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 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: Job Summary / General Purpose of Job Accountable for training and professional development opportunities for the legal department and the management of remote legal staff. Ensures compliance with current funding contract(s) related 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)
- Leads the development and provision of professional training opportunities across the entire legal department.
- Coordinates across teams to provide training for onboarding and professional development of legal department staff, ensuring staff are equipped to provide high-quality legal services.
- Oversees the development of ProBAR's remote legal services program. Hires, trains, mentors, and oversees the work of remote Senior Attorneys and Staff Attorneys.
- Routinely reports to the Legal Director and other senior leaders regarding issues and training opportunities related to the provision of legal services for detained immigrant adults and/or non-detained unaccompanied children.
- 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 corrective measures.
- Creates and updates legal manuals and guidance materials, such as checklists, model filings, and internal practice guides.
- Supports the Legal Director and other senior leaders in developing and implementing management and programmatic strategies that ensure compliance with funding deliverables while ensuring a client-centered representation model.
- 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) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory, and in good standing.
- Fluent in English in written and spoken forms, including strong writing skills in English.
- At least four years of experience representing clients on immigration matters, with particular attention to removal defense.
- A minimum of 2 years' supervisory responsibility, including responsibility for training and developing legal staff.
- Strong analytical, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
- 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 between the 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 of the State Bar of Texas.
- Four or more years of experience in representing clients on immigration matters.
- Prior experience representing immigrant youth in related state court matters.
- Prior work experience with clients, particularly from Central America and including indigenous language-speaking populations.
- Prior experience creating and providing legal training and CLEs.
- Prior experience supervising legal staff or volunteers in the representation of clients on immigration matters.
- Proficiency in conversational Spanish.
- Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.
Physical Requirements Typical office setting with occasional 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 This position is fully remote. The attorney will be required to travel to ProBAR's main office in Harlingen, Texas several times per year for quarterly meetings, staff retention activities, or other business needs at no expense to the employee.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 LocationThe fully remote work arrangement is available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. The Application ProcessSubmit an online application including your cover letter and resume. The Salary The starting hiring range for this position is $100,012.00 - $119,814.00 based on relevant experience and education. 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 956-###-#### or contact ...@abaprobar.org. Other details
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