ProBAR- Law Student Fellow- Houston

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 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
Undertakes legal work for a grant-funded project and/or provides substantive support to an assigned section. Fellowship assignments typically do not exceed two calendar months in duration.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Supports attorneys and works on cases involving direct representation of primarily Central American unaccompanied children living in the Houston community.
• Works on immigration cases impacting others in the local community.
• Conducts legal research and writing on various legal topics focusing on immigration policy, law, and updates.
• Analyzes law, regulations, court rules, policy, etc. and synthesizes findings into reports, memoranda, or other content.
• Meets with clients and observes Immigration Court and District Court proceedings.
• Appears as a law student before the Houston Immigration Court.
• Must have reliable internet and phone connection.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of, or actively pursuing, a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Proficiency in Spanish is required.
• 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 checks will be required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience working with children is a plus.
• Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in nonprofit or social justice work.

Physical Requirements
Typical office work environment.

Extent of Travel Required in the Job
As a normal course of business, this job may require travel locally 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

The Location
ProBAR's main office 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! ProBAR's new field office is located in Houston, Texas, a large and diverse metropolis.

The Application Process Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

• Probar Houston Office, 1770 Saint James Place, Houston, Texas, United States of America