Legal Counsel III

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Education - Agency 13 Location: Lincoln Job Posting Hiring Rate: $52.486 Classification Salary Range: $47.08 - $68.58 Job Posting: JR2024-00007657 Legal Counsel III (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 07-13-2024 Job Description: Are you a lawyer looking to make a difference in schools and communities across Nebraska? We have a Legal Counsel III opening at the Nebraska Department of Education! This position will provide legal assistance, opinions, and risk mitigation to support lifelong learning. The team is looking for candidates with high integrity, analytical skills and attention to detail, critical thinking, and negotiation skills. The team will conduct interviews throughout the posting. This position may be closed any time after ten calendar days from the posting date. Office Location & Schedule: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE. Pay Rate: $109,170.36 per year This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate. Teammates Enjoy In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $37,000 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more! Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types 156% state-matched retirement (yes, that’s $1.56 for every dollar!) with a guaranteed 5% return Thirteen paid holidays per year Essential Functions Prepares public comments to proposed changes in federal law or policy, and other Nebraska guidance, policy, and interpretation of existing Nebraska law. Collaborates to ensure appropriate advice, information, interpretations, and recommendations are provided in regard to implementation of education laws. Prepares, coordinates, and reviews contracts and other agreements. Administers legal responsibilities related to issuance of certificates and permits by the Commissioner of Education, handling investigations, prosecution, and administrative hearings. Researches, interprets, and applies court decisions, statutes, regulations, and other sources of information. Prepares and coordinates memoranda of agreements and contracts between the NDE and other state agencies involved in education. Prepares correspondence and legal opinions for NDE programs and other NDE attorneys. Assists with drafting and analyzing proposed legislation and regulations that may impact education for consideration before the Nebraska legislature. Reviews and assists with continuous improvement of internal legal processes to increase service provided to the agency and stakeholders. Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. Working Conditions and Travel: This position requires approximately 85% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 15% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as meetings, conferences, and hearings. There is also approximately five days of overnight travel per year. Requirements / Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, admission to practice law in Nebraska, and four years of experience in the practice of law related to Agency programs. Preferred Qualifications: Experience handling administrative hearings or court trials and familiarity with education, employment, and administrative law. Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. Instructions for Applying Important points to remember when applying: The employment application is required and is the primary source of information used to determine if you meet the minimum requirements of the job. Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications are rejected. You will not be allowed to change your application after you have applied for a position and you cannot re-apply for the the same position unless it is posted again. You have the opportunity to attach a resume; however, it should not be used to replace any information asked for on the official application. When you have successfully applied for a job, you will receive a confirmation on the screen and your application will be available on your Candidate Home page. We encourage you to use the Search for Jobs feature to find jobs that are available in a particular location or a job that matches your work experience. Applicants who need accommodation in the selection process should request this in advance. Requests can be made by contacting the Nebraska State Personnel Office 1526 K Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE. (402)471-2075. These positions are subject to application of Veterans' Preference. #J-18808-Ljbffr