The Honorable Michael D. Nelson completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with honors, in 1988. He received his law degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1991. His private practice was concentrated in criminal defense before state and federal courts. He has been an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, teaching in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. He was a Commissioner on the Nebraska Commission for Public Advocacy and the Criminal Justice Panel Representative for the District of Nebraska. He is a Nebraska State Bar Association Lifetime Fellow. On May 23, 2016, he was selected to be a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Nebraska, commencing July 1, 2017, and was reappointed for the term commencing July 1, 2025.