Immigration Attorney

Position Description 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 addresses both the immediate criminal matter and the broader legal realities impacting clients’ lives. 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. The role provides written Padilla advisals on the potential immigration consequences of criminal charges and dispositions, ensures advisals are timely and clear, and collaborates closely with interdisciplinary team members to support coordinated, client‑centered representation. The attorney serves as a subject‑matter expert, providing training and continuing legal education, and keeping attorneys and leadership informed of legislative developments and emerging issues in immigration law. Duties and Responsibilities Provide written Padilla advisals to appointed counsel regarding potential immigration consequences. Document all case activity, advisals, and attorney communications in the 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. Accompany criminal defense attorney to plea negotiations to explain immigration processes, where applicable. Provide mitigation letters for negotiation of criminal case resolution and participate in cross‑team case reviews when immigration intersects with housing, treatment, or other stabilization efforts. Systems, Data & Workflow Management Identify and implement processes to increase efficiency in delivery of Padilla services, under the direction of the Holistic Defense Director. Maintain records and track outcomes in the case management system for each case. Provide regular workload updates and trend data to the Holistic Defense Director to support oversight and reporting. Training & Institutional Development 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. Cross‑Team Collaboration & Division Participation 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. Requirements Education and Experience Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law college or university. At least five (5) years of immigration law experience, including providing Padilla advisals, working with detained immigrants, and removal defense. Licensure Texas law license in good standing within the first year of employment. Preferences Multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages, particularly Spanish. Employment Conditions Regular full‑time; hours discussed during departmental interview. Position type: full‑time. Salary: $90,000 – $135,000 annually, depending on qualifications, based on 26 pay periods. Reports to Holistic Defense Director. Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Equal Opportunity Employment Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Employment Opportunity Plan: Criminal History Check 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. Additional Information This 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr