2028 Term Supreme Court Law Clerk

Hiring Agency: Supreme Court - Agency 5, Lincoln, NE

About the role

The Nebraska Supreme Court is currently accepting applications for a full-time Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Jonathan J. Papik. The position is for the term beginning August 1, 2028, and ending July 31, 2029. Judicial Law Clerks are at-will employees working under the exclusive supervision of the Justice or Judge by whom they are hired. The attorney in this position directly assists a Supreme Court Justice with case-specific duties. Law clerks are hired at the discretion of the Justice or Judge.

Location: Nebraska State Capitol, 1445 K Street, Lincoln, NE 68508. Remote work may be permitted occasionally and some travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Prepares bench briefs on upcoming cases.
• Reviews the complete record in assigned cases.
• Researches the law germane to the appeals under submission.
• Prepares legal memoranda, synthesizing factual analysis and legal research.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

The above classification responsibilities represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the Justice or Judge.

Requirements

• Applicants preferred to have graduated in the top 20% of their law school class and be admitted to practice law in the State of Nebraska or be eligible for such admission.
• All educational credits must be granted from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education.
• Selection into this position is contingent on being admitted into the Nebraska State Bar Association.
• Applicants must attach a cover letter, resume, law school grade transcript, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample with their application.

Skills

• Sophisticated understanding of all legal research methods including the use of 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 both orally and in writing.
• Excellent word processing and editing skills, including legal citation.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• 79% employer-paid health and prescription insurance
• Dental and vision insurance plans available to purchase
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, available to purchase
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support
• Flex Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Financial Security

• 156% state-matched of the first 4.8% contribution to retirement plan
• FREE $20,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Optional Life Insurance and AD&D available to purchase

Paid Time Off & Leave

• 13 paid holidays annually
• Paid vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave and Funeral/Bereavement leave

Professional Growth

• Paid training to develop your skills
• Free continuing education credits to maintain professional certifications
• Access to specialized courses through Judicial Branch Education
• Opportunity for bilingual pay

Pay

Starting Salary: $71,613.78 annually (Hiring Rate).

• Immediate Growth: Earn a 2.5% pay increase after successfully completing your probation period (if starting at Hiring Rate).
• Starting Rate Flexibility: Higher starting pay may be considered based on education and experience, subject to final management approval. Candidates approved to start above the Hiring Rate (at or above the Minimum Permanent rate) are not eligible for the 2.5% post-probation increase.
• Future Increases: Annual cost-of-living adjustments (applied on July 1) are subject to State Legislature approval.