The Role
Legal Externs represent low-income clients in immigration matters under attorney supervision. Responsibilities include legal research and writing, drafting and filing immigration applications, client interviews, eligibility analysis, court appearances, case management, trauma-informed communication, ethics analysis, and collaboration with clinic staff. The role is designed for third-year University of Nebraska College of Law students with Senior-Certified status and offers practical public-interest immigration law experience.
Summary Generated by Built In
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:
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:
QUALIFICATIONS:
WORKING CONDITIONS:
TO APPLY:
INCLUSION & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
CIRA is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. We do not discriminate based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or any characteristics prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment at CIRA, including recruiting, hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, employee discipline and discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment.
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
- 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
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 having varied personalities, lifestyles, cultures, political orientations, and faiths
- Fluency in using Office 365 applications (ex. Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.) and a strong ability to learn new software
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills with ability to serve clients and colleagues from various backgrounds professionally
- Demonstrates reliability through consistent attendance, effective time management, and flexibility
- Ability to take initiative and problem-solve independently when appropriate
- Ability to represent CIRA positively to clients, volunteers, community organizations, and the public
- Strong commitment to professional excellence in a mission-driven environment
- Impeccable integrity, positive attitude, and self-directed work style
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Ability to lift items up to 20 lbs. as needed
- Ability to pass all required background checks
- Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- This role consists of regularly sitting at a desk and using a computer and phone.
- This is not a remote position.
- Externship runs August 2026 – December 2026, with the possibility of extension through April 2027 or transition to full-time employment based on organizational needs
- Monday – Friday schedule, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; externs may work up to 20 hours per week with flexible scheduling
- Occasional travel to CIRA offices in the area may be required based on availability
TO APPLY:
- Please upload a cover letter; resume; and statement of interest answering the questions: “Why do you want to participate in the externship program?” with a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 1,000 words; all in PDF format to the job application link.
INCLUSION & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
CIRA is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. We do not discriminate based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or any characteristics prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment at CIRA, including recruiting, hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, employee discipline and discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Current third-year student at the University of Nebraska College of Law during the 2026-2027 academic year
- Qualifies as a Senior-Certified law student authorized to practice under a licensed attorney
- Strong commitment to public-interest legal services and immigrant community empowerment
- Ability to work sensitively with staff, volunteers, and clients from varied backgrounds
- Fluency using Microsoft Office 365 applications and ability to learn new software
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills
- Reliability, consistent attendance, time management, and flexibility
- Ability to take initiative and solve problems independently
- Ability to represent the organization positively to clients, volunteers, community organizations, and the public
- Strong commitment to professional excellence in a mission-driven environment
- Integrity, positive attitude, and self-directed work style
- Ability to handle confidential information discreetly
- Ability to lift items up to 20 pounds as needed
- Ability to pass required background checks
- At least 18 years of age
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Cover letter, resume, and 500- to 1,000-word statement of interest submitted in PDF format
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The Company
What We Do
The Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement (CIRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering immigrants and refugees. Its mission is to help individuals live confidently through high-quality legal representation, resettlement, and social work, as well as creating welcoming communities through education and advocacy.
