Legal Extern

Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement • Lincoln, NE

10d • Onsite

About The Position

CIRA, the Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement, is a nonprofit organization providing immigration legal representation, refugee services, and social work services. The Legal Extern program gives University of Nebraska College of Law 3L students practical clinic experience representing low-income clients in immigration matters under the supervision of an attorney. Externs develop skills in client-centered lawyering, counseling and interviewing, litigation and strategic planning, legal writing, professional communication, case management, and responding to changing laws and circumstances.

Externs use their Senior-Certified status to participate in immigration law practice, including researching and drafting legal documents, preparing and filing applications, interviewing clients, assessing eligibility for relief, and appearing in court as client needs require. They collaborate with the clinic team, use culturally competent and trauma-informed approaches, address professional ethics issues, and maintain case documentation.

The position is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is not remote. The posting describes a Monday–Friday schedule between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with flexible scheduling for up to 20 hours per week. Occasional travel to CIRA offices in the area may be required. The posting gives differing externship periods: the position details state January 2027–May 2027, with possible extension through Summer 2027; the working-conditions section states August 2026–December 2026, with possible extension through April 2027. Compensation is $25.00 per hour.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Must be a 3L student at the University of Nebraska College of Law for the 2026–2027 academic year.
• Must qualify as a Senior-Certified law student able to practice under a licensed attorney.
• Strong commitment to public interest legal services and to the enfranchisement and empowerment of immigrant communities.
• Ability to work sensitively with staff, volunteers, and clients with varied personalities, lifestyles, cultures, political orientations, and faiths.
• Fluency using Office 365 applications, such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint, and ability to learn new software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, including ability to serve clients and colleagues from varied backgrounds professionally.
• Reliability demonstrated through consistent attendance, effective time management, and flexibility.
• Ability to take initiative and problem-solve independently when appropriate.
• Ability to represent CIRA positively to clients, volunteers, community organizations, and the public.
• Strong commitment to professional excellence in a mission-driven environment.
• Impeccable integrity, positive attitude, and self-directed work style.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to lift items up to 20 pounds as needed.
• Ability to pass all required background checks.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Draft and file applications for immigration relief with USCIS, Immigration Court, and other relevant agencies.
• Participate in client interviews and develop questions to understand case facts.
• Analyze facts to determine eligibility for immigration relief.
• Appear in Immigration Court and state court on behalf of clients, as dictated by their legal needs.
• Develop culturally competent and trauma-informed approaches when working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Navigate difficult conversations with clients facing traumatic past experiences or challenging decisions.
• Analyze and resolve professional ethics issues.
• Collaborate with the Clinic team and colleagues to work efficiently toward client goals.
• Learn and maintain case management and documentation in accordance with case management and filing system requirements.

Benefits

• Paid externship at $25.00 per hour.
• Class credit through the University of Nebraska College of Law.
• Practical, hands-on experience in immigration law and client-centered representation.
• Mentorship from experienced immigration attorneys.
• Employee Wellness Program, including enriching snacks, support groups, and engaging activities.
• Travel and expense reimbursement.
• Possibility of continued internship or full-time employment based on performance and organizational needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern