LINCOLN, Neb. – Accomplished civil rights attorney Mindy Rush Chipman will lead the ACLU of Nebraska’s statewide legal program as its next legal director. She comes to the role with significant experience advocating for often marginalized clients in diverse areas of law including criminal defense, housing, immigration law, juvenile law and unlawful discrimination.
Most recently, Rush Chipman led the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights, a city agency that works to prevent and respond to illegal housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination. Her professional experience also includes leadership roles at Immigrant Legal Center and Legal Aid of Nebraska. Prior to beginning legal practice, Rush Chipman worked as a prison librarian for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, helping incarcerated Nebraskans access the courts.
ACLU of Nebraska Interim Executive Director Maria Funk said Rush Chipman will help the organization continue to earn impactful legal victories.
“Mindy has a sterling reputation in Nebraska’s legal and advocacy communities for a reason,” Funk said. “People know her as an effective attorney who is passionate about equity and access to justice. We’re all excited to see our impact grow over the coming months and years with Mindy leading our litigation work.”
The ACLU of Nebraska’s legal portfolio covers a wide range of constitutional issues, including the criminal legal system, free expression, immigrants’ rights, LGBTQ equality, open government, racial justice, reproductive freedom, students’ rights and voting rights.
Rush Chipman said the organization’s mission and impact drew her to the role.
“When Nebraskans think about who is out there protecting their rights and freedoms, they think about the ACLU,” Rush Chipman said. “I am looking forward to doing everything I can to raise awareness of legal issues affecting our community and effectuate change.”
Rush Chipman holds a B.A. in Paralegal Studies from Doane College, a J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law and an M.A. in Library and Information Science from the University of Missouri.
