Supervising Attorneys lead and mentor passionate advocates who serve some of the highest numbers of detained individuals 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 clients we serve. The team’s legal advocacy and representation are complemented by ProBAR’s holistic approach that integrates connections to services for individuals released from detention. This position will require regular involvement with individuals living in difficult circumstances and who may have experienced trauma.
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.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)
• Hires, trains, and oversees the work of Senior Attorneys, Staff Attorneys, and Accredited Representatives.
• Ensures compliance with current funding contract(s) as to the provision of legal services.
• Seeks and develops opportunities for training on relevant issue areas to further work of legal staff.
• Seeks and develops team building and other staff retention measures. Provides coaching, counseling, leadership, performance feedback, and, where appropriate, applies discipline to and through subordinates.
• Routinely reports to Legal Director and other ProBAR senior leaders regarding issues related to the provision of legal services to detained immigrant adults and/or unaccompanied children. Develops strategies to address challenges.
• Maintains and develops materials and documents for support of the legal staff.
• Has proven experience conducting virtual meetings, training, and observations on software such as Zoom, Teams, etc.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Required Education, Qualifications, Experience
• Possession of a Juris Doctorate or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school and at least two or more years of experience in representing clients in immigration matters.
• Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory, and currently in good standing.
• Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.
• Intermediate proficiency with Adobe and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams).
• Must be able to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations.
• Must have reliable internet and phone connection.
• This position requires the ability to obtain clearance to enter detention facilities.
Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience
• Experience representing detained adults and completing individual calendar (merits) hearings in immigration removal defense matters.
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Texas
• Prior work experience with Central America populations and including Mayan language- speaking populations.
• Prior experience as a 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 may require remaining stationary for extended periods of time. Continuously operates a computer and other office machinery, such as telephone, copy machine, and printer.
Extent of Travel
Required in the Job As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 15% of the time.
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
· PSLF Participant
· Sign-On Bonus offered to licensed attorneys*
· 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
The Organization
ProBAR empowers immigrants through high-quality legal education, representation, and connections to services. ProBAR serves immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley border region 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 office is located in Harlingen, TX. For more information about ProBAR, please visit our website: https://ambar.org/probar
In addition to competitive pay and employment benefits, ProBAR takes pride in taking care of its employees. There are abundant development opportunities including onsite, offsite, and online training and workshops. ProBAR has also created its own initiatives like paid time off for self-care, staff-led wellness programs, and counseling. Working for the ABA connects you to an extensive network of dedicated professionals, and ProBAR’s work at the border gives a unique perspective on immigration law.
The Location:
ProBAR is located 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!
COVID-19 Response:
ProBAR leadership has responded proactively to support the health and wellbeing of our staff and the individuals we serve. We are currently providing the majority of our legal services remotely while telecommuting. During this period of remote work, we continue to accept applications and interview for open positions.
The Application Process:
Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.
Hiring range based on experience $76,300.00 $85,375.00.
