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American Bar Association

ProBAR - Staff Attorney Houston TX

American Bar Association, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246


ProBAR - Staff Attorney Houston TX

TX ProBAR Houston, 1770 Saint James Place, Houston, Texas, United States of America

Req #1670

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

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/

Note:

This position is based in Houston, TX . Applicants will be expected to agree to comply with ProBAR's travel requirements regarding frequency and responsibility for travel expenses as pertains to travel to the Rio Grande Valley. Please review the travel requirements noted below.

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 a minimum of 15% of the time. The position will require regular travel to the ProBAR office located in Harlingen, Texas.

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

Self-Care 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.

The Location

The work arrangement is

based in Houston, TX .

ProBAR's primary location is 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!

Our Houston field office is in the Uptown District, that showcases the vibrant urban lifestyle in the heart of Houston. The Uptown District is home to The Galleria, Texas' largest shopping center. In addition to being a pedestrian-friendly city, you can get around with ease on the MetroRapid Silver Line.

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, 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.

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