University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Working Title Director of Attorney Education and Development

Department College of Law-0899

Requisition Number F_250076

Posting Open Date 11/25/2025

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 01/05/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Nebraska Children’s Justice and Legal Advocacy Center (NCJC) is seeking an attorney to serve as the Director of Attorney Education and Development, a leadership position dedicated to strengthening high-quality juvenile court advocacy statewide.

The Director will lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of NCJC’s attorney education programs, including the Children’s Justice Attorney Education Fellowship, CORE training series, and advanced workshops for alumni and practicing attorneys. The Director will also supervise 2L–3L law clerks who support fellows and alumni through research and writing projects and will oversee Children’s Justice Clinic cases during the summer term to ensure continued excellence in client advocacy. Together, these responsibilities sustain the Center’s pipeline of skilled juvenile-court attorneys, particularly in Nebraska’s rural legal deserts.

The successful candidate will be an attorney with significant experience in child welfare and/or youth justice, committed to transforming attorney advocacy through high-quality training, mentorship, and curriculum innovation. In partnership with the NCJC Director, the Director of Attorney Education and Development will help shape the Center’s statewide and national vision, oversee the fellowship program, mentor students, and create replicable tools and curricula that advance NCJC’s model for impact.

This is a non-tenure track position based at the University of Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln. Statewide travel for trainings, workshops, and conferences is required approximately six to eight times per year, with occasional out-of-state travel for presentations and partnership meetings.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited institution.
• Licensed to practice law in Nebraska, or ability to obtain Nebraska Bar admission within six months of hire.
• Eligible to serve as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Nebraska or able to complete required training and approval within six months of hire.
• At least five years of litigation experience, including a minimum of three years substantial practice in juvenile court, child welfare, or youth justice.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, or provide professional guidance to attorneys, law students, or other professionals.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, child-centered, and multidisciplinary advocacy, including issues such as substance use, domestic violence, and child maltreatment.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills to support curriculum development and program reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, balance competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage professional audiences effectively.
• Ability to work independently and travel throughout Nebraska for trainings and meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Eight or more years of litigation experience, including at least five years of significant juvenile court, child welfare, or youth justice practice.
• Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating attorney or professional education programs, such as continuing legal education (CLE), workshops, or training initiatives.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and support practicing attorneys, particularly those working in rural or resource-limited settings.
• Familiarity with Title IV-E training programs, curriculum development, and program evaluation processes.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with courts, public agencies, law schools, and community organizations.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with experience facilitating sessions for professional audiences.
• Experience managing grant-funded projects or contributing to program reporting and outcomes measurement.
• Advanced knowledge of trauma-informed, interdisciplinary, and family-centered approaches to child welfare advocacy.
• A graduate degree or significant coursework in education, social work, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience presenting at state or national conferences or contributing to professional publications.

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Criminal History Background Check Required No

Posted Salary

How to Apply

Click “Apply for this Job” and then “Faculty Application.” Complete the application and attach the following required documents:

1. A letter of interest.
2. Your curriculum vitae.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Michelle Paxton

Director, Nebraska Children’s Justice & Legal Advocacy Center

Assitant Professor of Law

mpaxton@unl.edu

Job Category

Job Category (old) Academic Administrative

Job Type Full-Time

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date

Appointment End Date

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