Courtroom and Policy Attorney

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Health & Human Services - Agency 25
Location:
Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate:
$38.632
Job Posting:
JR2026-00029616 Courtroom and Policy Attorney (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:
Does a Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. job with EXCELLENT WORK-LIFE BALANCE appeal to you? If you’re interested in ensuring the safety of Nebraska’s vulnerable citizens through providing legal guidance regarding child welfare policy while still maintaining a juvenile court caseload, apply today!

This position will provide legal support to the Division of Children and Family Services as a policy attorney and as a courtroom attorney for the Northern Service Area. The attorney in this position will provide legal guidance to the Children and Family Services administration on a variety of child welfare topics, including representing DHHS in administrative appeals and assisting with drafting regulations. The attorney in this position will also provide legal support to DHHS case managers and will appear as a special assistant attorney general representing DHHS in juvenile court proceedings. This position will also provide litigation support to the agency and Attorney General's Office, as needed, and may include the handling of appeals filed with the Nebraska appellate courts on behalf of the agency. Additional duties of this courtroom attorney may include conducting privilege reviews for compliance with public records requests and discovery requests, as needed.

LOCATION: Nebraska State Office Building (Lincoln) but requires travel to other counties as needed.

Here's how we reward our employees:

- State-matched retirement contribution of 156%!
- 13 paid holidays
- Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
- A culture that embraces work-life balance
- Tuition reimbursement program
- 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
- Dental and vision insurance plans
- Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
- Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
- Training and development based on your career aspirations
- Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fun, inviting teammates
- No billable hour requirements!

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Three years of experience as an attorney practicing law and providing legal services such as preparing and trying cases, advising clients, and/or interpreting laws or administrative policies.

Legal Requirements: In accordance with Section 7-101, Nebraska Revised, Reissued Statutes of 1943, incumbents in this class must be admitted to the Nebraska Bar.

We will consider candidates admitted to the bar in another jurisdiction eligible to be admitted to the Nebraska Bar by Motion contingent upon them becoming admitted to the Nebraska Bar. Applicants in the following classes must meet the following minimum qualifications at the time of hire:

Attorney I

o Requirements:  Graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Nebraska Bar.

Attorney II

o    Requirements:  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.

Attorney III

o    Requirements: Three years of experience as an attorney practicing law and providing legal services such as preparing and trying cases, advising clients, and/or interpreting laws or administrative policies.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Prior work experience in the field of child welfare and juvenile law.

HIRING RATE OF POSITION:

o    Attorney I: Rate of pay $26.005-$38.334 per hour, commensurate with experience and/or experience, if approved. .

o    Attorney II: Rate of pay $30.056-$44.306 per hour, commensurate with experience and/or experience, if approved..

o    Attorney III: Rate of pay $36.792-$55.184 per hour, commensurate with experience and/or experience, if approved..

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

Provide legal support regarding child welfare, adult protective services, and administrative law; interpret and apply statutes, case law, decision of court/administrative hearings, federal and state regulations, and administrative rules and policies on a variety of legal issues; effectively communicate and interact with legal associates, other governmental employees, and the public; formulate legal opinions and recommendations based on legal research, identify critical elements of legal questions or issues; and use of a computer for word processing, research, meetings and communication, and case information/filing.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't 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: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits

We 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.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.