Public Defender Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

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.