ProBAR - Pro Bono Senior Staff Attorney TX

$79,730 - $95,516/Yr

American Bar Association - Harlingen, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Harlingen, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Pro Bono Senior Staff Attorney at ProBAR will advocate for detained unaccompanied children and families facing removal proceedings in Texas. This role involves training and mentoring pro bono attorneys and volunteers, ensuring high-quality legal services are provided to clients. The attorney will also engage in direct legal services, manage pro bono initiatives, and collaborate with local stakeholders to enhance the legal support for immigrants in the region.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Pro Bono Counsel in sourcing, recruiting, training, and managing pro bono immigration attorneys.
• Develop and present legal training and supporting materials for various attorneys.
• Mentor pro bono attorneys and legal volunteers, ensuring quality legal services are provided.
• Utilize advanced immigration law knowledge to assist in individual matters and involve ProBAR staff on complex cases.
• Organize and manage trips with pro bono attorneys to provide assistance and representation to clients.
• Participate in development and communications initiatives for ABA ProBAR projects.
• Provide direct legal services to individuals in detention and the community, including legal research and representation.
• Develop and maintain legal competency in immigration detention work, especially for unaccompanied minors and families.
• Build and maintain relations with local stakeholders and observe ethical practices regarding client confidentiality.

Requirements

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate or Master of Law (LLM) from an ABA-accredited law school and in good standing.
• One or more years' experience in representing clients, preferably in immigration matters.
• Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory.
• Fluent in English and Spanish, both written and spoken.
• Intermediate proficiency with online research and Microsoft Office products.
• Familiarity with conducting virtual meetings and training using software like Zoom and Teams.
• Ability to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Reliable transportation for travel to off-site work locations.
• Reliable internet and phone connection.
• Ability to travel to and enter detention centers and care provider facilities.

Nice-to-haves

• Licensed to practice law in Texas and one year of experience.
• Prior work experience with children, especially from Central America.
• Prior volunteer or community experience regarding immigration or detention.
• Prior non-profit experience involving immigration detention.

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
• Sign on bonus offered
• Additional bonuses for continuous service
• Relocation Stipend offered