ProBAR - Staff Attorney TX-CA

$72,236 - $85,320/Yr

American Bar Association Probar - Harlingen, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Harlingen, TX

About the position

The Staff Attorney for ProBAR's Children's Team is responsible for providing legal services to detained unaccompanied children in immigration removal proceedings. This role involves direct representation of children seeking humanitarian immigration relief, supporting unrepresented children in immigration court, and connecting them with necessary advocates and services. The position requires regular interaction with individuals in challenging circumstances and aims to ensure access to justice for vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services including direct representation to detained or locally released children in immigration removal proceedings.
• Review legal screenings conducted by non-attorney staff and assign follow-up services as needed.
• Appear in immigration court to represent children in removal proceedings and act as Friend of Court for other detained youth.
• Develop and maintain legal competency relating to immigration detention work, specifically for unaccompanied minors.
• Build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders.
• 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.
• Ability to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
• Reliable internet and phone connection.

Nice-to-haves

• Licensed to practice law and member in the State Bar of Texas with one year of 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.

Benefits

• 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
• PSLF participant
• 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