Attorney- Juvenile Project

• Legal Aid of Nebraska is seeking an Attorney for our Juvenile Project in the Lincoln office. The
• Juvenile Project Attorney provides high-quality legal representation and advocacy to children,
• youth, and families involved in the juvenile legal system. This position works to protect the legal
• rights of young people while advancing equitable outcomes through client-centered,
• trauma-informed representation. This role manages a diverse caseload, appears in court,
• collaborates with community partners, and engages in outreach and education to improve
• access to justice for vulnerable youth.
• This position is ideal for an attorney who is passionate about serving children and families,
• committed to public interest law, and dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change within the
• communities we serve.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• -Provide direct legal representation to children, youth, and families in juvenile law
• matters, including court hearings, negotiations, mediations, and administrative
• proceedings.
• -Representing parents and children, including Guardian Ad Litem representation in
• abuse/neglect, delinquency, and status offense cases filed in Juvenile Court in Lancaster
• County.
• -Appellate work as needed.
• -Home and placement visits as Guardian Ad Litem, some for kids who may be placed in
• another county.
• -Conduct client interviews, legal research, factual investigations, and case analysis.
• -Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• -Counsel clients regarding their legal rights, available resources, and potential legal
• strategies.
• -Collaborate with social workers, therapists, schools, service providers, and other
• professionals to support holistic client outcomes.
• -Maintain accurate and timely case records, documentation, and data entry in accordance
• with organizational policies and funding requirements.
• -Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and legal strategy discussions.
• -Stay current on developments in juvenile law, child welfare, education law, and related
• practice areas through continuing legal education and professional development.
• -Perform other duties as assigned to support the Juvenile Law Program and
• organizational mission.
• Why Join Our Team?
• Our Juvenile Law Program is dedicated to ensuring that every child and young person has
• access to quality legal representation and advocacy. As part of our team, you will work
• alongside passionate professionals committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable youth and
• strengthening our communities through equitable access to justice.
• We value collaboration, professional growth, innovation, and a supportive workplace culture
• where employees can build meaningful careers while making a lasting impact.

Requirements

Required

• -Juris Doctor (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 and serving low-income communities.
• -Strong legal research, writing, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• -Ability to exercise sound judgment, manage multiple responsibilities, and work
• collaboratively in fast-paced environments.
• -Ability to communicate effectively with clients, volunteers, courts, staff, and community
• partners.

Preferred

• -Experience representing children, youth, or families in juvenile, family, or education law
• matters.
• -Experience in a legal aid, nonprofit, public defender, prosecutor, or government setting.
• -Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive legal practices.
• -Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
• -Bilingual or multilingual language skills.

Competencies

• -Thorough understanding of legal ethics and professional responsibility.
• -Ability to establish rapport with children, youth, and families experiencing complex legal
• and personal challenges.
• -Strong courtroom advocacy and negotiation skills.
• -Excellent judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• -Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in an understandable and compassionate
• manner.
• -Strong organizational skills with careful attention to detail.
• -Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and client-centered advocacy.

Working Environment

• -Combination of office, courtroom, and community-based work.
• -Regular travel within the service area for court appearances, client meetings, and
• outreach events.
• -Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for community education events
• or client needs.
• -Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods.