Chief Legal and Policy Advisor

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

21d•$29

About The Position

Provides professional legal services to the agency while serving as a working supervisor responsible for assigning, directing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned attorneys and/or legal support staff. The position exists to ensure high-quality legal services, consistent application of law and policy, and effective workflow management within the legal unit. With this position, if you have graduated from an accredited school of law and are admitted to the Nebraska Bar, we'd love to invite you to apply for the entry-level Attorney I position with the expectation that you'd be promoted to Attorney II after you attain the minimum qualifications for that jobs. If you begin as an Attorney I, you can expect to receive $25.433/hour plus our excellent fringe benefits! If you begin as an Attorney II, with the necessary minimum qualifications, you can expect to receive $29.395/hour. Look at what we have to offer! • 13 paid holidays • Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately • Military leave • 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement • Tuition reimbursement • Employee assistance program • 79% employer paid health insurance plans • Dental and vision insurance plans • Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government • 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 • Fun, inviting teammates • A safe and secure environment At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Requirements

Attorney I: Graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Nebraska Bar.
Attorney II: 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.
In accordance with Section 7-101, Nebraska Revised, Reissued Statutes of l943, incumbents in this class must be admitted to the Nebraska Bar.
This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation.
Regular and reliable attendance required.

Nice To Haves

Progressive experience as a licensed attorney providing legal services in public sector, administrative law, criminal justice, corrections, parole, or a closely related regulatory environment.
Experience advising executive leadership or governing bodies, including providing legal analysis, policy recommendations, and risk assessments to senior management or boards.
Supervisory or lead experience, including assigning and reviewing work, setting priorities, mentoring attorneys or professional staff, and conducting or contributing to performance evaluations.
Demonstrated experience directing or coordinating legal work in support of 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 while operating within established authority.
Strong skills in legal research, writing, and oral communication, including the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear guidance for non-legal audiences.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and 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 (preferred).

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; prepare recommended orders or legal positions.
Supervise assigned attorneys and/or legal staff: assign work, set priorities, provide guidance, review work products, and ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
Conduct employee performance evaluations, provide coaching, mentoring, and corrective guidance as needed.
Coordinate with the Attorney General’s Office, County Attorneys, and external stakeholders.
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% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement
Tuition reimbursement
Employee assistance program
79% employer paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
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
Fun, inviting teammates
A safe and secure environment