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.

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

This Senior Staff Attorney will contribute to the delivery of free legal services, including pro se legal assistance and orientation, to immigrants and asylum seekers in removal proceedings or in an application process before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

This attorney is responsible for supervising the work of a legal program team, including staff attorneys, paralegals, volunteers, legal interns, and administrative assistants. This requires regular training and professional development related both to legal topics and to management skills.

 

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

Responsible for the mentoring, training, and supervision of Staff Attorneys, including case-specific guidance. Assists in the training and mentoring of pro bono attorneys, paralegals, law student interns, and other legal volunteers.

Develops and maintains legal competency relating to immigration removal defense and affirmative immigration benefits. 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. Represents clients seeking immigration relief such as asylum, T visas, U visas, cancellation of removal and other relief, as appropriate.

Provides group and individual legal orientations to immigrants and asylum seekers in immigration removal proceedings.

Provides legal services, including direct representation, to detained or locally released immigrants.

  Performs other related duties as required, including the development and delivery of trainings to legal interns, volunteers, or the broader legal community.

 

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school and two or more years’ experience in direct representation (preferably in immigration-related matters).

Member in good standing who is licensed to practice law by the Bar of a U.S. state or territory.

Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.

Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products.

Able to maintain case-related data and information to comply with periodic reporting requirements.

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 detention centers.

 

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

Licensed to practice law and member in the State Bar of California, and three years’ experience in representing clients on immigration matters.

Prior work experience with low-income clients and trauma survivors.

Prior volunteer, community, or work experience in immigrant services or anti-detention advocacy.

Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration.

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.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, IL, IN, DC, MD, VA, and TX.  Residency requirements may apply. 

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