The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$37.782

Job Posting:

JR2025-00019865 Attorney III – Lead Hearing Officer (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

Are you an experienced litigation attorney with experience managing attorneys? Do you feel at ease in a courtroom setting? Do you have prior trial, appellate, and/or litigation experience and would you feel at ease administering and deciding a contested hearing? Are you looking for a consistent and steady work schedule and caseload? If so, apply today!


This position manages the Department of Health and Human Services team of hearing officers and paralegals and conducts public assistance, and public health licensure and disciplinary hearings. The Lead Hearing Officer reports to senior agency leadership and is responsible for the Hearing Office’s: day to day management, and the hiring and training of hearing officers and paralegal staff. The Lead Attorney will develop hearing procedures and protocols consistent with State and Federal law and regulations, develop/amend workflows as needed, communicate with agency directors, and review of hearing officer decisions.

Conduct administrative hearings using communication and courtroom skills under a currently active Nebraska State Bar license in public assistance contested agency case appeals pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. Administer oaths, question witnesses, and rule on motions and admissibility of evidence. Apply thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence to quickly rule on objections and motions. Use excellent research, writing and issue spotting skills to apply law and evaluate evidence, apply applicable statutes, regulations, and case law to reach proper conclusions in agency appeals. Prepare proposed and final written orders binding agency conduct. Consult with decision maker regarding the proposed order.

How we reward our employees:
• Stable Employment
• 13 paid holidays (including Arbor Day!)
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately • Military leave, civil service leave, funeral leave, and more
• 156% (that’s not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health, dental, vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLSF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun and inviting teammates


Hiring rate of position: Negotiable; commensurate with education and/or experience, if approved.

 

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Three years of experience as an attorney practicing law and providing legal services such as preparing and trying cases, advising clients, and interpreting laws or administrative policies.

Legal Requirements: In accordance with Section 7-101, Nebraska Revised, Reissued Statutes of l943, incumbents in this class must be admitted to the Nebraska Bar.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference for courtroom experience, complex litigation experience, appellate experience, and legal management experience.

 

Knowledge, skills and abilities

A successful candidate will possess skills as follows: excellent communication and leadership skills; ease in controlling a courtroom setting; excellent legal research, writing and issue spotting skills; thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence and ability to quickly rule on objections and motions; skill in applying law and evaluating evidence; litigation, trial and appellate experience preferred.

 

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.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

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.