Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

We're seeking a compassionate, driven Staff Attorney to join our team in Omaha or Lincoln. This is an opportunity to build meaningful client relationships, develop a diverse civil legal practice, and make a lasting impact for Nebraskans who may otherwise be unable to access legal representation. As a Staff Attorney, you'll provide direct legal representation to eligible clients and serve as a trusted advocate for individuals and families facing significant legal challenges.

This position will focus on the Health Education and Law Project (HELP), Legal Aid of Nebraska's medical-legal partnership program. Working closely with hospitals, health systems, and the Veterans Administration, the HELP attorney addresses civil legal issues that affect clients' health and well-being, including Medicare and Medicaid, disability and veterans benefits, medical debt, SNAP, housing stability, guardianships, and advance planning documents like powers of attorney and mental health directives. You'll partner with social workers, healthcare providers, and educators to identify and resolve the legal barriers standing between clients and the care they need, with opportunities to work across other areas of civil law based on client needs, organizational priorities, and your interests and experience. Whether you're an experienced attorney looking for purpose-driven work or a newer attorney eager to develop your skills with the support of experienced colleagues, we'd love to hear from you!

Responsibilities include:

• Evaluating cases and determining appropriate representation.
• Counseling clients on their legal rights, options, and next steps.
• Conducting legal research and factual investigations.
• Drafting pleadings, motions, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Negotiating and representing clients in hearings, litigation, and appeals as appropriate.
• Handling HELP matters such as civil legal issues that affect clients' health and well-being, including Medicare and Medicaid, disability and veterans benefits, medical debt, SNAP, housing stability, guardianships, and advance planning documents like powers of attorney and mental health directives.
• Developing expertise in health education and law while remaining open to work in other civil legal practice areas.
• Collaborating with colleagues and community partners to provide effective client services.
• Participating in outreach, legal education, and community clinics.
• Staying current on developments in housing law and other areas relevant to Legal Aid clients.

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates will have:

• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• A commitment to serving low-income and underserved communities.
• Strong client relationship and advocacy skills.
• The ability to manage cases independently while working collaboratively.
• Sound professional judgment and strong organizational skills.
• A willingness to learn and develop expertise in other areas of civil law.
• A passion for advancing access to justice.

Work Environment and Schedule

This position is based in Omaha or Lincoln and may include a combination of office-based work, remote work, court appearances, travel, and community outreach. Evening or occasional weekend work may be required.

Other Duties: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of Legal Aid of Nebraska. 

Requirements:

Required:

• 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.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and communicate effectively with clients, courts, colleagues, and community partners.
• Willingness to travel as needed, including occasional travel outside of the assigned office.

Preferred:

• Experience in housing, landlord-tenant, foreclosure, public benefits, or other civil legal practice.
• Experience in legal aid, public interest law, or other mission-driven legal settings.
• Litigation, negotiation, or direct client representation experience.
• Familiarity with Nebraska courts and civil legal issues affecting low-income communities.
• Bilingual abilities are valued.