ProBAR - Managing Attorney Houston TX

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.

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The Managing Attorney (Houston Field Office) leads and mentors a team of passionate advocates at the Houston Field Office and manages the programmatic and operational aspects of regional client services in coordination with the main ProBAR office located in the Rio Grande Valley.

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: https://abaprobar.org/

Job Summary / General Purpose of Job

Accountable for hiring, training, and supervision of Senior Attorneys, Staff Attorneys, Fellows, DOJ Accredited Representatives, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants. Accountable for grant management and programmatic deliverables, ensuring compliance with funding contract(s) as to the provision of legal services to detained immigrant adults, non-detained immigrant adults, and non-detained unaccompanied minors. Support senior leaders in developing strategies, policy, and procedures to address challenges and opportunities.

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, DOJ Accredited Representatives, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants. This includes providing coaching, counseling, leadership, performance feedback, and, where appropriate, discipline to and through subordinates.
• Manages the administrative and facilities operations of the ProBAR Houston field office, including working and coordinating with other division departments, property management, contractors, and vendors to improve and maintain a safe, efficient, and inviting law office.
• Represents ProBAR with stakeholders in the local community.
• Responsible for delivering upon grant funding and contract(s) requirements as relates to the provision of legal services.
• Seeks and develops opportunities for training in relevant areas to further legal staff capacity. Seeks and develops team building and other staff retention measures.
• Routinely reports to senior leaders on issues related to the provision of legal services to detained and non-detained immigrant adults and/or unaccompanied minors. Develops strategies to address these issues and partners with senior leaders to implement approved plans and achieve strategic initiatives.
• In collaboration with Legal/Deputy Director and other senior leaders, creates and implements office policies and procedures for delivery of legal services.
• Maintains and develops pro se legal materials and updates internal documents for support of the legal staff.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate or Master of Law (LLM) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory and be in good standing.
• Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms, including strong writing skills in English.
• At least three or more years of experience representing clients on immigration matters, particularly in removal defense.
• 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, teams)
• Must be familiar with conducting virtual meetings, training, and observations on software such as Zoom, Teams, etc.
• Must have reliable internet and phone connection.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations.
• This position requires the ability to travel to and enter detention centers. In accordance with the federal policies and contractor funding requirements, clearance of federal background checks will be required for this position.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Licensed to practice law and member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
• Prior experience working with immigrants, particularly from diverse backgrounds.
• Four or more years of experience in representing clients on immigration matters.
• Prior work experience with clients, particularly from Central America and including indigenous language speaking populations.
• Prior experience supervising legal staff or volunteers in the representation of clients on immigration matters.
• Prior experience as Senior/Staff Attorney.
• Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration and detention or incarceration.
• Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

Physical Requirements

Typical office setting with frequent visits to immigration detention facilities and immigration court.

Travel

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
• 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 Location

ProBAR’s primary location is 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!

Our Houston field office is in the Uptown District, that showcases the vibrant urban lifestyle in the heart of Houston. The Uptown District is home to The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center. In addition to being a pedestrian friendly city, you can get around with ease on the MetroRapid Silver Line.

The Application Process

Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

The Salary

The starting hiring range for this position is $89,271.00 - $106,967.50 based on relevant experience and education.