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Public Defender In Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

APPRAISER II

Papillion, NE

$26.58 - $35.82/hr

... in the assessment process. Monitor, update, and maintain property record data. Effectively communicate findings and records with the public. Prepare documentation and defend valuations before the ...

APPRAISER II

Papillion, NE · On-site

$26.58 - $35.82/hr

... in the assessment process. Monitor, update, and maintain property record data. Effectively communicate findings and records with the public. Prepare documentation and defend valuations before the ...

$100K - $120K/yr

... us usher in a new era in public safety and security. The Command Center Software (CCSW ... Leading and defending the project's technical and programmatic decisions. It requires identifying ...

OSHA Associate

Omaha, NE · Hybrid

$200K - $235K/yr

Class action or public sector experience a plus * Admitted to practice law in the State Bar of the Associate's primary office * Attention to detail and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced ...

Auditor

Omaha, NE

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Developing, documenting, and defending loss calculation methodologies and financial damage models ... Must be Certified Public Accountant. MBA or equivalent in accounting or directly related field.

New

Public Defender In information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong foundation in criminal law and trial advocacy. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management systems, is typically required. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively representing clients and managing high caseloads. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure that clients receive competent legal representation and equal access to justice.

How much do public defenders get paid per hour?

Public defenders typically earn between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employing agency. Salaries are often based on annual pay scales, but hourly rates can be estimated by dividing the annual salary by the number of work hours in a year, usually around 2,000 hours. Many public defenders work full-time in government or legal aid offices, requiring a Juris Doctor degree and passing the bar exam.

How hard is it to get hired as a public defender?

Getting hired as a public defender typically requires a law degree, passing the state bar exam, and relevant legal experience or internships. Competition can be high due to limited positions, and strong advocacy, communication skills, and knowledge of criminal law are essential for success in the hiring process.

What are Public Defenders?

Public defenders are attorneys appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that every person receives a fair trial and that their legal rights are protected throughout the judicial process. Public defenders handle a variety of cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, and often work with large caseloads. They play a critical role in upholding the right to legal counsel guaranteed by the Constitution.

Is it good to be a public defender?

Public defenders provide legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private attorneys, playing a vital role in the justice system. The job offers experience in criminal law, courtroom procedures, and client advocacy, but can involve high caseloads and emotional challenges. Whether it is a good career choice depends on personal commitment to public service and resilience in a demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Public Defenders in Indiana, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Public Defenders in Indiana often manage high caseloads and must advocate for clients with limited resources, which can be both demanding and rewarding. New hires may encounter time management challenges and the need to quickly learn courtroom procedures and negotiation tactics. Building strong organizational skills, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and staying up-to-date on legal developments are essential for success. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is also a key part of the role, helping to ensure clients receive the best possible defense.

What is the difference between Public Defender In vs Public Defender Investigator?

AspectPublic Defender InPublic Defender Investigator
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionHigh school diploma or equivalent, law enforcement or investigative experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, law offices, legal settingsFieldwork, interviews, case investigation
Employer & IndustryPublic defender offices, government agenciesPublic defender offices, law enforcement collaborations
Primary RoleLegal defense for clientsGathering evidence, interviewing witnesses

Public Defender In and Public Defender Investigator roles both serve the criminal justice system but focus on different aspects. Public Defender In provides legal defense, requiring law degrees and bar admission, while Public Defender Investigators support cases through investigation and evidence collection. Both roles are essential in public defender offices and often work closely together to ensure clients receive comprehensive legal support.

Is a public defender different than a lawyer?

A public defender is a type of lawyer employed by the government to represent individuals who cannot afford private attorneys in criminal cases. They have the same legal training and licensing as other lawyers but often work in high-volume, fast-paced environments, focusing on criminal defense. Both public defenders and private lawyers must pass the bar exam and maintain ongoing legal education.
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What job categories do people searching Public Defender In jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender In jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Public Defender In jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Public Defender In job openings:
Attorney- Juvenile Project

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description

Position Summary


Legal Aid of Nebraska is seeking an Attorney for our Juvenile Project in the Lincoln office. The

Juvenile Project Attorney provides high-quality legal representation and advocacy to children,

youth, and families involved in the juvenile legal system. This position works to protect the legal

rights of young people while advancing equitable outcomes through client-centered,

trauma-informed representation. This role manages a diverse caseload, appears in court,

collaborates with community partners, and engages in outreach and education to improve

access to justice for vulnerable youth.


This position is ideal for an attorney who is passionate about serving children and families,

committed to public interest law, and dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change within the

communities we serve.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

-Provide direct legal representation to children, youth, and families in juvenile law

matters, including court hearings, negotiations, mediations, and administrative

proceedings.

-Representing parents and children, including Guardian Ad Litem representation in

abuse/neglect, delinquency, and status offense cases filed in Juvenile Court in Lancaster

County.

-Appellate work as needed.

-Home and placement visits as Guardian Ad Litem, some for kids who may be placed in

another county.

-Conduct client interviews, legal research, factual investigations, and case analysis.

-Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents.

-Counsel clients regarding their legal rights, available resources, and potential legal

strategies.

-Collaborate with social workers, therapists, schools, service providers, and other

professionals to support holistic client outcomes.

-Maintain accurate and timely case records, documentation, and data entry in accordance

with organizational policies and funding requirements.

-Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and legal strategy discussions.

-Stay current on developments in juvenile law, child welfare, education law, and related

practice areas through continuing legal education and professional development.

-Perform other duties as assigned to support the Juvenile Law Program and

organizational mission.


Why Join Our Team?

Our Juvenile Law Program is dedicated to ensuring that every child and young person has

access to quality legal representation and advocacy. As part of our team, you will work

alongside passionate professionals committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable youth and

strengthening our communities through equitable access to justice.

We value collaboration, professional growth, innovation, and a supportive workplace culture

where employees can build meaningful careers while making a lasting impact.

Requirements

Required

-Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

-Licensed to practice law in Nebraska or eligible for admission.

-Commitment to Legal Aid of Nebraska's mission and serving low-income communities.

-Strong legal research, writing, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

-Ability to exercise sound judgment, manage multiple responsibilities, and work

collaboratively in fast-paced environments.

-Ability to communicate effectively with clients, volunteers, courts, staff, and community

partners.


Preferred

-Experience representing children, youth, or families in juvenile, family, or education law

matters.

-Experience in a legal aid, nonprofit, public defender, prosecutor, or government setting.

-Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive legal practices.

-Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.

-Bilingual or multilingual language skills.


Competencies

-Thorough understanding of legal ethics and professional responsibility.

-Ability to establish rapport with children, youth, and families experiencing complex legal

and personal challenges.

-Strong courtroom advocacy and negotiation skills.

-Excellent judgment and problem-solving abilities.

-Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in an understandable and compassionate

manner.

-Strong organizational skills with careful attention to detail.

-Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and client-centered advocacy.


Working Environment

-Combination of office, courtroom, and community-based work.

-Regular travel within the service area for court appearances, client meetings, and

outreach events.

-Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for community education events

or client needs.

-Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods.