The Capital Area Private Defender Service (CAPDS) is a 501(c)(3) charged with improving the quality of indigent defense in Travis County through supporting, managing, and training over 200 court-appointed attorneys. We are seeking a full-time immigration attorney with a commitment to social justice to work in partnership with attorneys to ensure that attorneys are giving appropriate immigration advice and to help assist attorneys advocate for the best possible plea for their clients in light of the immigration consequences. Part of this position will include training attorneys in the use of an immigration specialist in a criminal case.
Job Duties Include:
• Assist in the implementation and design of an immigration specialist with a managed assigned counsel program;
• In person immigration consultations at each jail reduction docket;
• Provide a written legal memo on each case not on the jail reduction docket;
• Maintain database on country conditions research for attorney use in plea negotiations;
• Accompany criminal defense attorney to plea negotiations to explain immigration process;
• Testify as an immigration expert in some limited circumstances;
• Host regular CLE trainings on the intersection of immigration law and criminal law for private and assigned counsel;
• Make jail visits and phone calls to family members to assist assigned counsel in obtaining necessary information regarding their client’s immigration status;
• Track outcomes of cases after immigration advice was provided;
• Maintain records on each case for use in any potential post-conviction hearings;
• Provide immigration legal service referrals, as needed.
Requirements:
• Licensed attorney in the State of Texas, or the ability to waive into the Texas Bar;
• Minimum three years immigration experience;
• Knowledge of criminal law;
• Ideal candidate will have “crim-imm” experience;
• Commitment to a client-centered practice;
• Interest in social justice;
• Ability to work in busy and hectic environment;
• Must speak Spanish.
To apply: Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected] as one document with ‘immigration attorney’ in the subject line. Only electronic communications will be accepted. Please demonstrate in your cover letter that you meet the minimum qualifications. Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be considered. Application deadline is August 22, 2016 or until filled.