Immigration Attorney
Harris County
Houston, TX
$90,000 - $135,000 a year
Description
Position Description
About The Office of Managed Assigned Counsel:
The Harris County Office of Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) supports attorneys in providing high-quality legal representation to people accused of a crime who are unable to afford an attorney. Our holistic model of representation addresses both the immediate criminal matter and the broader legal realities impacting clients’ lives.
Position Overview:
The Immigration Attorney is a key member of the Holistic Defense Team and reports to the Holistic Defense Director. This position provides written advisals pursuant to Padilla v. Kentucky regarding the potential immigration consequences of criminal charges and dispositions and ensures advisals are timely and clear so that appointed counsel can make informed strategic decisions. The Immigration Attorney collaborates closely with interdisciplinary team members, including social workers and resource attorneys, to support coordinated, client centered representation. In addition to providing case-specific immigration advisals, the Immigration Attorney helps ensure consistent and efficient immigration-related practices across the division through clear documentation standards, internal guidance, and coordinated workflows. This role serves as a subject matter expert for MAC-appointed counsel, providing training and continuing legal education while keeping attorneys and division leadership informed of legislative developments and emerging issues in immigration law. The Immigration Attorney performs other duties as assigned by the Holistic Defense Director and/or Executive Director.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide written Padilla advisals to appointed counsel regarding potential immigration consequences.
- Document all case activity, advisals, and attorney communications in Legal Server in accordance with division standards.
- Meet with clients and appointed counsel in jail facilities, court settings, and community locations as necessary to provide timely immigration advisals and case coordination.
- Where applicable, accompany criminal defense attorney to plea negotiations to explain immigration processes.
- Where applicable, provide mitigation letters for negotiation of criminal case resolution. Participate in cross-team case reviews when immigration intersects with housing, treatment, or other stabilization efforts.
- At the direction of the Holistic Defense Director, identify and implement processes to increase efficiency in delivery of Padilla services.
- Maintain records and track outcomes in case management system for each case.
- Provide regular workload updates and trend data to the Holistic Defense Director to support oversight and reporting.
- Provide structured trainings and CLEs to MAC panel attorneys and other stakeholders.
- Develop written training guides, templates, and practice resources.
- Contribute to newsletters and written updates regarding legislative changes and emerging immigration issues.
- Participate in interdisciplinary division meetings and relevant community meetings.
- Collaborate with holistic team members to ensure alignment in client strategy and coordinated service delivery.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Holistic Defense Director and/or Executive Director.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Required Supporting Documents:
- Cover letter
- Updated resume
- Three (3) references that include the nature of the relationship as to each reference in addition to their contact information.
- Writing sample specifically in the area of immigration law that does not exceed 6 double spaced pages.
-
A recent letter of good standing from your state bar of practice.
Applicants who do not completely comply with submission requirements will not be considered for an interview.
ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE ATTACHED AT THE TIME THE APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED.
NO DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION.
Education and Experience:
- A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law college or university.
- At least five (5) years of immigration law experience (representing individuals who have had contact with the criminal legal system), including but not limited to providing Padilla advisals, specifically working with detained immigrants, and removal defense.
Licensure:
- Texas law license in good standing within the first year of employment is required.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
- Multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages, in particular Spanish.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Salary:
Reporting Relationships:
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Ongoing interview | Position will remain open until hire
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
- Regular Full-time
- Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.
Salary:
- $90,000 - $135,000 Annually
- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 Pay Periods
Reporting Relationships:
- Reports To Position: Holistic Defense Director.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Ongoing interview | Position will remain open until hire
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com