NORFOLK, Neb. — A northeast Nebraska attorney with decades of experience will be moving to the other side of the bench.

On Monday, Gov. Jim Pillen appointed Patrick Carney of Norfolk as county court judge in the Seventh Judicial District. The district includes Antelope, Cuming, Madison, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Stanton, and Wayne counties.

A news release says Carney started Carney Law PC LLO in Norfolk where he handles a variety of legal issues including criminal matters, estate planning, real estate, business formation and family law. On a contractual basis, he also acts as a public defender in Antelope County.  Carney practiced at Balsiger & Carney from 1997 to 2006.

Carney has also served on boards for several organizations including the Nebraska Commission of Public Advocacy, the Madison County Bar Association and Behavioral Health Specialties, Inc.

Carney holds degrees from Kearney State College and the University of Nebraska College of Law.

He fills the judgeship vacated by Hon. Mike Long, who was appointed to a district court post.