Green Card Staff Attorney Jobs
Staff Attorney roles at law firms, corporate legal departments, and nonprofits qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM labor certification, giving you a permanent path to U.S. residency. Employers must complete a prevailing wage determination and recruitment test before filing your I-140 petition with USCIS.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Under the direction of the Director of the Water Justice Clinic, advise clients on potential governance structures, regulatory and corporate compliance, funding options, and rate policies for their water systems; draft and negotiate local government consolidation agreements, land and water rights contracts, corporate bylaws, and asset transfer agreements; provide legal assistance to communities that seek funding for capital improvement projects for drinking water; supervise Clinic students; design and present community education trainings; research and draft comment letters to administrative agencies and local governments on issues affecting drinking water; and develop and implement media strategies to raise awareness.
Apply By Date
November 23, 2026 at 11:59pm
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
- JD from ABA-accredited law school; admission and good standing in the California Bar.
- Experience with environmental or land use law, transactional law, or with federal, state or municipal government law.
- Experience interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing legal statutes, regulations, case law, documents, policies, and procedures; proficiency using legal research tools and services (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
- Experience supervising and managing junior lawyers or law students.
- Commitment to working and teaching in a multicultural environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to serve clients from a wide variety of cultures and experiences.
- Commitment to public interest law and to the strategic and creative use of law for social change.
- Strong work ethic, attention to detail, initiative, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in community-based advocacy, community organizing, teaching, or rural legal services.
- Spanish language proficiency.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
- 85% - Research, Analyses & Legal Representation
- 15% - Outreach and Campus Activities
Department Overview
UC DAVIS SCHOOL OF LAW The UC Davis School of Law is consistently ranked among the premier law schools in the United States overall and in terms of faculty and student quality and diversity. The school has nearly 600 Juris Doctor (JD) students enrolled in the full-time 3-year program, as well as a LL.M Program, certificates in Public Service Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Immigration Law, Intellectual Property Law and Tax Law, and Joint Degree programs, including JD/MBA, and JD/MA. The Water Justice Clinic partners with community organizations and drinking water systems to address current failures in providing safe drinking water throughout rural California. The Clinic utilizes transactional legal tools as well as administrative and policy advocacy to remove the structural and financial barriers that limit low-income communities' access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr.
- Salary Frequency: Annual
- Salary Grade: Grade 25
- UC Job Title: STDT LEGAL SVC ADVISOR 3
- UC Job Code: 000558
- Appointment Type: Staff: Contract - 1 year contract with possibility of extension or conversion to career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday – Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Location: Davis, CA
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Travel required - A valid California driver’s license is needed to visit off-site events and meetings.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role - or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
INTRODUCTION
Under the direction of the Director of the Water Justice Clinic, advise clients on potential governance structures, regulatory and corporate compliance, funding options, and rate policies for their water systems; draft and negotiate local government consolidation agreements, land and water rights contracts, corporate bylaws, and asset transfer agreements; provide legal assistance to communities that seek funding for capital improvement projects for drinking water; supervise Clinic students; design and present community education trainings; research and draft comment letters to administrative agencies and local governments on issues affecting drinking water; and develop and implement media strategies to raise awareness.
Apply By Date
November 23, 2026 at 11:59pm
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
- JD from ABA-accredited law school; admission and good standing in the California Bar.
- Experience with environmental or land use law, transactional law, or with federal, state or municipal government law.
- Experience interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing legal statutes, regulations, case law, documents, policies, and procedures; proficiency using legal research tools and services (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
- Experience supervising and managing junior lawyers or law students.
- Commitment to working and teaching in a multicultural environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to serve clients from a wide variety of cultures and experiences.
- Commitment to public interest law and to the strategic and creative use of law for social change.
- Strong work ethic, attention to detail, initiative, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in community-based advocacy, community organizing, teaching, or rural legal services.
- Spanish language proficiency.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
- 85% - Research, Analyses & Legal Representation
- 15% - Outreach and Campus Activities
Department Overview
UC DAVIS SCHOOL OF LAW The UC Davis School of Law is consistently ranked among the premier law schools in the United States overall and in terms of faculty and student quality and diversity. The school has nearly 600 Juris Doctor (JD) students enrolled in the full-time 3-year program, as well as a LL.M Program, certificates in Public Service Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Immigration Law, Intellectual Property Law and Tax Law, and Joint Degree programs, including JD/MBA, and JD/MA. The Water Justice Clinic partners with community organizations and drinking water systems to address current failures in providing safe drinking water throughout rural California. The Clinic utilizes transactional legal tools as well as administrative and policy advocacy to remove the structural and financial barriers that limit low-income communities' access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr.
- Salary Frequency: Annual
- Salary Grade: Grade 25
- UC Job Title: STDT LEGAL SVC ADVISOR 3
- UC Job Code: 000558
- Appointment Type: Staff: Contract - 1 year contract with possibility of extension or conversion to career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday – Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Location: Davis, CA
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Travel required - A valid California driver’s license is needed to visit off-site events and meetings.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role - or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
See all 185+ Green Card Staff Attorney Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Staff Attorney Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Staff Attorney
Get your bar admission records ready
PERM requires documenting your credentials precisely. Gather certified transcripts, bar admission certificates from every jurisdiction where you're licensed, and any foreign law degree equivalency evaluations before your employer begins the prevailing wage determination with DOL.
Target employers with dedicated immigration counsel
Law firms and corporate legal departments that already retain immigration attorneys move through PERM faster. During interviews, ask directly whether the company has sponsored attorneys before and who handles the filing internally or through outside counsel.
Search Migrate Mate for verified green card sponsors
Use Migrate Mate to find employers with documented EB-2 and EB-3 Staff Attorney sponsorship history, so you're applying to companies already familiar with the PERM recruitment and prevailing wage requirements for legal roles.
Understand how your bar jurisdiction affects PERM
PERM's recruitment test requires the employer to advertise the role with the minimum requirements tied to the actual position. If your bar admission is in a state different from the job location, confirm with the employer that the posted requirements accurately reflect where you'll practice.
File your I-140 before switching firms
Once your I-140 is approved, your priority date can transfer to a new employer's petition. AC21 job portability also protects you if your I-485 has been pending 180 days or more and the new role is in the same or similar occupation, letting you change employers without losing your place in the queue.
Check your priority date against the USCIS Visa Bulletin
EB-2 and EB-3 categories have per-country annual limits, and nationals of high-demand countries can face significant backlogs. Review the monthly Visa Bulletin published by USCIS to track when your priority date becomes current before USCIS can approve your adjustment of status.
Green Card Staff Attorney: Frequently Asked Questions
Which green card category fits a Staff Attorney role, EB-2 or EB-3?
Most Staff Attorney positions qualify under EB-2 because the role typically requires a Juris Doctor, which is an advanced degree. If the employer structures the position as requiring only a bachelor's degree plus relevant experience, EB-3 professional may apply instead. Your employer's immigration counsel determines the category based on the actual minimum requirements stated in the PERM job description.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B sponsorship for attorneys?
Green card sponsorship is permanent: the goal is lawful permanent residence, not a temporary status. The process involves PERM labor certification filed with DOL, which requires a prevailing wage determination and a formal recruitment test proving no qualified U.S. workers were available. There is no lottery. Priority date backlogs can delay the final step, particularly for nationals of India or China, unlike most H-1B visa cases which resolve within the petition period.
What does the PERM recruitment test require for a Staff Attorney job?
PERM requires the employer to conduct a formal recruitment campaign before filing with DOL. For professional positions like Staff Attorney, this typically includes two Sunday newspaper advertisements, a job posting on the employer's internal website, and three additional recruitment steps from a DOL-approved list. The employer must document that no minimally qualified U.S. workers applied and were rejected without lawful reason.
How do I find law firms and legal departments that sponsor green cards?
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers with verified EB-2 and EB-3 sponsorship history for legal roles. Many large law firms and Fortune 500 legal departments sponsor regularly, but smaller firms may only do so case by case. Asking about past sponsorship during early-stage interviews helps you qualify employers before investing time in the process.
Can I change employers after my PERM is approved but before my green card is issued?
Yes, under two separate rules. Once your original employer's I-140 is approved, your priority date can be transferred to a new employer's I-140 petition. Separately, AC21 job portability lets you change employers in the same or similar occupation if your I-485 adjustment of status application has been pending for at least 180 days, without losing your place in the queue.