2026 Term Court of Appeals Law Clerk

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Job Description:

The Judicial Branch offers:

Health & Wellness

• 79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance

• Dental and vision insurance plans available to purchase

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability available to purchase

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support

• Flex Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Financial Security

• 156% state-matched of the first 4.8% contribution to retirement plan

• FREE $20000 Life Insurance Policy

• Optional Life Insurance and AD&D available to purchase

Paid Time Off & Leave

• 13 paid holidays annually

• Paid vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately

• Military leave and Funeral/Bereavement leave

Professional Growth

• Paid training to develop your skills

• Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications

• Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education

• Opportunity for bilingual pay

Job Description

The Nebraska Court of Appeals is currently accepting applications for a full -time Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Michael Piccolo. The position is for the term beginning Fall 2026 and ending July 31 2027. Judicial Law Clerks are at-will employees working under the exclusive supervision of the Judge by whom they are hired. The attorney in this position directly assists an Appellate Court Judge with case specific duties. Law clerks are hired at the discretion of the Judge.

Primary Work Location:

Nebraska State Capitol

1445 K Street

Lincoln NE 68508

Applicants can also select Omaha or Papillion as their primary work location after completing training.

Remote work may be permitted occasionally and some travel may be required.

Salary and Compensation:

• Starting Salary: $71613.78 annually (Hiring Rate).
• Immediate Growth: Earn a 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing your probation period (if starting at Hiring Rate).
• Starting Rate Flexibility: Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience subject to final management approval.
  • Please Note: Candidates approved to start above the Hiring Rate (at or above the Minimum Permanent rate) are not eligible for the 2.5% post-probation increase.
• Future Increases: Annual cost-of-living adjustments (applied on July 1) are subject to State Legislature approval.

Job Duties

1. Prepares bench briefs on upcoming cases.

2. Reviews the complete record in assigned cases.

3. Researches the law germane to the appeals under submission.

4. Prepares legal memoranda synthesizing factual analysis and legal research.

5. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

The above classification responsibilities represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the Justice or Judge.

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants preferred to have graduated in the top 25% of their law school class and be admitted to practice law in the State of Nebraska or be eligible for such admission.

All educational credits must be granted from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Legal Requirement: selection into this position is contingent on being admitted into the Nebraska State Bar Association.

Other: Applicants must attach a cover letter resume law school grade transcript letters of recommendation and a writing sample with their application.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Sophisticated understanding of all legal research methods including the use of Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis. Ability to analyze and organize facts evidence and legal principles in novel and complex cases. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Excellent word processing and editing skills including legal citation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Judicial Branch values our employees as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity equity inclusion and belonging. We recruit hire train and promote in all job qualifications at all levels without regard to race religion sex age national origin disability marital status sexual orientation or genetics. The Judicial Branch adheres to Veterans Preference Laws.

Notify the Administrative Office if an ADA accommodation is needed in the selection persons with hearing impairments please call the Nebraska Relay System 7-1-1. AA/EOE

If youre currently employed by the State of Nebraska please dont apply through this external career site. Instead log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: offer a comprehensive package of pay benefits paid time off retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

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.

Required Experience:

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