Job description

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. For more information about ProBAR, please visit our website: https://abaprobar.org/

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job
Principal job within ABA ProBAR accountable for the day-to-day management, administrative, and operational aspects sourcing, training, and the appropriate optimization of external, pro bono licensed attorneys in support of the provision of an array of immigration legal services. 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)

• Accountable for sourcing, recruiting, training and day-to-day management of pro bono immigration attorneys supporting ABA ProBAR initiatives to assist in ensuring the provision of high quality pro se assistance and pro bono representation in South Texas.
• Assists in the development and presentation of legal training and supporting materials, for private bar, government, and public interest attorneys.
• Accountable for pro bono attorneys to ensure the provision of quality legal services which align with the expectations of ProBAR and the Commission on Immigration. Provides ongoing supervision of staff, including coaching and evaluating annual performance. Mentors volunteers, as needed.
• Utilizes advanced immigration law knowledge base to assist in individual matters and involves ProBAR and Commission staff on more complex or geographically specific matters.
• Leads and manages trips with teams of pro bono attorneys to provide pro se assistance and representation to detained adults and unaccompanied minors. Actively participates in and assists others in development and communications initiatives and seeks support funds and services for ABA ProBAR projects and pro bono programs.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a Juris Doctor or LLM from an ABA accredited law school.
• At least three years’ experience practicing immigration law as an attorney.
• License to practice law in a US state or territory.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations.
• 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.
• 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

• Previous experience working directly with immigrants and asylum-seekers to address their immigration legal needs.
• Previous experience recruiting and training attorneys to conduct pro bono work.
• Minimum of one year experience in senior/lead or supervisory role.
• Previous experience in development in a non-profit organization.
• Written and spoken fluency in a secondary language may be required based upon the location and client base served.
• Previous experience producing and distributing communications materials used for the recruitment of volunteers and/or pro bono attorneys.

Physical Requirements
Typical office setting with frequent visits at immigration detention facilities and/or immigration court, requiring an ability to move about the facility grounds, with documentation materials weighing up to 15 pounds, for up to 15 minutes or more in temperatures that may exceed 90 degrees.

Travel
As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 25% 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
• 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 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 COVID-19 Response & Flexible Work Policy
ABA ProBAR responded proactively to support the health and well-being of our staff and the individuals we serve during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to monitor COVID levels in our community and to follow government guidelines on COVID safety.

We have also implemented a Flexible Work Policy with parameters to allow for hybrid work that includes some office-based workdays and some telecommuting days depending on the employee's tenure and the business needs of their team. ProBAR prioritizes in-person services while adapting to the needs of our clients and the policies of local detention facilities. Additional information on the Flexible Work Policy as it relates to a particular position may be requested during the interview and hiring process.

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.

COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment (requests for reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons will be considered).
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 contact applications@abaprobar.org.

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