The Legal Industry in Nebraska
Nebraska’s legal sector is a vital component of the state’s economy, serving a diverse range of industries and communities. As of 2024, there are approximately 5,839 practicing lawyers in the state, equating to about 2.9 attorneys per 1,000 residents. This figure places Nebraska near the national average in terms of lawyer density.
The majority of Nebraska’s legal professionals are concentrated in urban centers such as Omaha and Lincoln. Omaha, the state’s largest city, hosts prominent law firms which offer services in corporate law, litigation, and public finance. Whereas, in Lincoln, the state capital, lawyers can typically expect to work in areas including business law, employment law, and healthcare.
Nebraska’s economy is driven by key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. These sectors influence the demand for legal services in areas like environmental law, labor and employment, regulatory compliance, and healthcare law. Additionally, the state’s growing technology sector is creating opportunities in intellectual property and data privacy law.
The legal job market in Nebraska is stable, with consistent demand for attorneys across various practice areas. Urban areas offer a range of opportunities in both private practice and corporate legal departments. Meanwhile, rural regions face a shortage of legal professionals, presenting opportunities for attorneys willing to serve in these communities. The Nebraska State Bar Association’s Rural Practice Initiative aims to address this disparity by connecting law students and attorneys with rural legal employers.
Is it Difficult to Practice Law in Nebraska?
Practicing law in Nebraska is accessible for qualified candidates, with a legal market that offers opportunities across various sectors and regions.
To be admitted to the Nebraska Bar, applicants must:
- Earn a Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Achieve a minimum score of 270 on the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), which involves the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), as well as the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) and Multistate Performance Test (MPT).
- Obtain a scaled score of at least 85 on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
- Complete a character and fitness evaluation, including submission of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
Nebraska also offers admission by motion for attorneys who have been actively engaged in the practice of law for five of the seven years immediately preceding their application.
Nebraska’s legal job market is stable, with consistent demand for attorneys across various practice areas. Urban centers like Omaha and Lincoln host a concentration of law firms and corporate legal departments, offering opportunities in corporate law, litigation, and regulatory compliance. Meanwhile, rural areas may face a shortage of legal professionals, presenting opportunities for attorneys willing to serve in these communities.
Explore legal career opportunities across Nebraska with the guidance of experienced legal recruiters who know the local market. From urban hubs to underserved regions, the right fit could be closer than you think. Connect with the Legal Recruiter Directory today to learn more.
