Meet Our Legal Team

Robert M. Schafer — Managing Partner

Rob Schafer is the managing partner at Smith Schafer Davis, with a law practice focusing on agricultural law, business law, estate planning, probate and trust administration, real estate law, and taxation. Born in Pawnee City, Nebraska, Rob is a sixth-generation Nebraskan who has built a distinguished career marked by leadership and serving others. 

Jeffery W. Davis — Partner

Jeff works with individuals and families in providing a full range of estate planning services. Jeff’s practice focuses on avoidance and deferral of death taxes and other transfer taxes, on gift and estate planning, on the preparation of simple and sophisticated wills and trusts, and on Medicaid and other long-term care issues. Additionally, Jeff assists clients in the formation of new businesses and in business succession planning, real estate transactions (including tax-deferred, like-kind exchanges), and nonprofit formation and governance.

Nolan W. Schafer — Associate Attorney & CPA

Nolan is an attorney and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with Smith Schafer Davis. He is one of the few professionals in the State of Nebraska licensed in both law and accounting, a dual background that allows him to provide clients with integrated legal and financial strategies. His practice focuses on tax strategy and preparation, estate planning, business law, real estate, and agricultural law. Nolan handles tax preparation and planning for individuals, businesses, trusts, estates, and gift tax matters. Before law school, he worked as a tax associate at FORVIS (formerly BKD), one of the nation's largest accounting firms, serving high-net-worth individuals across individual, business, trust, gift tax, and consolidated returns.

Duane W. Smith — Retired

Duane was a senior partner at Smith Schafer Davis LLC, where he practiced law from 1977 to 2020. Though retired from the active practice of law, Duane remains a familiar face around the firm and throughout Beatrice, where you'll often find him stopping in to visit with colleagues or catching up with friends around town.



Diane Prall — Legal Assistant

Diane provides support to our attorneys in managing estates, trusts, and probate matters.



A native of the Pickrell area, Diane pursued her education at Southeast Community College, where she not only earned her Associate of Applied Science in Accounting but also actively played on the school's volleyball team.

Joyce Williams — Legal Assistant

Joyce is our front-line receptionist and contributes to our legal team by assisting with guardianship and conservatorship cases.



A Beatrice High School alumna, Joyce has an extensive 34-year background working with the Farm Service Agency in Beatrice. She joined the team at Dalke, Smith, and Maurstad in 2010, bringing with her a wealth of administrative expertise.

Amy Christen — Paralegal

Amy is an integral part of our team, offering specialized support in real estate transactions and estate planning.



Since earning her Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies from the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Amy has been a loyal member of our firm since 1995. Her experience spans across various branches of law, showcasing her adaptability and extensive knowledge.

Brittany Podany — Legal Assistant

Brittany provides valuable assistance to our attorneys in the areas of business and corporate law, estate planning, and tax preparation.

A native of Beatrice, Brittany attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, complemented by a minor in psychology, in 2011. Her professional path has been diverse, including roles as an assistant manager at Kohl’s department store and positions in sales and insurance, before she joined our firm as a legal assistant in 2016.

For skilled legal services, call our team at (402) 223-5257.