Career Center

OVERVIEW

Established in 1982, the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is the oldest and largest volunteer legal services organization in Nebraska. The mission of VLP is to provide quality pro bono legal services to eligible low-income Nebraskans.

The Tenant Assistance Project (TAP) is an eviction defense project provided at the Douglas County Courthouse four days per week when eviction hearings are scheduled. Hearings begin at 8:30 am and generally conclude by 10:30 am. Generally hearings are not held on Thursdays. VLP recruits volunteer attorneys, law students and community volunteers to provide on-site services and represent tenants in eviction hearings. The TAP Facilitating Attorney works under the direction of the TAP Managing Attorney and provides on-site oversight of the project at the Douglas County Courthouse in Omaha.

This position is full-time and grant funded. The position requires significant interaction with lawyers, nonlawyers, applicants for services, and members of the general public. General work hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, with some evening, weekend, and extended work days. This position may require travel outside the Lincoln metropolitan area to attend activities and events.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with non-profit public interest work, skills and experience considered. This position offers paid individual healthcare and dental insurance, health savings account, 401K retirement plan, life insurance, disability plan, paid NSBA membership, NSBA CLE credit opportunities, remote work policy, vacation and sick leave.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Facilitating Attorney will:

• Recruit and schedule volunteers for TAP.
• Provide direct, onsite operation and support of TAP.
• May periodically conduct case placement activities related to TAP cases.
• Collaborate with law school clinics and other partner organizations to ensure program objectives are met.
• Conduct trainings, CLE, and presentations to sustain an active volunteer network.
• Assist in creating and updating training materials and volunteer resources, in print and online.
• Track and maintain data related to demographics and outcomes of cases.
• Conduct surveys and use other tools to perform quality assessment of pro bono programs.
• Assist with reports to funders and partner organizations.
• Attend regular meetings and designated program and professional development events.
• Perform other duties assigned by the VLP Director or NSBA Executive Director

SKILLS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE NSBA/VLP MISSION

The Facilitating Attorney will:

• Work independently and within a team.
• Demonstrate poise, tact and diplomacy in all communications, internally and externally.
• Have an energetic, assertive, can-do attitude to establish and maintain positive relationships, internally and externally; be able to make frequent, regular cold calls to attorneys statewide and interact at various events to recruit volunteers for VLP programs.
• Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information.
• Have excellent professional communication skills, oral and written.
• Possess computer, data entry, and organization skills to create, maintain, and support existing and new VLP programs and activities.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail, high standards for accuracy and quality
• Provide continual attention to accuracy and quality in composing, typing and proofing materials and reports; establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Follow internal procedures and professional and external rules related to VLP programs.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, REQUIREMENTS

• Juris Doctorate required. If admitted to practice, must be a member in good standing.
• Prefer one-year experience in poverty law areas, including family, landlord/tenant, debtor, guardianship, probate and general civil law
  • Demonstrated commitment to public service and pro bono representation with previous experience working with low-income and underserved communities.
  • Experience managing or supervising volunteers is highly desired.
• Advanced experience in computer and technical applications, including Microsoft Office programs, e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with legal case management system.
• Knowledge of online meeting and training platforms and basic web applications.
• Able to efficiently work on multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to frequent changes, and effectively manage multiple deadlines.
• Available to work evenings, weekend and extended work hours as necessary to perform the function of VLP and the NSBA.
• Fluency in Spanish highly desired.

NOTE

The statements in this job description reflect general details necessary to describe the principal functions of this position, the level of knowledge, the scope of responsibility, and the skills typically required for this position. The statements should not be considered an all-inclusive list of the work requirements. This position may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other NSBA areas to cover absences or relief, or to further the responsibilities of the VLP or the NSBA. Every effort will be made to update job descriptions as changes are made.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $53,000.00 - $66,100.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Omaha, NE 68183: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Doctorate (Required)

License/Certification:

• Bar (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Omaha, NE 68183

TO APPLY
Send resume and cover letter to applicant@nebar.com.