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Senior Staff Attorney
Senior Staff AttorneyAmerican Bar Association • Harlingen, TX, US
Senior Staff Attorney

Senior Staff Attorney

American Bar Association • Harlingen, TX, US
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Overview

Senior Staff Attorney role at American Bar Association, working with ProBAR to support detained immigrants in removal proceedings in the South Texas region. The Senior Staff Attorney provides legal services, mentors staff and volunteers, and helps develop legal strategies in immigration law and policy at the border. This position may report to the Harlingen or Houston offices, with remote work options for applicants in Texas. Regular travel to Nueces County is required. This is a three-month position contingent on funding, with anticipated extension through Fall 2026.

The Organization

ProBAR empowers immigrants through high-quality legal information, representation, and connections to services, serving the Rio Grande Valley and Houston regions. ProBAR was founded in 1989 as a project of the American Bar Association. Primary office : Harlingen, TX; field office : Houston, TX.

Job Summary / General Purpose of Job

Accountable for providing legal services to detained immigrants in immigration removal proceedings. Serves as mentor and leader to staff attorneys, legal support staff, legal interns, and volunteers, including maintaining current materials and trainings on legal matters. This position engages with individuals living in difficult circumstances who may have experienced trauma.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

  • Mentor Staff Attorneys by providing advice and direction on their cases; assist in training and mentoring pro bono attorneys, legal support staff, and volunteers.
  • Develop and maintain legal competency related to immigration detention work, particularly for unaccompanied minors; build and maintain relations with local stakeholders; observe ethical practices and maintain case files, documentation, and data integrity using the division's case management system.
  • Regularly appear in immigration court; represent clients seeking relief such as asylum, T visas, U visas, cancellation of removal, and other relief as appropriate.
  • Provide group and individual legal orientations to detained immigrants in removal proceedings.
  • Provide legal services including direct representation to detained or locally released immigrants.
  • Travel to Nueces County as required (approximately one to three days per week, two to three hours each way) unless based in the service area.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

  • Juris Doctorate or Master of Law (LLM) from an ABA-accredited law school; in good standing; one or more years' experience representing clients, preferably on immigration matters.
  • Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory.
  • Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms; Spanish language fluency evaluation will be conducted as part of the application process.
  • Intermediate proficiency with Adobe and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams).
  • Familiar with conducting virtual meetings, trainings, and observations using software such as Zoom and Teams.
  • Ability to interpret client cues and maintain reliable internet and phone connections.
  • Must have reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations; frequent travel (approximately three days per week) is required when based in the service area.
  • Ability to travel to and provide services in care provider facilities funded by federal agencies; a background check is required for this position.

    • Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

  • Licensed to practice law and member of the State Bar of Texas; two years' experience in immigration matters.
  • Experience with clients from Central America and indigenous language populations.
  • Non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

    • Physical Requirements

    Typical office setting with frequent visits to immigration detention facilities and immigration court. Operation of a computer and standard office equipment is required.

    Travel

    Travel is typically 40% of the time, with occasional overnight travel.

    Benefits and Incentives

  • Medical and prescription 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

    • The Location

    ProBAR's primary location is in the Rio Grande Valley; Houston field office is in the Uptown District. Regions feature a mix of culture, affordable living, and access to transportation and services.

    The Application Process

    Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

    The Salary

    The starting hiring salary for this position is $79,730.00 based on relevant experience and education.

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    Staff Attorney • Harlingen, TX, US