Attorney - Agricultural Workers Rights Program

Description

The position may be located in any office location, with significant travel throughout the state. The responsibilities include managing, performing and coordinating work done under the Project with the support of Legal Aid’s Management and Administrative staff. The Attorney will provide information, advice, and representation to migrant and agricultural workers regarding a variety of legal issues including: The Fair Labor Standards Act, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the regulatory provisions of the H-2A agricultural worker visa program, Title VII harassment and discrimination claims, the regulatory provisions of the TN visa program, wage claims, employment issues, housing issues, benefits issues and other state and federal laws. Other duties include but are not limited to: collaborating with other agencies providing services to migrant and agricultural workers and preparing and presenting educational and informational materials. Travel is required. Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills strongly preferred. Experience working with migrant and/or agricultural workers strongly preferred. Willingness to develop specialized knowledge of laws related to migrant and agricultural workers required, and Legal Aid will provide training opportunities and support to attorney.

 Essential Functions:

· Provide information, advice, and representation to migrant and agricultural workers regarding a variety of legal issues

· Reviews closed cases for compliance and legal work. 

· Handles a limited active case load. 

· Conducts litigation at the trial and appellate levels. 

· Maintains good relationships with the community of LAN clientele. 

· Complies with all applicable laws, rules, policies, procedures and regulations. 

· Attends firm orientations, training and meetings. 

· Attends seminars and conferences when requested. 

· Communicates either orally or in writing with management, members of the firm, partners in statewide network, clients and the public. 

· Applies computer skills and data entry, using firm systems, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PIKA. 

· Conducts legal research, when requested to do so, LexisNexis or other appropriate legal research tools. 

· Assists in implementing LAN's Mission Statement, goals and priorities, including helping clients to become self-sufficient. 

· Complies with LAN policies, procedures and Mission Statement. 

· Complies with all LSC Regulations and record keeping. 

· Participates in task forces. 

Requirements

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 Association.
• Three to five years of legal experience, with substantial civil litigation and appellate experience.
• Admitted to practice before relevant federal courts (or eligible to be admitted).
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for court and outreach work

Preferred Requirements:

• Previous experience with a legal aid organization or in poverty law.
• Experience developing legal training materials and mentoring junior attorneys.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, particularly in legal analysis and advocacy.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in managing a heavy caseload with competing priorities.
• Skilled in legal research, case development, and motion practice.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or another language commonly spoken by client populations
• Familiarity with Legal Services Corporation compliance and  reporting requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily      office-based with general office conditions