Chief Legal and Policy Advisor

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

7d•$26 - $44•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Legal and Policy Advisor provides professional legal services to the Parole Board and serves as a working supervisor who assigns, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned attorneys and/or legal support staff. The role helps ensure high-quality legal services, consistent application of law and policy, and effective workflow management within the legal unit. The position may be underfilled subject to approval, with salary adjusted according to experience, expertise, and relevant skills; appropriate classes or training may be required to meet applicable standards. Applicants who have graduated from an accredited law school and are admitted to the Nebraska Bar may be considered for an entry-level Attorney I position, with the expectation of promotion to Attorney II after meeting that classification’s minimum qualifications. The position requires travel, a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation, and regular, reliable attendance.

Requirements

Attorney I minimum qualification: graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Nebraska Bar.
Attorney II minimum qualification: one year of experience as an attorney practicing law and providing legal services, such as preparing cases, advising clients, and/or interpreting laws or administrative policies.
Incumbents must be admitted to the Nebraska Bar in accordance with Section 7-101, Nebraska Revised, Reissued Statutes of 1943.
Must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation because the position requires travel.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

Progressive experience as a licensed attorney providing legal services in the public sector, administrative law, criminal justice, corrections, parole, or a closely related regulatory environment.
Experience advising executive leadership or governing bodies, including legal analysis, policy recommendations, and risk assessments for senior management or boards.
Supervisory or lead experience assigning and reviewing work, setting priorities, mentoring attorneys or professional staff, and conducting or contributing to performance evaluations.
Experience directing or coordinating legal work supporting agency operations, administrative hearings, or quasi-judicial decision-making.
Experience interpreting and applying state and federal statutes, administrative rules, and case law in a complex, highly regulated environment.
Knowledge of labor and employment law, collective bargaining agreements, grievance processes, and management rights in a public sector setting.
Experience collaborating with human resources, executive leadership, and external legal partners such as the Attorney General’s Office or County Attorneys.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion on sensitive legal, personnel, and policy matters within established authority.
Strong legal research, writing, and oral communication skills, including explaining complex legal issues clearly to non-legal audiences.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally, discreetly, and with sound judgment.
Experience supporting or leading policy development, implementation, or organizational change initiatives.
Knowledge of or experience with public safety, corrections, parole, or justice-involved populations.

Responsibilities

Provide legal research, analysis, and interpretation of statutes, regulations, and case law.
Draft and review legal documents, including pleadings, findings, conclusions, policies, contracts, and correspondence.
Advise agency leadership and staff on legal compliance, risk management, and policy interpretation.
Represent or support the agency in administrative hearings and prepare recommended orders or legal positions.
Assign work to attorneys and/or legal staff, set priorities, provide guidance, review work products, and ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
Conduct employee performance evaluations and provide coaching, mentoring, and corrective guidance as needed.
Coordinate with the Attorney General’s Office, County Attorneys, and external stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned and within the scope of the classification.

Benefits

13 paid holidays.
Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately.
Military leave.
156% state-matched retirement.
Tuition reimbursement.
Employee assistance program.
Employer-paid health insurance plans at 79%.
Dental and vision insurance plans.
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program through the federal government.
Career advancement opportunities as the largest and most diverse employer in Nebraska.
Training and development based on career aspirations.
Pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities.