Immigration Attorney

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.

Systems, Data & Workflow Management: 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.

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. 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 emailADACoordinator@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: 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.