Family Law - General Attorney / Guardianship and Conservatorship Attorney / Asylum Attorney in Houston, TX

Public Interest

Houston, TX

Family Law - General Attorney / Guardianship and Conservatorship Attorney / Asylum Attorney in Houston, TX

Attorney

5-5 yrs required

No

Title: Senior Staff Attorney, Immigrant Children and Youth (ICY) Program

Job Responsibilities:
- Provide child-friendly, trauma-informed, and culturally competent legal services to children and youth designated as unaccompanied minors. This includes conducting Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations, performing individual screenings, offering pro se assistance, and making referrals.
- Manage a comprehensive caseload of clients with complex immigration issues, ensuring high-quality legal representation.
- Prepare and file applications for legal relief, representing clients before . Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), . Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Texas state courts, and related entities.
- Coordinate the provision of holistic client services with paralegals, social services coordinators, legal support staff, as well as pro bono attorneys, interns, and volunteers.
- Maintain positive working relationships with external stakeholders at HHS/ORR facilities to ensure the needs of detained children are met.
- Assist in recruiting, training, and supervising staff attorneys, legal assistants, social services coordinators, legal volunteers, and interns.
- Act as a team leader, contributing to a collaborative culture within the Immigrant Children and Youth (ICY) department and the organization as a whole.
- Ensure contract compliance, aid in preparing funder reports, and assure accurate and timely data entry.
- Participate in trainings, calls, and meetings with funders and technical assistance providers to stay updated on new legal and programmatic developments.
- Collaborate with other agencies, stakeholders, and service providers to procure client services and network with like-minded organizations.
- Recruit, train, and mentor pro bono attorneys.
- Engage in regular peer and supervisor review meetings and legal trainings.
- Support special events and donation drives organized by the organization.
- Perform additional duties as needed or directed by the supervisor.

Education and Experience Information:
- Juris Doctor (.) degree from an ABA-certified law school or international equivalent.
- Current Texas bar membership in good standing.
- At least five years of experience practicing law.
- A minimum of three years of experience representing clients in immigration matters, including experience with SAPCR, family, or guardianship cases in Texas state courts; preparing affirmative asylum applications; representing clients in USCIS interviews; drafting substantive motions/filings; and appearing at Individual Hearings in Immigration Court. Law school experience may be considered.
- Commitment to serving immigrants and sensitivity to the needs of low-income, culturally diverse clients.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of clients, cases, and data.
- Advanced legal research and writing skills, along with excellent organizational skills.
- Strong communication skills, including trauma-informed and child-friendly interviewing abilities, and an appreciation of multicultural experiences.
- Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations.
- Must possess a Texas Driver’s License, have a clean driving record, own a vehicle, and maintain applicable auto insurance.
- Ability to pass federal and statewide background checks and submit to drug testing upon hire.

Salary Information:
- The position offers a starting salary of $80,000 annually.
- The organization provides outstanding benefits, including medical and dental insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, long-term disability leave, and paid time off.