H-1B Visa General Counsel Jobs
General Counsel roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they require a Juris Doctor and active state bar membership. Most sponsoring employers are publicly traded companies, large law firms, or multinationals with in-house legal teams and established immigration infrastructure to handle H-1B filing, LCA certification, and prevailing wage compliance.
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INTRODUCTION
We are the people who give possibilities purpose.
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.
We believe that the human element, across our global teams, is what allows us to continually evolve. Join us and discover an environment in which you’ll be supported to learn, grow and become your best self. Become a maker of possible with us.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As Assistant General Counsel, Specimen Management, you will operate as a strategic partner embedded in the business—advising executive leadership, shaping innovation, and driving the legal strategy for one of the most consequential and impactful businesses in the medical device industry.
You’ll be a core member of our Global Law Group, reporting into the Associate General Counsel, Medical Essentials segment, and partnering across the organization to deliver sophisticated legal counsel at speed and scale.
This role offers remarkable breadth: complex commercial agreements, new product launches, cutting-edge innovation programs, and strategic business counseling—all within a globally recognized industry leader.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic legal partner to senior business leaders across the business unit
- Draft, structure, and negotiate complex commercial agreements—including supply, distribution, licensing, collaboration, and strategic partnership deals
- Provide proactive legal counsel on a wide range of corporate and transactional matters, identifying risk and opportunity before they materialize
- Drive legal strategy for new product development and innovation programs, ensuring speed-to-market while managing risk intelligently
- Advise on regulatory and compliance matters specific to the medical device industry, including product lifecycle and commercialization
- Support and advise on clinical trials
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including R&D, medical, regulatory, commercial operations, and finance—to deliver integrated, business-aligned legal solutions
- Protect company interests while enabling growth, partnering with business leaders to find the “yes” in complex situations
- Contribute to the development of scalable legal processes, templates, and playbooks that accelerate deal execution
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with a U.S. state bar
- Significant experience in corporate and commercial/transactional law, with demonstrated expertise in complex agreement drafting and negotiation
- Deep knowledge of commercial contracts across multiple deal types—supply, distribution, licensing, collaboration, and strategic partnerships
- Experience advising and counseling business clients on a range of transactions, providing practical, business-oriented legal guidance
- Familiarity with the medical device or life sciences industry, including regulatory frameworks
- Proven track record as a hands-on lawyer who can operate at both the strategic and tactical level
- Ability to manage multiple high-stakes matters simultaneously in a fast-paced, global environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience advising on clinical trials
- Prior in-house experience at a Fortune 500 or large multinational company
- Background in supporting innovation, new product launches, or R&D-driven business units
For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.
At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. We require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance.
At BD, we are committed to supporting our associates’ well-being, development, and success through a performance-based culture. For this position, BD offers a competitive compensation package along with the following benefits specific to this role:
- Annual Bonus
- Potential Discretionary LTI Bonus
- Potential reimbursement of vehicle use/mileage
- Potential reimbursement of phone use
Health and Well-being Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Health Savings Accounts
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Hospital Care Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Accidental Injury Insurance
- Life and AD&D insurance
- Short-term disability coverage
- Long-term disability insurance
- Long-term care with life insurance
Other Well-being Resources
- Anxiety management program
- Wellness incentives
- Sleep improvement program
- Diabetes management program
- Virtual physical therapy
- Emotional/mental health support programs
- Weight management programs
- Gastrointestinal health program
- Substance use management program
- Musculoskeletal surgery, cancer treatment, and bariatric surgery benefit
Retirement and Financial Well-being
- BD 401(k) Plan
- BD Deferred Compensation and Restoration Plan
- 529 College Savings Plan
- Financial counseling
- Baxter Credit Union (BCU)
- Daily Pay
- College financial aid and application guidance
Life Balance Programs
- Paid time off (PTO), including all required State leaves
- Educational assistance/tuition reimbursement
- MetLife Legal Plan
- Group auto and home insurance
- Pet insurance
- Commuter benefits
- Discounts on products and services
- Academic Achievement Scholarship
- Service Recognition Awards
- Employer matching donation
- Workplace accommodations
Other Life Balance Programs
- Adoption assistance
- Backup day care and eldercare
- Support for neurodivergent adults, children, and caregivers
- Caregiving assistance for elderly and special needs individuals
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Support for fertility, birthing, postpartum, and age-related hormonal changes
Leave Programs
- Bereavement leaves
- Military leave
- Personal leave
- Family and Medical Leave (FML)
- Jury and Witness Duty Leave
WHY JOIN US?
