ICH Staff Attorney

Job DescriptionProBAR - ICH Staff Attorney TX-CATX ProBAR, 202 South First Street, Harlingen, Texas, United States of America Req #1353Tuesday, May 2, 2023The 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).Staff Attorneys for ProBAR's Adult Team

advocate for and serve adults in ICE custody who are at risk of deportation and face significant barriers to access to counsel. Our Adult Team Staff Attorneys provide a combination of legal orientations, direct representation, and pro se assistance to adults from around the world who seek humanitarian immigration relief. Through our Immigration Court Helpdesk Program (ICH), a national program funded and overseen by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), ProBAR provides legal orientation services for pro se respondents with pending removal proceedings in the Rio Grande Valley. This includes individuals with cases before the Harlingen Immigration Court. The ICH Staff Attorneys will provide legal orientation services to pro se respondents through the ICH program. The team's legal services are complemented by ProBAR's holistic approach that integrates connections to services.The OrganizationProBAR 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.

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https://abaprobar.org/Job Summary / General Purpose Of JobAccountable 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 immigrants in removal proceedings.Provides group and individual legal orientations to detained immigrants in immigration removal proceedings.Regularly appears in immigration court. Represents clients seeking immigration relief such as asylum, T Visas, U Visas, cancellation of removal and other relief as appropriate.Mentors pro bono attorneys and non-attorney staff and volunteers as needed.Develops and maintains legal competency relating to immigration detention work. Builds and maintains relationships with local stakeholders. Observes ethical practices relating to confidentiality and all other applicable legal ethics standards. Maintains case files, documentation and data integrity using division's case management system.Performs other related duties as required.Required Education, Qualifications, ExperiencePossession 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 have reliable internet and phone connection.Must be able to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues. Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.This position requires the ability to travel to and enter detention centers.Preferred Education, Qualifications, ExperienceLicensed to practice law and member in the State Bar of Texas, and one year experience.Prior work experience with clients 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 RequirementsTypical office setting with frequent visits to immigration detention facilities and immigration court.Continuously operates a computer and other office machinery, such as telephone, copy machine, and computer printer.TravelAs a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 15% of the time.The Benefits And Incentives OfferedMedical and prescription insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceFlexible Spending Account (FSA)Voluntary life insuranceShort- and long-term disability insuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Prepaid Legal Plan401 (k)Paid company holidaysPersonal time offVacation time offPSLF participantSign 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.The LocationProBAR 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 ProcessSubmit 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 956-365-3775 or contact applications@abaprobar.org.Other detailsPay Type Salary

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