It’s His Day In Court

Randolph native takes Douglas Co. District Court bench

OMAHA — A Randolph native will rely on his steadfast moral compass taught by his parents along with the freedom of his small-town upbringing to serve the public as the newest Douglas County District Court judge.

“My parents instilled a lifelong appreciation of learning, that leadership is earned through hard work and dedication to those around you, and that a good attitude and good laugh can take you a long way in life,” said Michael Jensen, a 1996 Randolph High School graduate.

His parents, Dorothy and the late Russell Jensen, worked as teachers at Randolph Public Schools, which helped strengthen a love of learning.

“Throughout my career I have done my utmost best to make sure that I am curious before I’m critical, that I understand all positions before making a decision or passing judgment, and when I do act that I do so with determination and sincerity,” he said.

Beyond all reasonable doubt, those qualities will serve him well on the bench. Although he’s been hearing cases for a month already, he was publicly sworn in at a ceremony Friday.

Jensen said it was surreal being addressed as “your honor” in a courtroom setting for the first time.

“It’s almost like imposter syndrome,” he said. “It’s intimidating to hear myself being referred to as that. I don’t feel I’m worthy of that, but I have to get over that in a big hurry. At the end of the day, that’s what you’re appointed to do and I’m sure all new judges feel the very same way.”

He’s already been surprised by the wide variety of cases so far. District court judges preside over felony criminal cases, all domestic cases including harassment and protection orders, custody disputes, child support and other divorce matters, as well as any major civil proceedings.

His path to the bench started at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and then Creighton University for law school. He worked in a prosecutorial role with the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and the Douglas County Attorney’s office for 15 years, and then as a defense attorney in private practice for a few years.