To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.
We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.
PRIMARY WORK LOCATION
USA NJ - Franklin Lakes
WORK SHIFT
At BD, we reward, support and develop our associates through our comprehensive Total Rewards program. We are committed to attracting and retaining high quality talent by providing reward and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture, as well as a competitive package of compensation and benefits programs. You can learn more on our career site under "Our Commitment to You."
Our salary or hourly rate ranges reward associates fairly and competitively. We regularly review these ranges and factors, such as location, contribute to the range displayed.
Our pay is based on the role and the necessary skills and education to perform it successfully. The salary or hourly rate offered is determined by the role's specific requirements, including any applicable step rate pay system at the work location. Salary or hourly pay ranges are influenced by labor laws and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requirements applicable to the work location which may also affect the workplace arrangement of the role.
SALARY RANGE INFORMATION
$220,700.00 - $353,100.00 USD Annual
Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in General Counsel
Verify your bar admission status early
H-1B approval for General Counsel roles depends on active bar admission in at least one U.S. state. Confirm your license is in good standing and not lapsed before USCIS reviews the petition, since a suspended license can trigger an RFE or denial.
Target employers with legal department infrastructure
Companies that already employ in-house counsel are far more likely to have H-1B filing processes in place. Search Migrate Mate to filter for employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history in legal and compliance roles, not just general corporate sponsorship.
Understand prevailing wage tiers for counsel roles
General Counsel positions often fall into wage level III or IV under DOL's four-tier system. Use the OFLC Wage Search to confirm which level applies to your specific job duties and location before negotiating an offer, since the LCA must certify that wage.
Clarify the specialty occupation argument upfront
USCIS scrutinizes legal roles where a J.D. isn't always required by industry practice. Ask prospective employers whether their H-1B attorney has successfully filed for General Counsel positions before, and whether the job description specifically requires a J.D. rather than a law degree being merely preferred.
Account for bar reciprocity if relocating states
If the General Counsel role requires admission in a state where you're not currently licensed, check that state's reciprocity or waiver rules. A bar admission gap during the H-1B period can create compliance problems if the role requires in-state licensure to practice.
Time your H-1B transfer around litigation cycles
General Counsel roles often carry active litigation responsibilities. Changing employers mid-case can complicate H-1B portability under AC21 if the new role differs materially in duties. Confirm the new position description aligns with your approved petition before the transfer takes effect.
H-1B Visa General Counsel: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a General Counsel role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, but the employer's job description must require a J.D. as a minimum entry requirement, not just prefer one. USCIS applies a four-part test to determine specialty occupation status. Roles where a bachelor's in any field is acceptable will not qualify. A well-drafted LCA and supporting employer documentation are essential to satisfying this standard.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for General Counsel positions?
Publicly traded corporations, large technology and finance companies, and multinationals with established in-house legal teams are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for General Counsel roles. These employers already have immigration counsel on retainer and recurring LCA filing history. Migrate Mate lets you filter for employers who have filed H-1B LCAs specifically for legal and compliance positions.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a General Counsel role at a new company?
Yes, H-1B portability under AC21 allows you to start working for a new employer once the transfer petition is filed, as long as your prior H-1B was approved and you've been in valid status. The new employer must file a new I-129, obtain a certified LCA, and the role must still qualify as a specialty occupation under the J.D. requirement.
What happens if my bar license lapses while I'm on an H-1B as General Counsel?
A lapsed bar license can jeopardize your H-1B status if state bar admission is listed as a requirement in the approved petition. USCIS may treat the loss of a required license as a change in the terms of employment, which could trigger a status issue. Notify your employer's immigration attorney immediately and reinstate your license before renewal or any petition amendment is filed.
How does DOL prevailing wage apply to General Counsel H-1B filings?
The employer must certify in the LCA that your offered wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for General Counsel in the relevant geographic area, as defined by DOL. Most General Counsel roles fall into wage level III or IV given their supervisory and strategic scope. You can check applicable wage levels using the OFLC Wage Search before your offer is finalized.