2026 Term Court of Appeals Law Clerk

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

8d

About The Position

The Nebraska Court of Appeals is hiring a full-time Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Michael Piccolo. The term begins in Fall 2026 and ends July 31, 2027. The clerk is an at-will employee who works under the exclusive supervision of the hiring judge and directly assists an Appellate Court Judge with case-specific duties. The position is based at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. After completing training, employees may select Omaha or Papillion as their primary work location. Occasional remote work may be permitted, and some travel may be required.

The starting salary is $71,613.78 annually. A 2.5% pay increase may follow successful completion of probation for employees starting at the hiring rate. Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to management approval. Employees starting at or above the Minimum Permanent rate are not eligible for the post-probation increase. Annual cost-of-living adjustments, applied July 1, are subject to State Legislature approval.

The Judicial Branch does not sponsor STEM (Form I-983) or non-immigrant work visas for this position.

Requirements

• Be admitted to the Nebraska State Bar Association; selection is contingent on admission.
• Applicants are preferred to have graduated in the top 25% of their law school class and be admitted to practice law in Nebraska or eligible for admission.
• All educational credits must be from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of legal research methods, including Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis.
• Ability to analyze and organize facts, evidence, and legal principles in novel and complex cases.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Excellent word-processing and editing skills, including legal citation.
• Submit a cover letter, resume, law school grade transcript, letters of recommendation, and writing sample with the application.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation in the top 25% of the law school class.
• Admission to practice law in Nebraska, or eligibility for such admission.

Responsibilities

• Prepare bench briefs on upcoming cases.
• Review the complete record in assigned cases.
• Research the law relevant to appeals under submission.
• Prepare legal memoranda that synthesize factual analysis and legal research.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Benefits

• 79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance.
• Dental and vision insurance plans available to purchase.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage available to purchase.
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support.
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account.
• State-matched retirement contributions of 156% of the first 4.8% contribution.
• Free $20,000 life insurance policy.
• Optional life insurance and AD&D available to purchase.
• 13 paid holidays annually.
• Paid vacation and sick leave accruing immediately.
• Military leave and funeral/bereavement leave.
• Paid training to develop skills.
• Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications.
• Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education.
• Opportunity for bilingual pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree