Cabrini | Lead Attorney

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities seeks a Lead Attorney for the Unaccompanied Minor Program in Houston. This position involves legal representation, mentoring team members, and advocacy work in immigration law. The ideal candidate will have a J.D., be bilingual in English and Spanish, and demonstrate strong legal skills in a community-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Texas or eligible within one year.
• Experience working with immigrant communities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation for detained and released unaccompanied children.
• Manage a caseload of 30-40 active cases.
• Lead and mentor the legal team.

Skills

Legal research

Communication

Negotiation

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Multicultural understanding

Education

J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: San Felipe - Houston, TX

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Graduate Degree

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Travel Percentage: Up to 25%

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Legal

Description

Catholic Charities seeks dedicated individuals to serve their community within a family-friendly organization in the Houston-Galveston area. We prioritize attracting and retaining top talent by investing in our employees. We welcome people of all faiths who are committed to helping those in need.

The Lead Attorney for the Unaccompanied Minor Program, part of the Cabrini Center leadership, provides training, mentorship, and legal representation for both detained and released unaccompanied children. Responsibilities include mentoring legal team members, overseeing case reviews, and ensuring quality legal services in immigration law. The role involves staying current on immigration policies, developing expertise, and contributing to systemic advocacy efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal representation before USCIS, Immigration Court, and other agencies on immigration matters such as asylum and removal defense.
• Manage a caseload of 30-40 active cases, ensuring proper documentation and timely updates.
• Participate in meetings with staff, funders, and community organizations.
• Ensure compliance with contractual and agency requirements, including data reporting.
• Engage in community outreach, legal education, and workshops.
• Lead and mentor the legal team, including attorneys, paralegals, and interns.
• Develop expertise in immigration law areas relevant to unaccompanied minors and advocate for policy changes.
• Oversee shelter team operations and staffing as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas or able to obtain licensure within one year.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Skills and Assets

• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience working with immigrant communities and multicultural understanding is preferred.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a discrimination-free environment. Successful applicants must comply with federal vaccine mandates. Your work will support advocacy and services for vulnerable populations across diverse backgrounds.