Plattsmouth, NE

Anthony M. Hernandez

Tony is an attorney at Johnson and Pekny. He received his juris doctorate from the University of Nebraska School of Law in 2012 with a concentration in alternative dispute resolution. He served as a county attorney with the Douglas County Attorney’s Office for nine years prosecuting juvenile crimes and child welfare matters, primarily focusing on sexual assault and child sexual abuse. Tony’s extensive experience includes both trial and appellate litigation at the Nebraska Court of Appeals and the Nebraska Supreme Court. He joined Johnson & Pekny in 2023, and practices with an emphasis on criminal defense and family law. Tony is also an experienced mediator, having conducted successful mediations involving medical malpractice, parenting plans, property distribution for divorces, mortgage defaults, and small claims. Prior to beginning his law career, Tony served in the United States Marine Corps.

Gerald D. Johnson

Gerald (Jerry) D. Johnson is the managing partner at Johnson and Pekny. He focuses his practice in the areas of bankruptcy and estate planning. Since establishing the firm in 2004, he has represented clients in a wide range of matters, including family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation. Jerry is a graduate of the University of the South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota, where he earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice in 1997, and a graduate of the University of Nebraska in Omaha, where he earned his M.A. in Criminal Justice Research in 2000. He graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan in 2003. Prior to law school, Jerry spent most of his life in Akron, Iowa, working in the farming and agriculture industry. In addition to being active in his church community, Jerry is an avid Huskers and Green Bay sports fan. He remains involved in farming and other agricultural endeavors, enjoys gardening, and spending time his family - his wife, Helen, his children and stepchildren, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, who all keep him on the go.

Darren J. Pekny

Darren J. Pekny is a partner at Johnson and Pekny, where he divides his practice between family law and criminal matters, concentrating on divorce, custody disputes, and misdemeanor and felony defense. He joined the firm in 2009 and has represented clients on a wide range of issues. Darren graduated from The University of Nebraska in Omaha, Nebraska, with a B.S. in Liberal Arts. He graduated from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska in 2009. He is an experienced litigator with the skill to negotiate matters out of court when necessary, and a determined advocate for all of his clients. In addition to his legal work, Darren volunteers for Pheasants Forever Youth Hunt. He spends his time hunting and fishing, and with his wife and two sons.

Lisa M. Gonzalez

Lisa M. Gonzalez is an attorney at Johnson and Pekny. She focuses on juvenile and family law, and is an experienced and knowledgeable advocate for her clients. Lisa has been practicing in Juvenile Court for over 12 years and has represented all roles to include Guardian Ad Litem for children and/or parents, attorney for parents and attorney for children. Prior to working at Johnson and Pekny, Lisa maintained her own law practice, assisting hundreds of clients with family law matters. Lisa is a 2003 graduate of the University of Nebraska in Kearney with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Law with her J.D. in 2006. Prior to practicing law, Lisa worked for several years in the social work field as a Supervisor of visitation workers and a Contract Liaison between DHHS subcontractors. Lisa spends her free time watching her kids play in numerous sports. She also enjoys traveling with her family.

Jaclyn M. Duffy

Jaci received her Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law in 2012 where she focused on trial practice and public interest law. Jaci practiced immigration law for a non-profit in Omaha, Nebraska before moving into private practice in Southwest Iowa in 2014. Jaci’s Iowa practice spanned six counties and focused on criminal defense, family law, juvenile law, and immigration law. Jaci joined Johnson & Pekny as an attorney in 2024. Her practice focuses on bankruptcy, probate, family law, juvenile law, and criminal defense. Jaci has successfully litigated family and juvenile law appeals before the Iowa Court of Appeals and has extensive courtroom experience, including both criminal jury trials and civil bench trials. Jaci is a mother to seven, a Byzantine chanter, and a member of the choir at St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church.