- Member Spotlight
Michelle E. Pernicek
A partner at Kutak Rock LLP and a NABL Member since 2015, meet Michelle Pernicek!

The NABL Member Spotlight initiative is a volunteer-based program. All featured members participate voluntarily and are selected to highlight their contributions and achievements within our community. Participation in the spotlight does not imply endorsement by NABL. If you would like to be featured, please contact us! Now, let’s meet Michelle Pernicek and learn more about her practice:
Tell us a little bit about yourself, including how you found your way to working in bond law.
I am a partner at Kutak Rock LLP in our public finance department and work on affordable housing financings across the country. I have been with Kutak Rock since 2015, and I found my way to working in bond law by a combination of luck and the right circumstances at the right time. My work history was not a straight line, but when I was looking for a new opportunity, I applied for a position at Kutak Rock. I had a business undergraduate background plus a few years of title work, so I felt I could make the case that I could learn this area of law. I had no idea what I was getting into other than having a respect for the firm, and I consider myself lucky to have found myself in this practice area. It is interesting, challenging, and rewarding work.
What inspired you to join NABL in 2015 and how has the membership experience impacted your career?
I joined NABL when I started at Kutak Rock because it seemed like a good way to connect with the industry outside of my own firm. My membership has impacted my career by providing learning opportunities as well as connections to the broader bond world.
What advice would you give to law students or new attorneys upon landing their first job?
Take all opportunities to learn and continue to learn throughout your practice.
Do you have any resolutions as a bond attorney for 2025 or personally?
For 2025, my resolution is to find opportunities to bring in new attorneys and mentor them along their journey. I also do a lot of work in the California housing market, and I will be focusing on how our work as bond attorneys can be used in the recovery and rebuilding efforts following the Southern California wildfires.
What are your most recent favorite podcasts, books, and/or TV shows?
I am a big reader. One of my favorite books from 2024 was The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon. It is a narrative non-fiction written by America’s Government Teacher (i.e. @sharonsaysso from Instagram). It is hopeful and informative, and I can solidly recommend it to anyone regardless of what kind of books you enjoy.
Member-Exclusive Conference
The Institute will be held at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina from Thursday, March 20 to Friday, March 21 this year. Each discussion forum is capped at 50 attendees. However, forums will repeat throughout the two-day conference at different times, allowing attendees multiple opportunities to participate.
