J-1 Visa Legal Assistant Jobs
Legal Assistant roles in the United States are accessible to exchange visitors through the J-1 Trainee or Intern program category, depending on your stage of education or professional experience. Finding a host employer willing to support J-1 sponsorship requires targeting law firms and legal departments that work with designated sponsors to issue your DS-2019.
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Position Information
About Hofstra
At Hofstra University, intellectual curiosity is not just aspirational – it is central to how we engage on a daily basis. Hofstra faculty work within a diverse scholarly community committed to student success, intellectual discovery, free inquiry, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Enrolling more than 10,000 students, Hofstra offers students an array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs spanning the arts, humanities, sciences, business, engineering, law, health care, communications, and more.
Our accomplished faculty collaborate with students to explore interdisciplinary questions and produce innovative research that lays the foundation for future personal and professional success. With a beautiful campus in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra’s location seamlessly merges the tranquility of coastal suburban living with the boundless opportunities of nearby New York City.
Hofstra University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.
Position Title Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge
Position Number 896288
School/Division School of Law
Full-Time or Part-Time Full-Time
Description
The mission of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law is to prepare, challenge and inspire our students to make a difference in the world while we advance important ideas through the legal academy, the profession and society — making an impact of our own. Since 1970, Hofstra Law has provided more than 13,000 students with an education rich in both the theory and experiential skills needed to produce outstanding lawyers, business executives, and community leaders.
The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University is pleased to invite applications for an opening for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge position commencing in either the Summer of 2026 or Fall of 2026. This position will be on a year-to-year renewable contract.
Building on a long-established history of preparing, challenging, and inspiring its students to make an impact in their communities through its clinics, practicums, and pro-bono programs, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University has operated a Federal Civil Litigation Practice Clinical Practicum (the “Practicum”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York’s Central Islip Courthouse since 2019. The Practicum provides limited scope legal assistance for pro se litigants involved in civil proceedings (excluding cases brought on behalf of incarcerated individuals). The services offered by the Practicum may include:
(1) consultation with pro se litigants before they file a complaint to determine whether their case belongs in the EDNY, consistent with jurisdictional and other procedural considerations;
(2) explanation about timing deadlines for filing required pleadings and forms, as well as instructions for amending pleadings;
(3) assistance in filling out forms and pleadings or responsive pleadings;
(4) guidance about various court rules and practices, including any requirements for specific judges;
(5) advice about requirements and purposes of motions practice and discovery requests and responses, as well as available methods for informal discovery and fact investigation;
(6) assistance with settlement of cases;
(7) identification and screening of cases that may be appropriate for referral to pro bono legal service providers;
(8) referral to social services organizations and relevant alternative-dispute resolution programs; and
(9) production of informational resources for pro se litigants.
No permanent attorney/client relationship is formed and pro se litigants are required to review and give informed, written consent to a limited representation retainer agreement. However, where appropriate, the Practicum may provide recurring assistance to clients on any of the above services.
The Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge is responsible for overseeing the Practicum and supervising students who volunteer or are enrolled for credit, and for teaching the Federal Civil Practice Skills course that students enrolled in the Practicum must take and other students may take. The Practicum provides services four days a week, both on-site at the Central Islip courthouse, with drop-in hours and scheduled appointments, and via remote consultations. The Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge also holds weekly supervision meetings and case rounds at Hofstra Law. Specific duties will include:
(1) responsibility for teaching the Federal Civil Practice Skills course and conducting orientation for the law students who work with the Practicum,
(2) outreach and communication with existing and potential community partners and referral sources, including representatives from the EDNY,
(3) oversight of practices and protocols for the Practicum,
(4) drafting grant applications and reports and cultivating sources of support for the Practicum,
(5) collecting, assessing and reporting case data and information,
(6) promoting community engagement and collaborations, including public speaking and written communications about the Practicum,
(7) creation of informational materials for pro se litigants, and
(8) other administrative responsibilities such as maintaining malpractice insurance, case management systems, and a budget for the Practicum.
The Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge will be encouraged and expected to engage in the life of the Law School. The Law School provides administrative assistance, payment of malpractice insurance coverage and bar dues, as well as office and technological supplies and support for the Program.
Qualifications
- A J.D. degree is required.
- Admitted to practice law in New York State or another jurisdiction and admitted or eligible for admission in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
- A minimum of two years of litigation experience in federal court, especially in relevant areas of pro se practice, including civil rights, discrimination, federal employment claims, as well as the willingness and capacity to self-teach new areas of law and/or legal skills.
- Experience supervising, managing, and/or evaluating legal work of law students and/or new attorneys.
- Demonstrated professional judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to and/or experience with the provision of high-quality legal services to low and moderate-income client communities.
- Excellent writing skills, particularly with respect to federal litigation-related documents.
- Solid understanding of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Experience in law office and case management.
- Commitment to teaching, training, and mentorship of law students, including ability to instill reflective practice and provide constructive feedback.
- Sensitivity to ethical issues and ability to analyze the rules of professional responsibility.
Preferred Qualifications
Fluency in a language other than English is preferred.
Special Instructions
Applications should be submitted electronically and include the following:
- A letter of application
- CV
- Names and contact information for three professional references.
Successful candidates will be required to provide official academic transcripts and professional letters of recommendation.
Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Due to volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted to participate in additional application processes as specific needs arise.
