What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney - HELP position at Legal Aid of Nebraska?
Description
Legal Aid of Nebraska is looking for an attorney to provide legal services to hospital patients that include but are not limited to: completion of health care and financial powers of attorney, simples wills, assistance with applying for or maintaining state and federal public benefits; assistance related to social and environmental legal issues such as violence prevention, protection orders, child support, paternity, custody, divorce, landlord/tenant disputes, bankruptcies and guardianships. Must be admitted to Nebraska bar or out-of-state bar with pending waiver application to Nebraska bar.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Handles a caseload: evaluates potential cases to determine acceptance and extent of representation; identifies and father other information to assist in determining case acceptance; formulates legal opinions and recommendations based on investigation, interview and legal research; represents clients in all aspects of their cases, including, but not limited to preparation of pleadings, research, discovery, negotiations, settlement, litigation and appeal, if appropriate and approved, educates clients regarding their legal options and consequences of each, as well as processes and procedures involved in representing the client’s interests.
- Staffs on-site hours at hospitals contracted under Legal Aid of Nebraska’s HELP Project as assigned by the Managing Attorney.
- Assists in community outreach efforts including presenting to support groups, medical professionals, and other staff as occasionally requested by the medical facilities or required by contract or grant.
- Complies with contractually mandated credentialing requirements, including but not limited to, training required by each medical facility; proof of immunizations; mandatory drug testing; criminal background checks and any other requirements that may become part of contractual obligations under the HELP Project.
- Maintains knowledge of the current developments in the various substantive areas of law as they affect Legal Aid’s clients and the client community in which the individual attorney practices.
Requirements
- Admitted to and in good standing with the Nebraska State Bar (or admission imminent.)
- Present ability (or willingness to develop) to manage a typical Legal Aid caseload involving significant litigation.
- A commitment to provide legal services to the low-income citizens of Nebraska.
- Awareness of the legal problems and needs of low-income Nebraskans.
- Ability to communicate with persons in the client community.
- Willingness to participate in the local bar and community.
