Position Description

Position Overview:

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office is a holistic, client-centered office committed to providing high-quality representation to indigent clients. As part of our commitment to comprehensive defense, we seek an experienced immigration attorney to guide attorneys and clients through the immigration consequences of criminal charges and dispositions under Padilla v. Kentucky, ensuring informed and effective advocacy at every stage of representation.

This position provides written Padilla advisals to public defenders, court appointed attorneys and private counsel on potential immigration consequences of pending criminal charges, plea offers, and resulting dispositions/convictions. Other duties may include written requests to withdraw/cancel ICE detainers issued against noncitizen clients, advocating with ICE, and jail visits to obtain client information/immigration history.

This person will have extensive experience with immigration law and will serve as a resource, lending this expertise to public defenders managing their caseload. The Immigration Attorney will provide training guidance as well as Continuing Legal Education (CLE) instruction to public defenders. The Immigration Attorney will also keep public defenders updated on legislative changes and emerging issues in the field of immigration law. Manages referral system by providing written Padilla advisals to Public Defenders, court-appointed attorneys and private counsel about the potential immigration consequences of criminal offenses and dispositions.

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

Requirements

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Criminal or Civil jury trial experience.
A minimum of ten (10) years of immigration law experience. in addition, either:
- A minimum of five (5) years of crimmigration experience, providing Padilla advisals to defense counsel OR
- A minimum of five (5) years experience representing noncitizens in immigration proceedings who have had contact with criminal legal system.

Licensure:

Current license to practice law with the State of Texas.
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

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

Fluent Spanish
Fluency in multiple languages

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

Regular Full-time
Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Salary:

Depends on Qualifications
Based on 26 Pay Periods
- Plus, benefits

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

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

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Assistant Public Defender, Immigration Specialist