Legal Counsel Jobs at Qualcomm with Visa Sponsorship
Qualcomm hires Legal Counsel across intellectual property, licensing, and commercial transactions, with a consistent track record of sponsoring international attorneys who bring specialized expertise. If you're targeting a legal career in the tech and semiconductor space, Qualcomm actively supports the visa filing process for qualified candidates.
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INTRODUCTION
Qualcomm is seeking an experienced litigation attorney to join our legal team to support the company’s businesses when involved in patent and other IP litigation, commercial disputes, other complex litigation, and related legal issues. This role will help to manage our company’s interests in court, arbitration, mediation, and other legal proceedings. It will also advise our management on legal matters, risks, and strategies.
LOCATION
San Diego, CA (Qualcomm policy requires 5 days a week on average in the office); This position requires travel, as necessary.
Principal Duties And Responsibilities
- Managing and leading teams of internal and external resources to achieve successful outcomes while managing matters to budget.
- Developing case strategies and budgets as well as active involvement in patent litigation matters, which typically will include the management of outside counsel, factual investigations, pretrial pleadings, discovery, motions practice and dispute resolution (whether by settlement, trial, or ADR).
- Managing patent invalidation proceedings at the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board and equivalent foreign agencies.
- Collaborating with internal and external resources in preventative initiatives.
- Developing and delivering training on various legal subjects.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Juris Doctorate degree from accredited law school
- Active bar membership in CA or qualification to obtain admission in CA (which may be through in-house counsel admission)
- Nine+ years of relevant experience as a patent litigator in private practice or as in-house litigation counsel
- Broad knowledge of patent law and procedures for litigating patent cases before U.S. District Courts and the U.S. International Trade Commission
- Experience managing teams handling patent litigation
- Team player with capacity to lead cases independently and to serve as part of a team handling other cases
- Excellent judgment and common sense
- Strategic and innovative thinker
- Pragmatic, technical-focused attorney
- Strong advocacy skills, particularly involving technology and complex legal issues
- Ability to communicate effectively with clients, management, outside counsel, and the court
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Ability to effectively manage outside counsel and cases within budget
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a proactive and problem-solving mindset, while managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or other technical discipline preferred, but not required.
- Registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office preferred, but not required.
- Experience with cases outside the U.S. is helpful, but not required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Juris Doctorate degree or international equivalent.
- 8+ years of relevant experience as counsel at a law firm or in-house.
- Active bar license to practice law in the state or jurisdiction where the employee will be practicing (or ability to obtain upon hiring).
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification. Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay Range And Other Compensation & Benefits
- $191,800.00 - $287,600.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link. If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

INTRODUCTION
Qualcomm is seeking an experienced litigation attorney to join our legal team to support the company’s businesses when involved in patent and other IP litigation, commercial disputes, other complex litigation, and related legal issues. This role will help to manage our company’s interests in court, arbitration, mediation, and other legal proceedings. It will also advise our management on legal matters, risks, and strategies.
LOCATION
San Diego, CA (Qualcomm policy requires 5 days a week on average in the office); This position requires travel, as necessary.
Principal Duties And Responsibilities
- Managing and leading teams of internal and external resources to achieve successful outcomes while managing matters to budget.
- Developing case strategies and budgets as well as active involvement in patent litigation matters, which typically will include the management of outside counsel, factual investigations, pretrial pleadings, discovery, motions practice and dispute resolution (whether by settlement, trial, or ADR).
- Managing patent invalidation proceedings at the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board and equivalent foreign agencies.
- Collaborating with internal and external resources in preventative initiatives.
- Developing and delivering training on various legal subjects.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Juris Doctorate degree from accredited law school
- Active bar membership in CA or qualification to obtain admission in CA (which may be through in-house counsel admission)
- Nine+ years of relevant experience as a patent litigator in private practice or as in-house litigation counsel
- Broad knowledge of patent law and procedures for litigating patent cases before U.S. District Courts and the U.S. International Trade Commission
- Experience managing teams handling patent litigation
- Team player with capacity to lead cases independently and to serve as part of a team handling other cases
- Excellent judgment and common sense
- Strategic and innovative thinker
- Pragmatic, technical-focused attorney
- Strong advocacy skills, particularly involving technology and complex legal issues
- Ability to communicate effectively with clients, management, outside counsel, and the court
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Ability to effectively manage outside counsel and cases within budget
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a proactive and problem-solving mindset, while managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or other technical discipline preferred, but not required.
- Registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office preferred, but not required.
- Experience with cases outside the U.S. is helpful, but not required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Juris Doctorate degree or international equivalent.
- 8+ years of relevant experience as counsel at a law firm or in-house.
- Active bar license to practice law in the state or jurisdiction where the employee will be practicing (or ability to obtain upon hiring).
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification. Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay Range And Other Compensation & Benefits
- $191,800.00 - $287,600.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link. If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
See all 12+ Legal Counsel at Qualcomm jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Legal Counsel at Qualcomm roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Legal Counsel Jobs at Qualcomm Jobs
Align Your Bar Admission to Qualcomm's Needs
Qualcomm's legal team focuses heavily on IP, patent prosecution, and licensing disputes. Before applying, confirm your bar admission covers the jurisdiction where the role is based and that your credentials reflect specialized experience in these practice areas.
Target Roles Tied to Core Licensing Work
Qualcomm's legal function is deeply tied to its licensing business model. Search for Legal Counsel openings that mention chip licensing, FRAND negotiations, or standards-essential patents, these roles are more consistently staffed and tend to have stronger sponsorship precedent.
Time Your Application Around H-1B Cap Deadlines
If you're transitioning from F-1 OPT, your employer must file your H-1B petition in April for an October 1 start date. Start conversations with Qualcomm's recruiting team at least four to five months before your OPT expires to leave room for this timeline.
Use Migrate Mate to Find Open Legal Roles
Qualcomm's Legal Counsel openings don't always surface on general job boards with sponsorship filters. Browse Migrate Mate to find current visa-sponsored Legal Counsel positions at Qualcomm and confirm which roles are actively open to international candidates.
Understand Qualcomm's LCA Filing Requirements
Before Qualcomm can file your H-1B, they must submit a Labor Condition Application to the DOL certifying your offered wage meets the prevailing rate for Legal Counsel in your work location. Review DOL wage data for your metro area so salary discussions align with what Qualcomm can certify.
Prepare for Qualcomm's Internal Sponsorship Review
Large employers like Qualcomm route visa sponsorship decisions through HR and legal operations teams, not just hiring managers. Ask your recruiter early whether the specific role has been approved for sponsorship, and document your current status and authorization expiry date upfront.
Legal Counsel at Qualcomm jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Legal Counsel at Qualcomm JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Qualcomm sponsor H-1B visas for Legal Counsels?
Yes, Qualcomm sponsors H-1B visas for Legal Counsel roles, particularly where candidates bring specialized expertise in intellectual property, patent licensing, or technology transactions. Sponsorship decisions are made on a role-by-role basis through Qualcomm's internal HR and legal operations teams, so confirming sponsorship eligibility during the recruiter screening stage is the most reliable way to verify your specific opening.
How do I apply for Legal Counsel jobs at Qualcomm?
You can find open Legal Counsel positions at Qualcomm through their careers site or through Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for roles open to visa sponsorship. Tailor your application to highlight experience in IP law, licensing, or semiconductor-adjacent legal work. Mention your visa status early in recruiter conversations so sponsorship can be confirmed before the interview process advances.
Which visa types does Qualcomm commonly use for Legal Counsel hires?
Qualcomm sponsors H-1B and H-1B1 visas for Legal Counsel roles, along with TN status for Canadian and Mexican nationals who qualify under USMCA professional categories. For longer-term employment, Qualcomm supports EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process. Candidates on F-1 OPT or CPT can also be hired while petitions are in progress.
What qualifications does Qualcomm expect for Legal Counsel candidates who need sponsorship?
Qualcomm typically looks for a J.D. from an accredited law school, active bar admission in a relevant U.S. jurisdiction, and experience in intellectual property, licensing, or technology law. For sponsored roles, USCIS requires the position to qualify as a specialty occupation, which is generally satisfied by the degree requirement built into legal roles. Candidates with patent bar registration or litigation experience in standards-essential patent disputes are especially competitive.
How do I plan my timeline if I need H-1B sponsorship for a Qualcomm Legal Counsel role?
USCIS opens H-1B registrations in March each year for an October 1 start date, so your offer and registration must be in place before that window. If you're on F-1 OPT, confirm your expiration date and build in at least 90 days for Qualcomm's internal review and DOL Labor Condition Application approval before the USCIS filing deadline. Gaps in status can be costly, so earlier outreach to Qualcomm's recruiting team is better.
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