2021
Trustee, University of Nebraska Foundation
Trustee, First Plymouth Church Board of Trustees, 2017-2019
Director, Museum of Nebraska Art, 2016-present
Director, Country Club of Lincoln, 2017-present; President 2020
Moderator, First Plymouth Church, 2003-2007; Chair 2020-2022

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Matthew T. Schaefer

With over twelve years of experience as a lobbyist, Matthew T. Schaefer has an extensive track record building stakeholder coalitions and guiding complex legislation through Nebraska’s unique one-house legislature. Matt has worked with a broad range of clients ranging from some of Nebraska’s most respected homegrown businesses to national technology companies bringing new innovations to the state. Matt also assists hospitals, professional associations, and political subdivision on emerging and challenging public policy matters.

Before joining Mueller Robak LLC in 2010, Matt was a Theodore C. Sorensen Fellow at the University of Nebraska College of Law and executive editor of the Nebraska Law Review. Matt is one of three firm members who were elected President of the student body of the University of Nebraska while an undergraduate.

Admitted to Practice

Nebraska Supreme Court, 2010
U. S. District for the District of Nebraska, 2010

Education

University of Nebraska College of Law, J.D., with high distinction, 2010
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, B.A., with high distinction, 2007

Awards and Distinctions

Lincoln Young Professionals Group Four Under Forty Award
The Order of the Coif
Theodore C. Sorensen Fellow
University of Nebraska—Lincoln Student Body President
Innocent’s Society, University of Nebraska—Lincoln Chancellor’s Senior Honorary
Eagle Scout Award

Community Involvement

Past Secretary, Civic Nebraska Board
Past Vice President, South of Downtown Community Development Organization
Past President, Everett Neighborhood Association
Past Member, Nebraska Humanities Foundation Board

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Timothy G. Hruza

Tim Hruza joined the team at Mueller Robak after having earned experience practicing law in a variety of contexts.

After graduating from law school, Tim spent three years in private practice at a mid-sized firm in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he worked with clients on a number of different legal issues, from litigating contract and property boundary disputes, to developing estate plans and managing business transactions. Following his time in private practice, Tim worked as legal counsel to a Lincoln business association, providing advice and counsel to local business owners and advocating for their interests before elected officials on both local and state levels. Most recently, Tim served as legal counsel to the Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, where he advised Senators on the legal aspects of bills presented to them for consideration.

Tim also brings to the firm experience working with local media outlets. He is a regular contributor on Lincoln’s news and talk radio station 1400 KLIN where he provides commentary and insight on national, state, and local political and sports news. Tim has worked as on-air talent and as a behind-the-scenes producer for both morning and afternoon talk radio programs and through this experience has built strong relationships with elected officials and media partners in Nebraska on all levels.

Tim received his juris doctor degree with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2012, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board and received awards for his oral advocacy skills. Before attending law school, Tim was an honors graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree cum laude. During his time at UNK, Tim was elected to serve a term as the University’s Student Body President and Student Regent.

Admitted to Practice

Nebraska Supreme Court, 2012
U.S. District for the District of Nebraska, 2012

Education

University of Nebraska College of Law, Juris Doctor, with distinction, 2012
University of Nebraska at Kearney, Bachelor of Science, cum laude with honors, 2009

Professional Affiliation

Nebraska State Bar Association, Sustaining Member
- Legislative Counsel, 2018 to present
- Executive Committee of the Government and Administrative Practice Section
American Bar Association
Lincoln Bar Association

Awards and Distinctions

Student Body President and Student Regent – University of Nebraska at Kearney
Nebraska Moot Court Board – Member
Winning Team and Best Oral Advocate – Henry R. Grether Moot Court Competition, University of Nebraska College of Law
CALI Awards for Excellence – Trial Advocacy, Pre-Trial Litigation, Land Use Planning
2009 Nester University Student Leadership Award – University of Nebraska Kearney
2014 Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Top 35 Under 35

Community Involvement

Trinity Childcare Center Village Gardens Board of Directors
Lincoln Children’s Zoo Board of Directors
Trinity United Methodist Church Choir
Former Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross – Board of Directors
Former Leadership Tomorrow – Board of Directors

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Kristen J. Hassebrook

Mrs. Kristen Hassebrook initially joined Mueller Robak in November of 2022. She brings a distinctive skillset of membership and trade association lobbying to the firm. Building and coordinating coalitions to effect strategic policy initiatives and a reputation for providing results driven advocacy are at the core of Kristen’s work experience.

Most recently Kristen served as Associate Vice President for Government Relations for the University of Nebraska where she led a team that advocated on behalf of the interests of the University at the capitol in Lincoln, in Washington, D.C., and across the state. This experience gave Kristen expertise in understanding the state and federal financial needs of higher education. In addition, this role required Kristen to work to support the success of Nebraska students, faculty, researchers, and constituents on a variety of policy issues impacting higher education at the state and national level.

