myPadilla is a virtual platform that connects criminal defense attorneys representing indigent noncitizens with immigration counsel in order to meet Padilla obligations and better serve clients. This project is supported by the Texas Indigent Defense Commission that has recognized the need for Padilla counsel throughout the state of Texas. In its pilot year myPadilla served 26 counties in central Texas and has since expanded throughout the state of Texas.

 

Position:

myPadilla is looking for an attorney with crimmigration experience who is interested in managing and growing this new and innovative program.While the myPadilla attorney will be providing services to criminal defense attorneys outside of Travis county, the myPadilla program will collaborate and work closely with the CAPDS team to facilitate and support the growth of the myPadilla project.We are looking for a motivated and innovative immigration specialist to join our team as the myPadilla program manager and attorney. The perfect candidate is someone who is organized, has strong communication skills, and is a self-starter.

 

MyPadilla is an independent grant funded position (with expectation for continued funding annually), that will be a part of the Capital Area Private Defender Service (“CAPDS”). CAPDS is a Managed Assigned Counsel program that handles the vast majority of indigent defense cases in Travis County. CAPDS uses a holistic defense model, placing the client at the center of the representation. We provide in house Padilla services to criminal defense attorneys representing indigent clients in Travis County. While the myPadilla attorney will be providing services to criminal defense attorneys outside of Travis county, the myPadilla program will collaborate and work closely with the CAPDS team to facilitate and support the growth of the myPadilla project.

 

Responsibilities:

• Provide advice to criminal defense lawyers about the immigration consequences of criminal convictions in Texas in response to requests received through the online platform
• Conduct outreach, CLE, and trainings both online and throughout the myPadilla grant service area to ensure that defense attorneys are aware of and utilize the service.
• Proactively engage with and provide resources to the defense bar about crimmigration concepts
• Be tech-curious: someone who appreciates the efficiencies of technology for delivery of legal services and will troubleshoot and monitor to ensure the tool is working effectively
• Be responsible for grant reporting, data collection, and evaluating the successes and needs of the program

 

 

Qualifications:

• J.D. from accredited law school;
• licensed attorney in the State of Texas;
• minimum of 1 year experience in immigration law;
• minimum of 1 year experience with immigration consequences of criminal activity;
• demonstrated commitment to serving clients impacted by immigration and criminal
• systems
• knowledge of criminal law
• self-starter with initiative and willingness to work both independently and as part of a
• team
• interest and desire to leverage technology in the delivery of legal services
• experience conducting trainings and presentations preferred
• Spanish speaking candidate preferred but not required

 

How to Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@capds.org as one document with “myPadilla attorney” in the subject line. Only electronic communications will be accepted.
Please demonstrate in your cover letter that you meet the minimum qualifications. Priority given to applications received by June 15, 2022.