Description:
Job Description: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, 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).
The Organization:
ProBAR empowers immigrants through high-quality legal information, representation, and connections to services. ProBAR serves immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley and Houston regions with a particular focus on the legal needs of adults and unaccompanied children in federal custody. Founded in 1989 as a project of the American Bar Association, ProBAR's primary office is located in Harlingen, TX with a field office in Houston, TX. For more information about ProBAR, please visit our website: https://abaprobar.org/
Job Summary/General Purpose of Job:
Works with colleagues to represent adults detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers located in the Rio Grande Valley. Legal services are focused on direct representation of individuals in immigration removal proceedings in courts adjudicating cases of detained people in South Texas, including but not limited to Port Isabel and Greenspoint immigration courts. Ability to represent individuals in the Southern District of Texas federal courts as needed. Serves as mentor and leader to staff attorneys, legal interns/fellows, legal support staff, pro bono attorneys and volunteers, including maintaining current materials and training on trends in legal services. This position will require regular involvement with individuals living in difficult circumstances, who may have been victims of crime and experienced trauma including family separation.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)
- In collaboration with colleagues, identifies potential clients subject to ICE detention through the team's screening and intake process. 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 as applied to removal defense. Builds and maintains relations with local stakeholders. Maintains case files, documentation, and data integrity using the division's case management system.
- Frequent virtual and in-person consultation and visitation with service seekers and clients who are detained.
- Regularly appears in USCIS and immigration court to represent clients. Ability to appear remotely and in person in both Harlingen and Houston immigration courts. May also appear in federal court as related to an immigration case.
- Serves as a facilitator between the 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 additional interviewing, referrals to other legal services providers and advocates, or in-house representation.
- Documents and advises peers and pro bono attorneys on the trends in immigration court, federal court and the detention centers.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Required Education, Qualifications, Experience:
- Possession of a Juris Doctorate or Master of Law (LLM) from an ABA-accredited law school and be in good standing, and three or more years' experience in representing clients in immigration matters.
- Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory.
- Written and spoken fluency in Spanish may be required based upon the location and client base served.
- Intermediate proficiency with Adobe and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams)
- Must be familiar with conducting virtual meetings, training, and observations on software such as Zoom, Teams, etc.
- Must be able to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
- Must have reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations.
- Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience:
- 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 and four years' experience with at least one year 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.
Physical Requirements:
Hybrid work setting includes frequent visits to the office, immigration detention/shelter facilities, immigration court, and public meeting spaces. The ability to move about the facility grounds, with documentation materials weighing up to 15 pounds, for up to 15 minutes or more in excessive heat.
Extent of Travel Required in the Job
As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel for less than 20% of the time. If based in Houston, Texas, a minimum of quarterly travel to the Rio Grande Valley will be required.