Staff Attorney

Legal Aid of Nebraska; Omaha (NE); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Aid of Nebraska seeks a Staff Attorney in Omaha or Lincoln to provide direct legal representation for eligible clients, focusing on housing-related matters while engaging in other civil areas as needed. You will build meaningful relationships and advocate for Nebraskans lacking access to legal representation.

The role offers collaborative teamwork, opportunities for outreach and community clinics, and a chance to develop housing law expertise within a broad civil practice.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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 housing matters including evictions, foreclosure, subsidized housing, reasonable accommodations, unsafe housing conditions, security deposits, mobile home evictions, and other housing-related issues.
• Developing expertise in housing 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.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical thinking

Communication

Client advocacy

Case management

Professional judgment

Organizational skills

Willingness to learn

Access to justice

Education

J.D.

Job 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 have a primary focus on housing-related legal matters, while also providing the opportunity to work across other areas of civil law based on client needs, organizational priorities, and the attorney's 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 housing matters including evictions, foreclosure, subsidized housing, reasonable accommodations, unsafe housing conditions, security deposits, mobile home evictions, and other housing-related issues.
• Developing expertise in housing 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 housing and 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.