Legal Counsel (Legal Counsel II)

Legal Counsel (Legal Counsel II)

The Nebraska Department of Education is looking for a Legal Counsel to provide legal assistance and overall support to the agency as part of our Legal Services Office. The hiring team is looking for candidates with high integrity, attention to detail, critical thinking, and analytical skills. This position will work with contracts and procurement, so previous experience with contract and procurement law is preferred. If you have administrative hearing experience, that’s a plus!

The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.

Office Location: 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.

Pay Grade 11: $84,393.74/year ($85,448.66/year after pay structure increases on June 29, 2026)

This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate.

Teammates Enjoy In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $31,800 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
  • 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!
  • Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types
  • 156% state-matched retirement (yes, that’s $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

Essential Functions

• Drafts and reviews contracts, provides legal interpretation, and advises on enforceability of contracts.
• Drafts Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to support procurement activities, and assists with evaluation of scoring.
• Reviews and prosecutes certification investigations and certification reinstatement cases.
• Assists with legal responsibilities related to issuance of educator certificates by the Commissioner of Education, handling investigations, prosecution, and administrative hearings.
• Collaborates with investigators to review reports, assess legal burden of proof, conduct discovery, participate in hearings, and draft briefs.
• Responds to public records requests, analyzes documents aligned with the Public Records Act, and responds with appropriate information within legal guidelines.
• Reviews and responds to Miscellaneous Expense, Tort, and Contract claims filed with DAS.
• Researches, interprets, and applies court decisions, statutes, regulations, and other sources of information.
• Collaborates to ensure appropriate advice, information, interpretations, and recommendations are provided in regard to implementation of education laws.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Working Conditions and Travel

This position requires approximately 75% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 25% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as meetings, hearings, and trainings. There is also approximately five days of overnight travel per year.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, admission to practice law in Nebraska, and two years of experience in the practice of law.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with administrative hearings, state procurement law, and drafting, reviewing, and interpreting contracts.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.