The ACLU of Nebraska (ACLU-NE) is a nonprofit nonpartisan public interest law firm that works to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties of all people that are secured by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Nebraska. The ACLU-NE carries out our mission through a sophisticated program of integrated advocacy with strategies that include litigation, negotiation, advocacy, and public education.
The ACLU-NE is proud to foster a rewarding and fast-paced work environment. Our offices are in the heart of Nebraska’s capital city, Lincoln, Nebraska. Our team of legal, policy, development, communications and operations professionals is complemented by law clerks, interns, volunteer attorneys, and thousands of supporters statewide.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Staff Attorney position is a litigation-focused member of our integrated advocacy team working to protect and advance the human rights, civil rights and civil liberties of all Nebraskans, with an emphasis on ACLU-NE's Smart Justice Campaign, including law enforcement accountability, and the rights those who are experiencing or have experienced incarceration, as well as the organization’s priority issue areas: Voting Rights, Bodily Autonomy, Indigenous Justice and Immigrants' Rights. The Staff Attorney reports to the Legal Director and works closely with other members of the organization’s staff.
CORE ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Legal Program
- Serves as attorney of record on ACLU-NE cases or in an amicus role for cases brought by partners as assigned by Legal Director.
- Assists Legal Director with management of co-counsel, volunteer, and cooperating attorneys on ACLU-NE cases.
- Assists Legal Director with supervision of legal intake and law clerk programs.
- Conducts legal research.
- Client counseling and coordinates among cooperating counsel, expert witnesses, and others involved in litigation.
Public Policy Advocacy & Public Engagement
- Assists senior staff with reviewing legislation pending before the state legislature.
- Assists with drafting new legislation or amendments to legislative bills or resolutions.
- Assists with research required to prepare testimony on legislative bills or resolutions.
- Assists with providing legislative testimony and contact with senators on legislative bills or resolutions.
- Assists with drafting newsletter and website articles concerning ACLU-NE cases.
- Assists with drafting press releases, fundraising letters or other external communications. Occasionally serves as spokesperson to the media.
- Participates in frequent public speaking and education activities, including Know Your Rights trainings and empowering others to serve as legal observers.
- Conducts Continuing Legal Education classes on human rights, civil rights and civil liberties matters.
EXPERIENCES AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated commitment to human rights, civil liberties, civil rights, professional legal ethics and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
- Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative, manage a variety of tasks and see projects through to completion and meet deadlines.
- A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and admission to, or eligibility for admission to, the practice of law in Nebraska, including state and federal courts in Nebraska.
- Demonstrated litigation experience (minimum of two years).
- Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct complex legal research, analysis and fact-finding.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work both independently and within a team.
- Candidates fluent in languages other than English are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Primarily based in Lincoln, with occasional in-state travel.
- Reliable attendance including normal office hours 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday with occasional weekend and evening hours.
- Other duties as assigned.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The ACLU-NE is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU-NE encourages applications from all qualified and eligible individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The ACLU-NE makes every effort to ensure that its recruitment and employment provide all qualified and eligible persons, including persons with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions. The ACLU-NE is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying, please e-mail agagner@aclunebraska.org or call 402-476-8091. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
Human rights, civil rights and civil liberties violations disproportionately hurt the most marginalized people in society – including Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, immigrants, women and LGBTQ+ people. These communities must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or those who are members of other marginalized communities.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time exempt role. The salary range for this position ranges from $71,000-$102,000, depending on experience and skills. Excellent benefits include flexible time off, sick leave, and parental leave, generous health, dental, and vision insurance with employee and family premiums paid 100% by the employer, Health Savings Plan (HSA) and Lifestyle Savings Account (LSA) contributions, a 401k match, cell phone stipend, hybrid work options, and paid parking.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply, email a cover letter and resume to jobs@aclunebraska.org with the subject line: Staff Attorney. In your cover letter, please indicate where you learned of the position. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, which will not be before June 30, 2025.
