H-1B Visa Staff Attorney Jobs
H-1B visa jobs for Staff Attorneys are available at law firms, corporations, nonprofits, and government contractors that sponsor foreign national legal professionals. The role qualifies as a specialty occupation because it requires a Juris Doctor degree. Employers file an LCA with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS to initiate sponsorship.
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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 212+ H-1B Visa Staff Attorney Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Staff Attorney Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Staff Attorney
Verify your JD meets specialty occupation standards
USCIS treats the Staff Attorney role as a specialty occupation tied specifically to a Juris Doctor degree. Confirm your foreign law degree has been evaluated for U.S. equivalency by a credentialed credential evaluator before your employer files the I-129 petition.
Check your bar admission status before applying
Many employers require active bar admission in the state where the position is based. If your bar admission is pending, clarify this with the hiring team early so the LCA worksite and job duties reflect your actual authorized scope of practice at filing time.
Target employers with in-house immigration infrastructure
Law firms and large corporations with dedicated immigration counsel process H-1B visa petitions faster and with fewer errors. Search Migrate Mate to find Staff Attorney openings at employers who have an active H-1B visa sponsorship history verified through DOL disclosure data.
Align your offer letter with LCA wage level requirements
Your employer must certify your offered wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for the Staff Attorney SOC code at the specific worksite location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the applicable wage level before negotiating your offer, so you can flag any gaps early.
Confirm each worksite has a separate certified LCA
If your Staff Attorney role involves work at multiple office locations or client sites, each distinct worksite requires its own certified LCA before USCIS will approve the petition. Raise this with your employer's immigration counsel when your offer is extended, not after the I-129 is filed.
Plan your timeline around the H-1B cap selection
Staff Attorney roles at private law firms and for-profit corporations are subject to the annual H-1B cap. The selection rules have changed recently, so confirm the current registration process with USCIS well before the filing window opens to avoid missing eligibility deadlines.
H-1B Visa Staff Attorney: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Staff Attorney role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. A Staff Attorney position requires a Juris Doctor as a minimum entry requirement, which satisfies USCIS's specialty occupation standard. The JD must be in a directly related field, law, and your employer must document that the degree is a normal requirement for the specific role, not just a preferred qualification listed in the job posting.
Can a foreign-trained lawyer get H-1B sponsorship as a Staff Attorney?
Yes, but your foreign law degree must be evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. Juris Doctor by a recognized credential evaluation service before your employer files the I-129 petition with USCIS. Additionally, some employers require bar admission in the relevant state, so check whether your role requires licensure and whether your bar eligibility is established before the offer stage.
How do I find employers who sponsor H-1B visas for Staff Attorney roles?
Browse Staff Attorney listings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with verified H-1B sponsorship history drawn from DOL Labor Condition Application data. Focus on large law firms, Fortune 500 legal departments, financial institutions, and healthcare systems, as these employers sponsor H-1B petitions for Staff Attorneys regularly and have established immigration compliance infrastructure in place.
How long does H-1B status last for a Staff Attorney position?
USCIS grants initial H-1B status for up to three years, with one extension available for a total maximum of six years. If your employer has filed a PERM labor certification or an I-140 immigrant petition on your behalf before the six-year limit is reached, additional extensions beyond six years may be available under specific statutory provisions.
What happens to my H-1B status if I move to a different law firm?
H-1B status is employer-specific, so changing law firms requires your new employer to file a new I-129 petition with USCIS. Under H-1B portability rules, you can begin working for the new employer once the petition is filed and received by USCIS, without waiting for final approval, as long as your prior status was lawfully maintained and you have been in H-1B status for at least 180 days.