Legal Extern

POSITION TITLE: Legal Extern
REPORTS TO :               Externship Program Supervising Attorney
HOURS: 15-20 hours per week
WORKSITE: Lincoln, Nebraska
EXTERNSHIP TIMEFRAME:
Externship runs August 2026 – December 2026, with the possibility of extension through April 2027 or transition to full-time employment based on organizational needs

COMPENSATION:

• Hourly rate of $25.00

BENEFITS:

• Paid externship with class credit through the University of Nebraska College of Law
• Opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in immigration law and client-centered representation
• Mentorship from experienced immigration attorneys
• Employee Wellness Program (including enriching snacks, support groups, and engaging activities)
• Travel and expense reimbursement
• Possibility of continued internship or full-time employment based on performance and organizational needs
  
   

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:
In 2022, Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center merged, and the combined nonprofit organization is now CIRA, the Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement. Our diverse team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate legal representation, refugee services, and social work services.

We take on the most complex immigration cases, resettle refugees from around the world, and ensure all clients have access to much-needed resources. Operating in offices from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff, our team of more than 100 full-time employees helps communities’ welcome immigrants and refugees as they build their lives here. We assist with all forms of family and humanitarian-based immigration, and we never turn any family away due to inability to pay.  

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Legal Extern project aims to provide a clinic experience to 3L students from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Externs in this program will spend both the Fall and Spring semesters working with a Supervising Attorney to represent low-income clients in a range of immigration matters. This program will focus on the expansion of practical skills with the educational goal of engaging with current immigration law and the realities of the immigration system. These skills include: client-centered lawyering, client counseling and interviewing, litigation and strategic planning, legal writing, development of professional identity, professional communication, case file management, and the ability to respond to rapidly changing law and circumstances.

CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE PROGRAM
Legal externs will utilize their Senior-Certified status to participate in activities central to the practice of immigration law, including:

• Conducting legal research and writing
• Drafting and filing applications for immigration relief from USCIS, Immigration Court, and other relevant agencies
• Participating in client interviews and developing questions to understand facts of a client’s case
• Analyzing facts to determine relief eligibility
• Appearing in Immigration Court and state court on behalf of clients, as dictated by the clients’ legal needs
• Developing culturally competent and trauma-informed approaches with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Navigating difficult conversations with clients who may be facing traumatic past experiences or challenging decisions
• Analyzing and resolving professional ethics issues
• Collaboration within the Clinic team and with other colleagues to efficiently work towards client goals
• Learning and maintaining case management and documentation in line with the requirements of the case management system and filing system

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree is required
• Must be a 3L student at the University of Nebraska College of Law for the 2026-2027 academic year
• Qualifies as a Senior-Certified law student able to practice under a licensed attorney
• Strong commitment to public interest legal services and to the enfranchisement and empowerment of immigrant communities
• Ability to work sensitively with numerous staff, volunteers, and clients having varied personalities, lifestyles, cultures, political orientations, and faiths
• Fluency in using Office 365 applications (ex. Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.) and a strong ability to learn new software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills with ability to serve clients and colleagues from various backgrounds professionally
• Demonstrates reliability through consistent attendance, effective time management, and flexibility
• Ability to take initiative and problem-solve independently when appropriate
• Ability to represent CIRA positively to clients, volunteers, community organizations, and the public
• Strong commitment to professional excellence in a mission-driven environment
• Impeccable integrity, positive attitude, and self-directed work style
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to lift items up to 20 lbs. as needed
• Ability to pass all required background checks

• Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This role consists of regularly sitting at a desk and using a computer and phone.
• This is not a remote position.
• Externship runs August 2026 – December 2026, with the possibility of extension through April 2027 or transition to full-time employment based on organizational needs
• Monday – Friday schedule, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; externs may work up to 20 hours per week with flexible scheduling
• Occasional travel to CIRA offices in the area may be required based on availability

TO APPLY:

• Please upload a cover letter; resume; and statement of interest answering the questions: “Why do you want to participate in the externship program?” with a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 1,000 words; all in PDF format to the job application link.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.

INCLUSION & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement (CIRA) makes all employment decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We evaluate candidates exclusively on their ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Selection criteria are applied uniformly to all candidates regardless of protected characteristics.
CIRA is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. We do not discriminate based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or any characteristics prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment at CIRA, including recruiting, hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, employee discipline and discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment.