ProBAR- Staff Attorney TX- CA

Overview

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

Staff Attorneys advocate for and serve some of the highest numbers of detained unaccompanied children nationally. They 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.

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

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. This position duration is for a period of three months. It is contingent upon funding availability, and ProBAR anticipates funding to extend through Fall of 2026. This position may report out the Harlingen or Houston offices. A remote position for an applicant in Texas is also an option. The primary work travel will be to Nueces County.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• 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 appear 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.
• Frequent travel to off-site locations (approximately one to three days per week between two to three hours each way) is required, unless the applicant is based in the service area.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

Physical Requirements

Travel

As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel 40% of the time (occasional overnight travel).

Benefits and Incentives Offered

The Application Process

Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

The Salary

The starting hiring range for this position is $72,236.00 - $85,319.50 based on relevant experience and education.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer : Disability / Veteran. 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 956-365-3775 or contact applications@abaprobar.org.

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