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 Senior Paralegal mentors and trains paralegals, legal assistants, and legal support staff. Senior Paralegals may work alongside attorneys to provide immigrants in detention with access to high-quality legal education, individualized orientations to address their needs, and assistance with cases for pro se respondents and direct representation clients. Senior Paralegals are an integral part of a legal team that ensures immigrants receive the high-quality, compassionate, people-centered legal services and representation they deserve.

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
Serves as a mentor and trains paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal support staff. Provides substantive case and court support to attorneys and accredited representatives. May provide substantive assistance with division’s Legal Orientation Program (LOP) work including the provision of general orientations and individual orientations for detained immigrants in removal proceedings. Prepares legal filings and documents (e.g., client affidavits, pleadings, motions, etc.) as directed. 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)

• May provide substantive assistance with the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) by, under the supervision of an attorney or accredited representative, conducting group orientations, individual orientations, and workshops for detained immigrants in removal proceedings.
• Organizes, coordinates, and performs LOP services at immigration detention facilities. Identifies and prioritizes LOP tasks each week. Distributes LOP tasks among paralegals and other staff members.
• Provides paralegal support and assistance to assigned legal staff. Prepares legal filings and documents (e.g., immigration applications, correspondence, translations, etc.) as directed. Including assisting with training and mentoring of legal support staff.
• Provide workshops and pro se support and assistance to detained immigrants as needed. Prepares applications for relief, translations, supporting documentation, assesses the urgency of situations and prioritizes tasks, tracks, and adheres to deadlines.
• May oversee client case files as directed by staff attorneys and Accredited Representatives. Monitors case activities, processes and maintains the data integrity of case management systems, as well as ensures confidentiality and control of client information.
• Assesses the urgency of situations and determines appropriate actions, monitors status of pending items, and provides updates/feedback to appropriate legal team members.
• Assists with referral of clients to pro bono counsel as directed. Conducts and assists with coordination and tracking of other legal services as necessary.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of an associate degree or higher education from an accredited U.S. institution in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science or related field, or three years’ experience as a paralegal.
• One or more years of experience as a paralegal.
• Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.
• Intermediate proficiency with online research 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 be able to pick on client visual and verbal cues.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations.
• This position requires the ability to enter detention facilities.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science, or related field and 1 year experience as a paralegal.
• Possession of a current certificate of completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program.
• Prior work experience with children, particularly from Central America and including indigenous 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 to immigration detention facilities and immigration court. Continuously operates a computer and other office machinery, such as telephone, copy machine, and computer printer.

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
• PSLF participant
• Sign on bonus offered*
• 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 Salary
The starting hiring range for this position is $56,142.00 - $64,496.00 based on relevant experience and education.

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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