The Lancaster County Public Defender’s Office in Lincoln, Nebraska, is seeking a highly motivated candidate for an attorney position. The initial assignment may be in the juvenile or misdemeanor; both entry level and experienced candidates will be considered.

The preferred candidate will have criminal defense experience representing individuals charged with offenses in Nebraska state courts. Applicants should be an attorney dedicated to indigent defense and licensed to practice law in the State of Nebraska, or able to become licensed in the next two months. Applicants should have exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, an interest in and aptitude for criminal defense litigation, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment that requires teamwork and collaboration with a variety of professionals. Empathy, patience, common sense and a good sense of humor are valued.

Starting salary for an entry level Attorney is $82,451.20 with an excellent benefit package. An increased starting salary will be considered for experienced candidates. Lancaster County provides regular salary increases for attorneys upon successful promotion with probationary and annual reviews, as well as cost of living increases. Current comprehensive salary information can be reviewed here: Attorney Pay Plan 2025 (Download PDF reader).

Applicants should send a cover letter, a current resume, three references, a writing sample, and law school transcript (if you have less than 5 years’ legal experience) to Angela Franssen, at afranssen@lancaster.ne.gov.

Deadline for applications is January 15, 2026.