Chief Legal and Policy Advisor

State of Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 26,005 - 38,335; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

156% state-matched retirement

Tuition reimbursement

79% employer-paid health insurance

Job summary

The State of Nebraska seeks a Chief Legal and Policy Advisor to provide professional legal services while supervising attorneys and legal support staff. This role involves legal research, drafting documents, and advising agency leadership on legal matters.

Qualified candidates should have a JD from an accredited law school and be admitted to the Nebraska Bar. Competitive salary and substantial benefits are offered, including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Nebraska Bar.
• One year of experience as an attorney providing legal services.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal research, analysis, and interpretation of statutes.
• Draft and review legal documents.
• Advise on legal compliance and risk management.
• Supervise assigned attorneys and legal staff.

Skills

Legal research and analysis

Supervisory skills

Policy development

Communication skills

Education

JD from an accredited law school

Admission to the Nebraska Bar

Job description

Job Overview

Hiring Agency: Parole Board - Agency 15

Location: Board of Parole - Lincoln

Hiring Rate: $30.056

Job Posting: JR2026-00023012 Chief Legal and Policy Advisor (Open)

Provides professional legal services to the agency while serving as a working supervisor responsible for assigning, directing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned attorneys and/or legal support staff. The position exists to ensure high-quality legal services, consistent application of law and policy, and effective workflow management within the legal unit.

With this position, if you have graduated from an accredited school of law and are admitted to the Nebraska Bar, we would love to invite you to apply for the entry‑level Attorney I position with the expectation that you would be promoted to Attorney II after you attain the minimum qualifications for that job.

Salary Range for an Attorney I: $26,005–$38,335/hr

Salary Range for an Attorney II: $30,056–$44,306/hr

Pay may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, if approved. The position may be underfilled if the requirements and experience below have not been met, provided the applicant is willing to complete appropriate classes or training to meet such standards. Salary would be adjusted according to experience, expertise, and relevant skills. Underfill opportunities are subject to approval.

Job Duties

• Provide legal research, analysis, and interpretation of statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Draft and review legal documents, including pleadings, findings, conclusions, policies, contracts, and correspondence.
• Advise agency leadership and staff on legal compliance, risk management, and policy interpretation.
• Represent or support the agency in administrative hearings; prepare recommended orders or legal positions.
• Supervise assigned attorneys and/or legal staff: assign work, set priorities, provide guidance, review work products, and ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations, provide coaching, mentoring, and corrective guidance as needed.
• Coordinate with the Attorney General’s Office, County Attorneys, and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.

Minimum Qualifications

Attorney I: Graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Nebraska Bar.

Attorney II: One year of experience as an attorney practicing law and providing legal services such as preparing cases, advising clients, and/or interpreting laws or administrative policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Progressive experience as a licensed attorney providing legal services in public sector, administrative law, criminal justice, corrections, parole, or a closely related regulatory environment.
• Experience advising executive leadership or governing bodies, including providing legal analysis, policy recommendations, and risk assessments to senior management or boards.
• Supervisory or lead experience, including assigning and reviewing work, setting priorities, mentoring attorneys or professional staff, and conducting or contributing to performance evaluations.
• Demonstrated experience directing or coordinating legal work in support of agency operations, administrative hearings, or quasi‑judicial decision‑making.
• Experience interpreting and applying state and federal statutes, administrative rules, and case law in a complex, highly regulated environment.
• Knowledge of labor and employment law, collective bargaining agreements, grievance processes, and management rights in a public sector setting.
• Experience collaborating with human resources, executive leadership, and external legal partners such as the Attorney General’s Office or County Attorneys.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion on sensitive legal, personnel, and policy matters while operating within established authority.
• Strong skills in legal research, writing, and oral communication, including the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear guidance for non‑legal audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Experience supporting or leading policy development, implementation, or organizational change initiatives.
• Knowledge of or experience with public safety, corrections, parole, or justice‑involved populations (preferred).

Other Requirements

This position requires travel. The incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Benefits

The State of Nebraska offers the following benefits (subject to eligibility):

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state‑matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer‑paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer‑paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates and 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.