ProBAR - Staff Attorney Adult TX

$72,236 - $85,320/Yr

American Bar Association - Harlingen, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Harlingen, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Staff Attorney for ProBAR's Adult Team is responsible for providing legal services to adults in ICE custody who are at risk of deportation. This role involves direct representation, legal orientations, and pro se assistance for individuals seeking humanitarian immigration relief. The attorney will handle cases related to asylum, cancellation of removal, and other forms of relief, while also mentoring pro bono attorneys and maintaining relationships with local stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services, including direct representation, to detained or locally released immigrants in removal proceedings.
• Conduct group and individual legal orientations for detained immigrants.
• Appear regularly in immigration court to represent clients seeking immigration relief.
• Mentor pro bono attorneys and non-attorney staff and volunteers as needed.
• Develop and maintain legal competency related to immigration detention work.
• Build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders.
• Observe ethical practices relating to confidentiality and legal ethics standards.
• Maintain case files, documentation, and data integrity using the division's case management system.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• 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).
• Familiarity with conducting virtual meetings and training on software such as Zoom and Teams.
• Reliable internet and phone connection.
• Ability to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
• Ability to travel to and enter detention centers.

Nice-to-haves

• Licensed to practice law and member of the State Bar of Texas with one year of experience.
• Prior work experience with clients from Central America and indigenous language-speaking populations.
• Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.
• Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Medical and prescription insurance
• Vision insurance
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Prepaid Legal Plan
• Paid company holidays
• Personal time off
• Vacation time off
• Self-care time off
• Sign on bonus offered
• Additional bonuses for continuous service at 2-year, 3-year, & 4-year service anniversaries
• Relocation Stipend offered for in-state and out-of-state relocation