ProBAR - Supervising Attorney TX

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 Supervising Attorneys for ProBAR's Children's Team lead and mentor passionate advocates who serve some of the highest numbers of detained unaccompanied children nationally. By joining our team, you will have a unique opportunity to use your expertise to shape how we implement services and to develop litigation and advocacy strategies to support the incredibly resilient children we serve. 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 hiring, training, and overseeing the work of Senior Attorneys, Staff Attorneys, Fellows, Accredited Representatives, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants. Ensures compliance with current funding contract(s) as to the provision of legal services to detained immigrant adults or detained unaccompanied minors. 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)

• Hires, trains, mentors, and oversees the work of Senior Attorneys, Staff Attorneys, Accredited Representatives, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants.
• Routinely reports to Legal Director and other senior leaders regarding issues related to the provision of legal services for detained immigrant adults and/or unaccompanied children. 
• Develops litigation and defense strategies to address case-related challenges.
• Provides technical case assistance to Legal Department staff and seeks and develops opportunities for training in relevant issue areas to further legal work.
• Performs regular case audits to ensure proper case management and data integrity.
• In coordination with leadership, develops and implements team building and other staff retention measures. 
• Provides coaching, counseling, leadership, and performance feedback, and, where appropriate, applies performance improvement and discipline strategies.
• Maintains and develops materials and documents in support of the legal staff.
• Supports the Legal Director and other senior leaders in developing and implementing management and programmatic strategies that ensure compliance with funding deliverables.
• In collaboration with the Legal Director and other senior leaders, prepares narrative reports and documentation required for program deliverables. 
• 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, including strong writing skills in English.
• At least one year of experience in representing clients on immigration matters, with particular attention to removal defense.
• Proven experience ensuring cross-functional team collaborations, leading diverse teams, and promoting a positive work atmosphere in a fast-paced and detail-oriented environment.
• Intermediate proficiency with Adobe and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams).
• Proven experience 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.
• Must have reliable internet and phone connection.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations.
• 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, background check will be required for this position.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Licensed to practice law and member in the State Bar of Texas.
• Two or more years of experience in representing clients on immigration matters.
• Prior work experience with clients, particularly from Central America and including indigenous language speaking populations.
• Prior experience supervising legal staff or volunteers in the representation of clients on immigration matters.
• Prior experience as Senior Attorney.
• 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 of less than 15% of the time.

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

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 $89,271.00 - $106,967.50 based on relevant experience and education.