Cabrini | Temporary Senior Attorney

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the Houston-Galveston area is seeking a Senior Attorney for their Unaccompanied Children’s Program. This role involves supervising a legal team, providing immigration legal services, and engaging in community outreach. Candidates must possess a J.D., be licensed in Texas or eligible for licensure, and have strong legal research and writing skills. The position offers an opportunity to impact immigrant rights and support vulnerable populations.

Qualifications

• At least one year of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Licensed in Texas or eligible to take the bar exam, with licensure within one year.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation before USCIS, Immigration Court, and other agencies.
• Maintain case files, monitor case status, and manage 30-40 active cases.
• Oversee legal team, evaluate performance, and provide training.

Skills

Bilingual in Spanish and English

Strong legal research and writing skills

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Ability to manage high caseloads and meet deadlines

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: San Felipe - Houston, TX

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Admin - Clerical

Description

Catholic Charities seeks dedicated individuals eager to serve their community within a family-friendly environment dedicated to doing good in the Houston-Galveston area. We value and invest in our employees, welcoming people of all faiths who help those in need.

The Senior Attorney for the Unaccompanied Children’s Program is a key member of the supervisory team at Cabrini Center, helping to set strategic priorities, and develop policies and procedures for the program. This role supervises a legal team providing immigration legal services, including outreach, education, workshops, intake, research, and individual representation. The Senior Attorney should develop expertise in immigration law, stay current with legal developments, and mentor attorneys, pro bono counsel, paralegals, and interns. The role also involves identifying issues for impact advocacy and systemic change.

Responsibilities

1. Direct Representation: Provide legal representation before USCIS, Immigration Court, and other agencies on immigration matters such as asylum and removal defense. Tasks include client interviews, legal research, drafting petitions, and preparing clients for interviews and hearings.
2. Case Management: Maintain case files, monitor case status, and support reviews. Manage 30-40 active cases.
3. Meetings: Conduct team and individual meetings, participate in agency and external meetings and advocacy efforts.
4. Contract and Compliance: Ensure adherence to contract requirements, provide data and reports, and participate in training.
5. Outreach: Engage in community legal education, legal consultations, and workshops, involving pro bono counsel as needed.
6. Personnel Supervision: Oversee legal team, evaluate performance, and provide training.
7. Expertise Development: Deepen knowledge in immigration law areas like U visas, T visas, VAWA, naturalization, and more.
8. Advocacy: Promote immigrant rights through policy work and collaboration.
9. Community Engagement: Work with leadership to assess and meet community needs.
10. Program Administration: Develop policies and train staff to ensure high-quality legal services.
11. Shelter Operations: Oversee shelter staffing, operations, and stakeholder relationships.
12. Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Expertise:

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school
• Licensed in Texas or eligible to take the bar exam, with licensure within one year
• At least one year of leadership or supervisory experience
• Bilingual in Spanish and English

Skills and Assets:

• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage high caseloads and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience with immigrant communities and multicultural understanding is a plus

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a discrimination-free environment. Successful applicants must comply with federal vaccine mandates. Your work will support vulnerable populations and promote community well-being.