The ACLU of Nebraska (ACLU-NE) seeks a Paralegal to support the ACLU-NE legal team in civil rights and civil liberties litigation and advocacy. This role is a front-line position in the fight for justice, helping ensure our cases move forward efficiently and effectively, from initial intake through resolution so that those experiencing injustice have a real pathway to protection, accountability and change. The Paralegal reports to the Legal Director and works closely with attorneys, clients, and external partners, and is a core part of our integrated advocacy team, with independent responsibility for substantial work. There will be opportunities to contribute to the organization’s mission beyond traditional legal work, as this position helps drive the broader effort to protect and expand freedom, dignity and equality for all Nebraskans.

Overview

The ACLU-NE is the state affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and an independent 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of the individual rights and liberties of all Nebraskans. The ACLU-NE carries out our mission through a sophisticated program of integrated advocacy with strategies that include litigation, negotiation, advocacy, and public engagement and activation. The ACLU-NE is proud to foster a fun and fast-paced work environment. Our offices are in the heart of Nebraska’s capital city, Lincoln, Nebraska. Our 13-person team is complemented by law clerks, interns, contractors, volunteer attorneys, and thousands of supporters statewide.

Core Responsibilities

• Prepare, file and serve a wide range of legal documents, including briefs, motions, court forms, petitions, subpoenas, discovery correspondence and notices.
• Design and implement systems to address incoming requests for legal assistance.
• Communicate/coordinate with clients, court personnel, co-counsel and partner organizations.
• Manage logistics for depositions, oral arguments, court hearings, and other events.
• Assist attorneys with legal and other research.
• Support investigations, advocacy and case-related projects across the legal team.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the legal team and other departments as needed.

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Legal training, administrative background, or related experience leading to strong skills in technical, detail-oriented work, especially in fast-paced settings with multi-disciplinary, collaborative and evolving projects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with an ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Commitment to the ACLU’s mission and values, including equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Experience in human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, or related public interest work.

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 or gender expression, 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.

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 expected salary range for this position ranges from $52,000-$76,000, depending on experience and skills with consideration for extraordinary candidates. Excellent benefits include vacation, sick leave, and parental leave, as well as generous health, dental, and vision insurance with employee and family premiums paid 100% by the employer, Health Savings Plan 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: Paralegal. 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 March 13, 2026.