As the Executive Vice President for Legislation and Policy for the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, she lobbied for four years at both the state and federal level and engaged in issues management with regulatory agencies on behalf of Nebraska businesses. During this time Kristen developed an expertise in taxation, business incentives, labor and employment law, as well as issues facing manufacturing.

She also spent five and a half years as Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs for the Nebraska Cattlemen where she lobbied and provided regulatory assistance on behalf of beef producers. This experience helped Kristen develop a deep understanding of the regulatory and legal world surrounding agriculture, natural resources, and the environment.

Kristen, a Laurel, Nebraska native, received her Juris Doctor degree, with distinction, from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2011. She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, receiving her Bachelor Arts degree, with distinction, in Political Science and Economics in 2008.

Kristen has also worked in development for the University of Nebraska Foundation and with the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska. Kristen and her husband, Ryan, have two daughters and live outside of Lincoln where they raise livestock.

Admitted to Practice

Nebraska Supreme Court, 2011
U. S. District for the District of Nebraska, 2011

Education

University of Nebraska College of Law, Juris Doctor., with distinction, 2011
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bachelor of Arts, with distinction, 2008

Professional Affiliation

Nebraska State Bar Association, Sustaining Member
Agriculture Law Section committee member
American Bar Association
Lincoln Bar Association

Awards and Distinctions

Innocent’s Society, University of Nebraska—Lincoln Chancellor’s Senior Honorary
CALI Awards for Excellence – Individual Income Tax; Farm and Ranch Tax

Community Involvement

Invest Nebraska, Board Member
Trinity Lutheran Church, Pre-K Sunday School teacher

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Caitlin C. Hasenauer

Ms. Caitlin Hasenauer is the Administrative Assistant of Mueller Robak LLC. Caitlin joined Mueller Robak in October of 2023.

Caitlin’s responsibilities include assisting with the day-to-day activities. She answers and routes phone calls, greets and directs visitors, schedules appointments, maintains calendars, and handles administrative requests from the lobbyists.

Caitlin grew up in Sutherland, Nebraska, and attended Sutherland Public Schools. Throughout high school, she participated in many extracurricular activities including Speech and One Act Play Productions, Quiz Bowl, track and field, softball, 4-H, and Rodeo Queening. She also served as Student Council President and Secretary for The National Honor Society. She graduated in 2017 as Valedictorian of her class.

While attending Chadron State College, Caitlin was a member of the track and field team, competing in shotput, discuss, hammer throw, and weight throw.

Caitlin’s previous work experience includes employment at Runza Restaurants as a Supervisor. Prior to working at Mueller Robak, she was a Chiropractic Assistant and Rehabilitation Specialist at Active Life Family Chiropractic for 2 years.

Caitlin enjoys reading, going to the gym, and spending time with her bulldog, Hershey. She is currently active in a bowling league and a member of The Nebraska Horse Trails Committee.

Education

Chadron State College, Bachelor of Business Administration, 2021

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Larry L. Ruth

Larry L. Ruth is retired from Mueller Robak LLC and was a co-founder of the firm. Mr. Ruth became engaged in the practice of lobbying in 1974 and joined with William J. Mueller in their lobbying practice until he retired in 2009. Larry and Pat Ruth have three married children who are in various positions of education and service.

Admitted to Practice

U. S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, 1970
Nebraska Supreme Court, 1970

Education

George Washington University Law School, Juris Doctor, 1970
Nebraska Wesleyan University, Bachelor of Arts with Honors, 1967

Awards and Distinctions

Nebraska Wesleyan University, Honorary Doctor of Laws
Uniform Law Commission, Commissioner and Life Member
Nebraska State Bar Foundation, Fellow
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating AV Preeminent

Professional Affiliations

Nebraska State Bar Association
- Legislative Counsel, 1974-84
- Committee on Government Practice, Former Chair
- Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Law, Former Chair

Community Involvement

Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, Director and Former Chair
Nebraska Wesleyan University Board of Governors, Emeritus, Governor and Former Chair
Nebraska Uniform Law Commission, Commissioner and Former Chair
NEBRASKAland Foundation Board of Directors, Former Chair
Nebraska Land Trust, Board Member
Aldersgate United Methodist Church

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Mueller Robak’s strength is its commitment to teamwork among attorneys and staff who have a broad range of experience and personal relationships. All firm members are actively engaged in the development and implementation of each client’s government relations strategy. The collective experience and personal relationships of each team member are utilized to maximize the effectiveness of that strategy. Together, the team at Mueller Robak has the skills and expertise to promote success at every turn of the legislative process.

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