Description:
Description:Job Summary:
The Managing Attorney is responsible for overseeing the operations and activities of a local Legal Aid of Nebraska office, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services and fostering effective relationships with the judiciary, legal community, client community, and local organizations. This position provides direct legal assistance, supervises legal and administrative staff, and supports strategic initiatives to improve client outcomes and promote access to justice for low-income Nebraskans.
Essential Functions:
Client Advocacy and Legal Representation:
- Represent clients in all phases of legal proceedings, including pleadings, discovery, settlement negotiations, and courtroom litigation.
- Address legal barriers impacting client's ability to obtain civil legal justice.
- Draft legal documents including legal briefs, pleadings, motions, and appellate filings for both state and federal courts.
- Educate clients about their legal rights, options, and procedural expectations.
- Review administrative and court decisions to assess the merit of pursuing appeals.
- Collaborate with staff attorneys to frame appellate issues and support appellate strategy development.
- Engage in community education, outreach, and advocacy efforts to advance legal justice and educate stakeholders on legal rights and resources.
- Foster and maintain relationships with community partners, client groups, and government agencies.
- Contribute to the development of funding proposals and reporting for grants.
- Identify and support opportunities for public engagement and media relations.
- Supervise attorneys, legal staff, volunteers, and interns assigned to the program.
- Manage and coordinate performance, workload distribution, and case assignments.
- Ensure all Unit operations comply with organizational policies and funding obligations.
Requirements:
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Basic Requirements:
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Admission to practice law in the State of Nebraska and in good standing with the Nebraska Bar Association.
- At least five years of experience with Legal Aid or ten years of relevant legal experience.
- Minimum of one year of supervisory or program management experience.
- Admitted to practice before relevant federal courts.
- Intermediate to advanced knowledge of poverty law and legal aid operations.
- Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for court and outreach work
Preferred Requirements:
- Experience in legal aid, poverty law, or community legal services.
- Bilingual abilities in languages commonly spoken by Legal Aid clients.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage litigation caseloads effectively.
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and client-centered advocacy.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and team members.
- Competency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research platforms.
Physical Requirements:
- Primarily office-based with general office conditions
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and operate standard office equipment
- Ability to travel across the state as needed for client meetings, court appearances, and outreach events.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
