ProBAR Legal Services - Senior Staff Attorney TX-CA

American Bar Association•Harlingen, TX

2d•$79,730 - $95,516•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Bar Association (ABA) is a member-based organization committed to advancing the rule of law, ensuring access to justice, and promoting a fair legal process. ABA staff benefit from continuing education, career development, and a generous benefits package. ProBAR, a project of the ABA since 1989, empowers immigrants through legal services, focusing on adults and unaccompanied children in federal custody in the Rio Grande Valley and Houston regions. This Senior Staff Attorney role involves representing detained adults in immigration removal proceedings, serving as a mentor to legal staff and volunteers, and maintaining legal competency in immigration law. The position requires regular interaction with individuals who may have experienced trauma and requires the ability to represent clients in various immigration and federal courts.

Requirements

Possession of a Juris Doctorate or Master of Law (LLM) from an ABA-accredited law school and be in good standing.
Three or more years’ experience in representing clients in immigration matters.
Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory.
Intermediate proficiency with Adobe and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams).
Familiarity with conducting virtual meetings, training, and observations on software such as Zoom, Teams, etc.
Ability to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
Reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations.
Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Licensed to practice law and a member of the State Bar of Texas, admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
One year of experience in immigration matters.
Prior work experience with immigrants, particularly from Central America and including indigenous language-speaking populations.
Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.
Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.
Prior experience in mentoring legal support staff.
Written and spoken fluency in Spanish may be required based upon the location and client base served.

Responsibilities

Identifies potential clients subject to ICE detention through screening and intake processes.
Represents individuals in their full removal cases to seek relief before immigration courts.
Mentors staff attorneys and accredited representatives, providing advice and direction on their cases.
Assists in the training and mentoring of pro bono attorneys, legal support staff, and other legal volunteers.
Develops and maintains legal competency relating to immigration work, specifically removal defense.
Builds and maintains relations with local stakeholders.
Maintains case files, documentation, and data integrity using the division’s case management system.
Conducts frequent virtual and in-person consultations and visitations with service seekers and clients who are detained.
Regularly appears in USCIS and immigration court to represent clients, with the ability to appear remotely and in person in Harlingen and Houston immigration courts.
May appear in federal court as related to an immigration case.
Serves as a facilitator between stakeholders and the legal team.
May oversee the work of junior legal staff, volunteers, and interns.
Reviews legal screenings and assigns follow-up services, including interviewing, referrals, or in-house representation.
Documents and advises peers and pro bono attorneys on trends in immigration court, federal court, and detention centers.
Performs other related duties as required.