POSITION TITLE: Legal Extern
REPORTS TO : Externship Program Supervising Attorney
HOURS: 15-20 hours per week
WORKSITE: Lincoln, Nebraska
EXTERNSHIP TIMEFRAME:
Externship runs January 2027 – May 2027, with the possibility of extension through Summer 2027 or transition to full-time employment based on organizational needs
COMPENSATION: Hourly rate of $25.00
BENEFITS: Paid externship with class credit through the University of Nebraska College of Law
Opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in immigration law and client-centered representation
Mentorship from experienced immigration attorneys
Employee Wellness Program (including enriching snacks, support groups, and engaging activities)
Travel and expense reimbursement
Possibility of continued internship or full-time employment based on performance and organizational needs
ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:
In 2022, Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center merged, and the combined nonprofit organization is now CIRA, the Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement. Our diverse team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate legal representation, refugee services, and social work services.
We take on the most complex immigration cases, resettle refugees from around the world, and ensure all clients have access to much-needed resources. Operating in offices from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff, our team of more than 100 full-time employees helps communities’ welcome immigrants and refugees as they build their lives here. We assist with all forms of family and humanitarian-based immigration, and we never turn any family away due to inability to pay.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Legal Extern project aims to provide a clinic experience to 3L students from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Externs in this program will spend both the Fall and Spring semesters working with a Supervising Attorney to represent low-income clients in a range of immigration matters. This program will focus on the expansion of practical skills with the educational goal of engaging with current immigration law and the realities of the immigration system. These skills include: client-centered lawyering, client counseling and interviewing, litigation and strategic planning, legal writing, development of professional identity, professional communication, case file management, and the ability to respond to rapidly changing law and circumstances.
CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE PROGRAM
Legal externs will utilize their Senior-Certified status to participate in activities central to the practice of immigration law, including: Conducting legal research and writing
Drafting and filing applications for immigration relief from USCIS, Immigration Court, and other relevant agencies
Participating in client interviews and developing questions to understand facts of a client’s case
Analyzing facts to determine relief eligibility
Appearing in Immigration Court and state court on behalf of clients, as dictated by the clients’ legal needs
Developing culturally competent and trauma-informed approaches with clients from diverse backgrounds
Navigating difficult conversations with clients who may be facing traumatic past experiences or challenging decisions
Analyzing and resolving professional ethics issues
Collaboration within the Clinic team and with other colleagues to efficiently work towards client goals
Learning and maintaining case management and documentation in line with the requirements of the case management system and filing system
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree is required
Must be a 3L student at the University of Nebraska College of Law for the 2026-2027 academic year
Qualifies as a Senior-Certified law student able to practice under a licensed attorney
Strong commitment to public interest legal services and to the enfranchisement and empowerment of immigrant communities
Ability to work sensitively with numerous staff, volunteers, and clients…