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Profile

Richard (Rick) E. Putnam counsels individuals and entities on business and succession planning issues and has an extensive background in financial transactions. He advises company management on governance, compliance and regulatory matters. He also regularly works with and advises a variety of public and private foundations.

Rick was the Managing Partner of Baird Holm from 2009 through 2021, and has returned to a full-time legal practice. Since 2007, he has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Corporate Law, and continues to be ranked by Chambers and Partners USA © and Great Plains Super Lawyers ©. Rick was also named the Best Lawyers’ 2017 Corporate Law – “Lawyer of the Year” for Omaha, Nebraska.

Education

  • University of Kansas School of Law, J.D., 1980
  • University of Kansas, B.A., Political Science, with distinction, 1977

Professional & Civic Affiliations

  • Omaha Bar Association; Nebraska State Bar Association; American Bar Association and its Section on Business Law
  • Board of Trustees, Greater Omaha Alliance for Business Ethics
  • Board of Directors and Vice-President, Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Foundation
  • Past President, Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN) Board
  • Past President, Omaha Theater Company Board
  • Past President, Fontenelle Nature Association Board
  • Past President, Girls, Inc. Board
  • Former member of the Board of Directors, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Chairman of the National Board of Directors, University of Kansas Alumni Association

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Nebraska, 1980

Selected Practice Highlights

  • Providing outside general counsel to multiple privately owned companies; coordinating legal aspects of raising funds; mergers, acquisitions and liquidations 
  • Providing outside general counsel for several private foundations and public charities, including a private foundation with assets in excess of $100 million 
  • Acting as outside general counsel to an alternative investment management firm which focuses on private equity, real estate and domestic and international agribusiness; a national agricultural production facility, and multiple franchisees with over 50 locations across the Midwest
  • Advising multiple clients in financial services and related industries

Recent Speaking Engagements

  • “Transition and Succession Planning for Law Firm Management”, Fall 2021

In the News

Baird Holm Banter® - A Legal Podcast


Profile

Richard (Rick) E. Putnam counsels individuals and entities on business and succession planning issues and has an extensive background in financial transactions. He advises company management on governance, compliance and regulatory matters. He also regularly works with and advises a variety of public and private foundations.

Rick was the Managing Partner of Baird Holm from 2009 through 2021, and has returned to a full-time legal practice. Since 2007, he has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Corporate Law, and continues to be ranked by Chambers and Partners USA © and Great Plains Super Lawyers ©. Rick was also named the Best Lawyers’ 2017 Corporate Law – “Lawyer of the Year” for Omaha, Nebraska.

Professional & Civic Affiliations

  • Omaha Bar Association; Nebraska State Bar Association; American Bar Association and its Section on Business Law
  • Board of Trustees, Greater Omaha Alliance for Business Ethics
  • Board of Directors and Vice-President, Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Foundation
  • Past President, Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN) Board
  • Past President, Omaha Theater Company Board
  • Past President, Fontenelle Nature Association Board
  • Past President, Girls, Inc. Board
  • Former member of the Board of Directors, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Chairman of the National Board of Directors, University of Kansas Alumni Association

Selected Practice Highlights

  • Providing outside general counsel to multiple privately owned companies; coordinating legal aspects of raising funds; mergers, acquisitions and liquidations 
  • Providing outside general counsel for several private foundations and public charities, including a private foundation with assets in excess of $100 million 
  • Acting as outside general counsel to an alternative investment management firm which focuses on private equity, real estate and domestic and international agribusiness; a national agricultural production facility, and multiple franchisees with over 50 locations across the Midwest
  • Advising multiple clients in financial services and related industries

Recent Speaking Engagements

  • “Transition and Succession Planning for Law Firm Management”, Fall 2021

Baird Holm Banter® - A Legal Podcast


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