Attorney III

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Join the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) as an Attorney III and make a meaningful impact through public service. In this role, you will provide strategic legal guidance that supports agency leadership and helps ensure NDOT programs and operations comply with applicable laws and regulations. You will lead legal research, oversee case investigations, direct the work of support staff, and represent the Department in administrative hearings involving statutory enforcement. As a trusted subject matter expert, you will analyze complex legal issues, develop practical policy recommendations, and provide the legal counsel necessary to support the Department's mission and statutory responsibilities.

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.
• Admitted to the Nebraska Bar.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, legal research methods, judicial and administrative procedures, evidence rules, legal document preparation, and the principles of criminal and civil law as they relate to agency operations.
• Skill in preparing legal analyses, briefs, and other legal documents; negotiating and communicating effectively; and analyzing complex issues to develop practical, well-reasoned solutions.
• Ability to research and analyze complex legal issues, interpret and apply laws and regulations, prepare legal documents and opinions, communicate persuasively both verbally and in writing, and build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Three-plus years of experience as an attorney practicing law and providing legal services is needed for this position to be successful.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current and proposed state or federal transportation legislation to assess its legal appropriateness and potential impact on agency operations.
• Recommend and draft legislative proposals, agency policies, and procedural statements to provide viable legal or administrative options to agency management.
• Guide and participate in the drafting, formatting, and coordination of agency rules, regulations, and official guidance to ensure strict compliance with statutory authority.
• Formulate comprehensive legal opinions and options for the Director’s Office and other senior administrators regarding program legislation stipulations and pending bills.
• Independently serve as a specialized subject matter expert in a complex body of transportation, procurement, and contract law.
• Conduct comprehensive legal reviews of contracts, solicitations, contract awards, and cooperative agreements with reference to general contract principles and statutory authority.
• Ensure strict compliance with federal regulatory requirements, including integrating Title 23 U.S.C. and CFR provisions with state-level funding structures.
• Negotiate complex settlements, contracts, utility agreements, and long-term legal commitments on behalf of the agency.
• Assist the State Attorney General's Office in the representation of NDOT in formal administrative hearings related to the enforcement of agency statutes and legal disputes.
• Prepare complex legal documents, motions, pleadings, findings of fact, and briefs for use by the State Attorney General or County Attorney offices.
• Work closely with the State Attorney General's office to prepare, investigate, or try transportation related civil, criminal, or construction claim cases in District or Supreme Courts.
• Actively participate in senior-level legal policy making and long-term strategic planning within NDOT.
• Confer with the Director, executive administrators, and representatives of the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government.
• Exchange and prepare high-level information regarding the facts and legal status of critical cases or major agency initiatives.
• Provide strategic counsel to optimize agency programs while minimizing systemic liability across the agency.
• Independently conduct extensive legal research, case investigations, and data compilation to support the Director’s Office on complex matters intersecting with transportation and statutory law.
• Identify critical elements of complex legal questions, analyze state and federal precedents, and interpret administrative rules or constitutional provisions to assess their impact on the agency's authority.
• Apply critical thinking to interpret various factors and perspectives.
• Formulate formal legal opinions, technical summaries, and briefs to present legally viable alternative solutions and administrative options for consideration.
• Independently draft and edit complex bills, resolutions, and statutory amendments designed to legally implement the ideas, priorities, and strategic objectives of the Department.
• Identify critical elements of sensitive legal questions to select the most appropriate course of statutory action and ensure all drafted language complies with constitutional provisions, state and federal laws, and existing administrative rules.
• Prepare formal legislative drafts, findings of fact, and procedural options to provide comprehensive legal guidance and structured administrative choices to the Director’s Office and other senior leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• 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
• Free parking

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed