Information for Prospective pro bono Attorneys

As a nonprofit organization serving the underrepresented immigrant community of Austin, PAPA relies on the collaboration of concerned professionals. Please feel free to contact our staff with any questions about becoming a pro bono attorney.

Programs in need of pro bono Attorneys
The following are descriptions of the projects we are currently working on which would benefit greatly from pro bono assistance:

Program Representing Immigrant Survivors of Abuse (PRISA) - Attorney will assist clients in developing and filing a VAWA claim, including the affidavit and supporting documentation. We have had incredible success with the cases we've filed - we currently have a 100% grant rate! Attorneys will also be needed in defending battered women and children against deportation in court hearings in San Antonio.

Asylum Seeker Assistance Program (ASAP) - We continue to represent asylum seekers both before the Houston Asylum Office, before the Immigration Court, and the Board of Immigration Appeals. Last year, we received invaluable assistance in this area by pro bono attorneys. While access to asylum has been severely limited by the imposition of a one-year deadline to apply, there are new areas of defense as well for asylum seekers with the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Convention Against Torture.

Detention Education and Representation Program (DERP) - Pro bono attorneys are needed for bond hearings and to represent detainees, both while in detention and after their release, in such claims as asylum, adjustment of status, and cancellation of removal. We also need pro bono attorneys from the immigration bar to give on-the-spot consultations to underrepresented detainees.

PAPA Support Services

Training - PAPA will not refer a client to an attorney before the attorney is adequately prepared. Trainings by reputable and experienced authorities in the immigration and nationalization field are free to attorneys willing to commit to take at least one pro bono case. Course materials and manuals are also free as a resource for pro bono work. Trainings are approved for CLE credit hours for both presenters and attendees. Trainings are focused on the specific projects that we undertake and deal with technical skills needed to address the cases and clients.

Client Referral Upon Approval - PAPA will determine the income eligibility and available possible remedies. A pro bono Attorney will then be called. Upon response, the pro bono will be given complete intake information, documentation from PAPA's files, and the client's contact information. The pro bono will then be able to make further arrangements. To continue with the client representation.

Contact Information - PAPA will provide useful forms, addresses, and phone numbers for contacting Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Immigration Court and any other resources as needed.

Space - PAPA can make arrangements for alternative meeting places, either at PAPA's offices or at another location.

Mentoring – PAPA has a small but experienced and knowledgeable legal staff available to mentor pro bonos regarding the cases referred them.

Malpractice Insurance - All pro bono work done for PAPA referred cases is covered by the CIMA Liability Protection program for Legal Services and Public Defender Professionals.

Co-Counsels (as available) - Many pro bono attorneys are available in other areas of the state or nationwide to serve as co-counsels or would simply be willing to collaborate ideas and energy to approaching a demanding case.

Translator and Interpreters - If needed, PAPA will make arrangements to find a translator or interpreter.

Court Reporters and Deposition Transcription Services - Referrals to volunteer services offered through the Texas Court Reporters Association can be made if needed.
Personnel Support-Paralegal or Law Student Assistance - PAPA can match law students and student volunteers to assist the pro bono attorney. Law students are authorized to appear before INS and Immigration courts with the client, attorney, and presiding official's authorization

Expectations of the pro bono Attorney

* Timely attendance to case

* Timely updates with PAPA

* Professional Services Agreement

* Respect for Client

* Case Confirmation form

* Copies of all documents filed

* Case Closure Reporting

* Client is expected to provide filing fees, except those that can be waived