Staff Attorney

Job Description

Find out if this opportunity is a good fit by reading all of the information that follows below.

ProBAR - Staff Attorney TX-CA

TX ProBAR, 202 South First Street, Harlingen, Texas, United States of America Req #1133

Thursday, April 20, 2023

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).

The Staff Attorneys for ProBAR's Children's Team advocate for and serve some of the highest numbers of detained unaccompanied children nationally.

Staff Attorneys represent children seeking humanitarian immigration relief, support unrepresented children appearing before the immigration court, and connect children with advocates and other supportive services as needed.

The team's legal advocacy and representation are complemented by ProBAR's holistic approach that integrates connections to services for children released from detention.

ProBAR entry level staff attorneys come from diverse backgrounds with varied areas of legal expertise. Licensed attorneys in any field willing to learn immigration law will be considered.

ProBAR's experienced Legal team provides direction and professional development to starting attorneys in a constantly changing landscape of immigration law and policy at the border.

The Organization

ProBAR empowers immigrants through high-quality legal education, representation, and connections to services. ProBAR serves immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley border region 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 office is located in Harlingen, TX. For more information about ProBAR, please visit our website : https : / / abaprobar.org /

Job Summary / General Purpose Of Job

Accountable for providing legal services to detained unaccompanied children in immigration removal proceedings, in the border region.

This position will require regular involvement with individuals living in difficult circumstances and who may have experienced trauma.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and / or time spent)

• Provides legal services including direct representation to detained or locally released children in immigration removal proceedings.
• Reviews legal screenings conducted by non-attorney staff. Reviews and assigns follow-up services, including additional interviewing, referrals to other legal services providers and advocates, or in-house representation.
• Regularly appears in immigration court to represent children in removal proceedings and to act as Friend of Court for other detained youth as appropriate.

May also appear in Texas state court as related to a child's immigration case.

Develops and maintains legal competency relating to immigration detention work, specifically as applied to unaccompanied minors.

Builds and maintains relations with local stakeholders.

• Observes ethical practices relating to client confidentiality using division's case management system.
• Builds and maintains relationships with local stakeholders.
• 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.
• Licensed 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 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.
• Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
• Must have reliable internet and phone connection.
• 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, a background check will be required for this position.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Licensed to practice law and member in the State Bar of Texas, and one year experience.
• Prior work experience with children, 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.

Physical Requirements

• Typical office setting with frequent visits at immigration detention facilities and immigration court.
• Continuously operates a computer and other office machinery, such as telephone, copy machine, and computer printer.

Travel

As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 15% of the time.

The Benefits And Incentives Offered

• 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
• PSLF participant
• Sign on bonus offered*
• Additional bonuses offered for continuous service at 2-year, 3-year, & 4-year service anniversaries.*
• Relocation Stipend offered for in-state and out-of-state relocation.*
• Restrictions apply. Availability is subject to grant funding and may periodically change.

In addition to competitive pay and employment benefits, ProBAR takes pride in taking care of its employees. There are abundant development opportunities including onsite, offsite, and online training and workshops.

ProBAR has also created its own initiatives like paid time off for self-care, staff-led wellness programs, and counseling.

Working for the ABA connects you to an extensive network of dedicated professionals, and ProBAR's work at the border gives a unique perspective on immigration law.

The Location

ProBAR is located in the Rio Grande Valley, a thriving region that boasts a rich culture, affordable cost of living, subtropical climate, and beautiful natural areas to enjoy.

Recent growth has brought the RGV unprecedented investments in higher education and scientific research. Three local airports connect RGV residents to destinations around the country while Mexico is only a short drive away.

The region's delicious food, world-class nature parks, and the beaches of South Padre Island provide ample opportunities to relax and recharge!

The Application Process

Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.

Other details

Pay Type Salary

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