ProBAR - Immigrant Justice Corps Fellow

American Bar Association • Houston, TX

268d • Hybrid

About The Position

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe. The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world. The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA's wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits. Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Requirements

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Must have taken recent bar exam and be awaiting results or be actively licensed and in good standing to practice law in a U.S. state or territory.
• Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.
• Intermediate proficiency with online research, Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams), and Google tools.
• Must be able to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
• This position requires the ability to travel to and enter immigration detention centers.
• This position requires the ability to travel to and enter care provider facilities funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services which provide housing and services to unaccompanied children. This position will require the provision of legal services to unaccompanied children in such care provider facilities. In accordance with the federal regulation, background check will be required for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Actively licensed and in good standing to practice law in U.S. state or territory.
• Prior work experience clients from Central America and including Mayan language-speaking populations.
• Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.
• Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services to unaccompanied children who are under 18 years of age at the time representation is initiated and have been in ORR custody and released to the community.
• Regularly appear in immigration court. Represents clients seeking immigration relief such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Asylum, T Visas, U Visas, and other relief as appropriate.
• May provide legal orientations to unaccompanied children in immigration removal proceedings.
• Develop and maintain legal competency relating to immigration removal defense work.
• Build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders.
• Observe ethical practices relating to confidentiality and all other applicable legal ethics standards.
• Maintain case files, documentation, and data integrity using the case management system.
• Perform other related duties as required, including additional requirements specified by grantors and contributing to narrative reports.
• Report to the assigned supervising attorney and actively participates in collaborations and projects assigned by ProBAR leadership.

Benefits

• Medical and prescription insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Prepaid Legal Plan
• 401 (k)
• Paid company holidays
• Personal time off
• Vacation time off
• Self-care time off
• PSLF participant
• Relocation Stipend offered for in state and out of state relocation*

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: No Education Listed