During this current situation with COVID-19, the ABA will
continue to accept and process applications for job opportunities.  We
will conduct our recruitment process via alternative means (virtual interviews)
for the time being.

The ABA recruits employees seeking opportunities for challenging and substantive work defending liberty and pursuing justice in the U.S. and around the world.  The ABA offers competitive employment benefits which include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k), commuter benefits, and more.

Provides legal services to detained individuals in immigration removal proceedings. Serves as mentor and leader to staff attorneys, legal interns, legal support staff and volunteers, including by maintaining current materials and trainings on legal services.

 

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

-Mentors Staff Attorneys providing advice and direction on their cases. Assists in the training and mentoring of pro bono attorneys, legal support staff and other legal volunteers.

-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 and all other applicable legal ethics standards. Maintains case files, documentation and data integrity using division’s case management system.

-Regularly appears in immigration court to represent individuals in removal proceedings and to act as Friend of Court for other detained youth, as appropriate. May also appear in state court as related to an individual’s immigration case.

-Serves as a facilitator between the shelter, shelter services team and legal department.

-Reviews legal screenings and assigns follow-up services, including additional interviewing, referrals to other legal services providers and advocates, or in- house representation.

-Performs other related duties as required.

 

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

-Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school and be in good standing, and one or more years’ experience in representing clients preferably on immigration matters.

-Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory.

-Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.

-Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Google tools.

-Must be able to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.

-Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.

-Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.

-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, and two years experience with at least one year on immigration matters.

-Prior work experience with children, particularly from Central America and including Mayan language- speaking populations.

-Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.

-Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

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 312-988-5188.

Residency requirements may apply.

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