Legal Counsel – Consumer Financial Services Litigation

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

This role sits on an in-house litigation team responsible for managing a large, national portfolio of consumer financial services matters. The attorney in this position will have direct responsibility for active cases and will be expected to make judgment calls, assess risk early, and drive strategy rather than simply react to litigation. The work involves frequent interaction with business, compliance, and risk partners in a highly regulated environment, with an emphasis on consistency, defensibility, and efficient outcomes across the docket.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage an assigned portfolio of consumer financial services matters, including individual lawsuits, arbitrations, and class actions brought under state and federal consumer protection statuses.

• Set and adjust litigation strategy for cases involving servicing, payments, credit reporting, collections, and related consumer financial activities, with attention to both case-specific facts and broader portfolio impact.

• Perform early case assessments to evaluate regulatory exposure, litigation risk, potential precedent, and downstream implications for similar matter.

• Work closely with Compliance, Risk, and business partners to ensure litigation positions are aligned with regulatory expectations, internal controls, and consumer protection obligations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for outside counsel on assigned matters, providing direction on strategy, managing budgets, monitoring performance, and ensuring consistency with internal playbooks and expectations.

• Track outcomes and trends across the docket to identify risk patterns, improvement opportunities, and areas where changes in approach may be warranted.

Salary for this role is: $115,000-$165,000

Lincoln/Omaha, NE Candidates- This position offers a hybrid work option. Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence three days per week.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. To be considered, candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates excellent judgment, professional demeanor, business acumen, and executive presence.
• Collaborates with colleagues, peers, and other key stakeholders and leads efforts in the organization.
• Possesses excellent communication, analytical, and drafting skills.
• Demonstrates and drives a commitment to integrity and accountability.
• Has a general understanding of business financials and reporting.
• Possesses excellent organizational skills and ability to manage numerous projects and conflicting demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates excellent communications and interpersonal skills and the ability to convey complex legal principles clearly and concisely at all levels, including senior executive level, of corporate organization.
• Possesses ability to work with Microsoft O365 Office Suite.
• Maintains highly sensitive and confidential information.

EDUCATION: J.D. and current bar admission in good standing required.

EXPERIENCE: 5–7 years of litigation experience, including direct consumer finance litigation experience. Law firm experience preferred

Preferred experience includes litigation involving consumer protection statutes, financial services products, high‑volume consumer claims, arbitrations, and/or class actions. Experience working with regulated financial institutions or servicing platforms is strongly preferred.

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.  

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or [email protected].

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring