Job Summary:

The Director of Rural Practice provides statewide leadership to advance equitable access to justice for low-income individuals and families living in Nebraska’s rural and remote communities. This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and strengthening Legal Aid of Nebraska’s rural service delivery model, addressing geographic, systemic, technological, and community-based barriers that disproportionately affect rural clients.

The Director oversees rural legal service strategies across practice areas and offices, supports attorneys and staff serving rural communities, strengthens community partnerships, enhances recruitment and retention of rural practitioners, and collaborates on funding and sustainability initiatives. The Director works closely with organizational leadership to ensure that rural access considerations are integrated into Legal Aid’s legal program plan and long-term strategic vision.

Essential Functions:

Rural Legal Service Strategy & Delivery

• Develop and oversee the implementation of a statewide Rural Practice Strategy aligned with Legal Aid’s mission, strategic vision, and goals
• Recommend innovative approaches to improve access to legal information and services
• Collaborate with Unit Directors to ensure access and substantive legal strategies incorporate rural client considerations 
• Support the development of pro bono initiatives 
• Collaborate with managing and supervising attorneys to ensure effective service delivery
• Maintain a manageable caseload consistent with leadership responsibilities

Community Engagement & Rural Partnerships

• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with community partners, client groups, and government entities across Nebraska
• Increase awareness of Legal Aid’s services in rural areas through outreach, presentations and local engagement
• Develop and support community-based legal education initiatives tailored to rural populations
• Serve as the primary contact for leadership, stakeholders, and funders regarding Legal Aid’s Rural Practice activities

Leadership, Supervision & Workforce Development

• Provide leadership and support to attorneys and staff serving rural communities
• Supervise Rural Managing attorneys and other attorneys, legal staff, volunteers and interns as assigned
• Provide training, guidance, and performance feedback to supervised staff
• Support mentorship and professional development opportunities for rural staff
• Contribute to development of training addressing rural practice challenges and considerations 
• Collaborate with Directors and Managers to coordinate workload distribution and rural case assignments
• Collaborate with Leadership on the development and implementation of recruitment and retention strategies for rural attorneys and staff, including partnerships with law schools, colleges, bar associations, and stakeholders
• Contribute to content development for Legal Aid’s website and other public resources
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations and Legal Aid policies and procedures.
• Prepare reports and provide updates to leadership and funders
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning and long-term sustainability efforts

Fund Development & Sustainability

• Support fundraising efforts and collaborate with development staff on funding proposals and strategies
• Participate in grant reporting and compliance related to rural programming
• Support organizational goals, policies, and compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations

Required Skills/Abilities:

Basic Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Admission to practice law in the State of Nebraska and in good standing with the Nebraska Bar  
• Seven years of experience with Legal Aid or ten+ years of relevant legal experience
• Three+ years of supervisory, leadership, or program management experience

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience in substantive legal areas covered by Legal Aid
• Advanced knowledge of poverty law and legal aid operations
• Understanding of the unique barriers facing rural communities
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Analytical skills with the ability to manage complex legal and programmatic challenges
• Experience practicing law in rural communities
• Spanish language proficiency
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and vulnerable populations
• Experience leading legal teams or projects within a nonprofit or legal aid environment
• Strong leadership, mentoring and team-building capabilities
• Advanced knowledge of civil procedure and legal practice standards
• Experience developing community partnerships and engaging with diverse stakeholders
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for court and outreach work
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Nebraska
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and other legal practice technologies

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily office-based with general office conditions
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and operate standard office equipment
• Ability to travel across the state as needed for meetings, court appearances, and outreach events
• Occasional evening or weekend work  
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times