ProBAR - Immigrant Justice Corps Fellow

at  American Bar Association

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 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 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 providing legal services to unaccompanied children in the South Texas Region.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide legal services to unaccompanied children who are under 18 years of age at the time representation is initiated and have been in ORR custody and released to the community.
• Regularly appear in immigration court. Represents clients seeking immigration relief such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Asylum, T Visas, U Visas, and other relief as appropriate.
• May provide legal orientations to unaccompanied children in immigration
• removal proceedings.
• Develop and maintain legal competency relating to immigration removal defense work.
• Build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders.
• Observe ethical practices relating to confidentiality and all other applicable legal ethics standards.
• Maintain case files, documentation, and data integrity using the case management system.
• Perform other related duties as required, including additional requirements specified by grantors and contributing to narrative reports.
• Report to the assigned supervising attorney and actively participates in collaborations and projects assigned by ProBAR leadership.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Must have taken recent bar exam and be awaiting results or be actively licensed and in good standing to practice law in a U.S. state or territory.
• Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.
• Intermediate proficiency with online research, Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams), 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.
• This position requires the ability to travel to and enter immigration detention centers.
• 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

• Actively licensed and in good standing to practice law in U.S. state or territory.
• Prior work experience clients 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.

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.
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.

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
• 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 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!
The Application Process
Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.
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 956-365-3775 or write to applications@abaprobar.org

• Provide legal services to unaccompanied children who are under 18 years of age at the time representation is initiated and have been in ORR custody and released to the community.
• Regularly appear in immigration court. Represents clients seeking immigration relief such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Asylum, T Visas, U Visas, and other relief as appropriate.
• May provide legal orientations to unaccompanied children in immigration
• removal proceedings.
• Develop and maintain legal competency relating to immigration removal defense work.
• Build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders.
• Observe ethical practices relating to confidentiality and all other applicable legal ethics standards.
• Maintain case files, documentation, and data integrity using the case management system.
• Perform other related duties as required, including additional requirements specified by grantors and contributing to narrative reports.
• Report to the assigned supervising attorney and actively participates in collaborations and projects assigned by ProBAR leadership