ProBAR – Managing Attorney Houston TX

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.