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ProBAR's Legal Director leads a diverse and growing team of passionate advocates who serve immigrants and asylum seekers on the Texas border and in the Houston region. The primary area of practice is serving detained unaccompanied children and adults in the Rio Grande Valley, with a growing practice of serving the immigrant populations living in the Rio Grande Valley as well as reunified unaccompanied children in the Houston region. Whether directing the provision of legal services, analyzing changes to immigration law and policy, or developing legal advocacy strategies, the Legal Director has an opportunity to apply their expertise in service to the best interests of our clients in an evolving immigration landscape. The Legal Director also plays an invaluable role in shaping the development of the department's attorneys and support staff and overseeing recruitment, training, and supervision activities to ensure a strong, resilient, and cohesive team.
Job Summary/ General Purpose of Job
Directs the work of ProBAR's Legal Department, which provides legal representation and other legal services to detained adults, detained unaccompanied children, and immigrants and refugees living in the Rio Grande Valley and Houston, Texas regions. This position will require regular involvement with individuals living in difficult circumstances who may have experienced trauma. The preferred location for this position is ProBAR's main office in Harlingen, Texas. The position may also be based at the Houston field office with regular travel to Harlingen. The position requires local and regional travel, including visiting detention facilities and meeting with detained individuals, community groups, stakeholders and other partners.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)
Required Education, Qualifications, Experience
Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience
Physical Requirements
Typical office environment with frequent visits to immigration detention facilities and immigration court.
Extent of Travel Required in the Job
If based out of the Harlingen office, as a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel up to 15% of the time, including quarterly travel to the Houston field office.
If based out of the Houston field office, this job will require regular travel to the main Harlingen office up to 30% 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 Availability is subject to grant funding and may periodically change.
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/
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 located 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.
Hiring range based on qualifications $112,016.00 to $134,193.00.
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.