Deadline Open until filled
Tenure Track No
Date Posted 04/23/2026
EEO Statement
Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary/Salary Range
- Salary Range: $90,000-$130,000
Additional Information
Hofstra University provides the above salary as a good faith estimate of the starting pay range which considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience and education. In addition to the salary offered, we offer a collegial and inclusive culture, and a benefits program which includes generous paid time off, paid holidays, tuition remission for employees and eligible dependents, and a retirement plan with University contributions.
Salary ranges indicated for positions covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement are in accordance with the CBA.
Position Details
Position Information
About Hofstra
At Hofstra University, intellectual curiosity is not just aspirational – it is central to how we engage on a daily basis. Hofstra faculty work within a diverse scholarly community committed to student success, intellectual discovery, free inquiry, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Enrolling more than 10,000 students, Hofstra offers students an array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs spanning the arts, humanities, sciences, business, engineering, law, health care, communications, and more.
Our accomplished faculty collaborate with students to explore interdisciplinary questions and produce innovative research that lays the foundation for future personal and professional success. With a beautiful campus in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra’s location seamlessly merges the tranquility of coastal suburban living with the boundless opportunities of nearby New York City.
Hofstra University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.
Position Title Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge
Position Number 896288
School/Division School of Law
Full-Time or Part-Time Full-Time
Description
The mission of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law is to prepare, challenge and inspire our students to make a difference in the world while we advance important ideas through the legal academy, the profession and society — making an impact of our own. Since 1970, Hofstra Law has provided more than 13,000 students with an education rich in both the theory and experiential skills needed to produce outstanding lawyers, business executives, and community leaders.
The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University is pleased to invite applications for an opening for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge position commencing in either the Summer of 2026 or Fall of 2026. This position will be on a year-to-year renewable contract.
Building on a long-established history of preparing, challenging, and inspiring its students to make an impact in their communities through its clinics, practicums, and pro-bono programs, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University has operated a Federal Civil Litigation Practice Clinical Practicum (the “Practicum”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York’s Central Islip Courthouse since 2019. The Practicum provides limited scope legal assistance for pro se litigants involved in civil proceedings (excluding cases brought on behalf of incarcerated individuals). The services offered by the Practicum may include:
(1) consultation with pro se litigants before they file a complaint to determine whether their case belongs in the EDNY, consistent with jurisdictional and other procedural considerations;
(2) explanation about timing deadlines for filing required pleadings and forms, as well as instructions for amending pleadings;
(3) assistance in filling out forms and pleadings or responsive pleadings;
(4) guidance about various court rules and practices, including any requirements for specific judges;
(5) advice about requirements and purposes of motions practice and discovery requests and responses, as well as available methods for informal discovery and fact investigation;
(6) assistance with settlement of cases;
(7) identification and screening of cases that may be appropriate for referral to pro bono legal service providers;
(8) referral to social services organizations and relevant alternative-dispute resolution programs; and
(9) production of informational resources for pro se litigants.
No permanent attorney/client relationship is formed and pro se litigants are required to review and give informed, written consent to a limited representation retainer agreement. However, where appropriate, the Practicum may provide recurring assistance to clients on any of the above services.
The Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge is responsible for overseeing the Practicum and supervising students who volunteer or are enrolled for credit, and for teaching the Federal Civil Practice Skills course that students enrolled in the Practicum must take and other students may take. The Practicum provides services four days a week, both on-site at the Central Islip courthouse, with drop-in hours and scheduled appointments, and via remote consultations. The Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge also holds weekly supervision meetings and case rounds at Hofstra Law. Specific duties will include:
(1) responsibility for teaching the Federal Civil Practice Skills course and conducting orientation for the law students who work with the Practicum,
(2) outreach and communication with existing and potential community partners and referral sources, including representatives from the EDNY,
(3) oversight of practices and protocols for the Practicum,
(4) drafting grant applications and reports and cultivating sources of support for the Practicum,
(5) collecting, assessing and reporting case data and information,
(6) promoting community engagement and collaborations, including public speaking and written communications about the Practicum,
(7) creation of informational materials for pro se litigants, and
(8) other administrative responsibilities such as maintaining malpractice insurance, case management systems, and a budget for the Practicum.
The Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge will be encouraged and expected to engage in the life of the Law School. The Law School provides administrative assistance, payment of malpractice insurance coverage and bar dues, as well as office and technological supplies and support for the Program.
Qualifications
- A J.D. degree is required.
- Admitted to practice law in New York State or another jurisdiction and admitted or eligible for admission in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
- A minimum of two years of litigation experience in federal court, especially in relevant areas of pro se practice, including civil rights, discrimination, federal employment claims, as well as the willingness and capacity to self-teach new areas of law and/or legal skills.
- Experience supervising, managing, and/or evaluating legal work of law students and/or new attorneys.
- Demonstrated professional judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to and/or experience with the provision of high-quality legal services to low and moderate-income client communities.
- Excellent writing skills, particularly with respect to federal litigation-related documents.
- Solid understanding of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Experience in law office and case management.
- Commitment to teaching, training, and mentorship of law students, including ability to instill reflective practice and provide constructive feedback.
- Sensitivity to ethical issues and ability to analyze the rules of professional responsibility.
Preferred Qualifications
Fluency in a language other than English is preferred.
Special Instructions
Applications should be submitted electronically and include the following:
- A letter of application
- CV
- Names and contact information for three professional references.
Successful candidates will be required to provide official academic transcripts and professional letters of recommendation.
Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Due to volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted to participate in additional application processes as specific needs arise.
Deadline Open until filled
Tenure Track No
Date Posted 04/23/2026
EEO Statement
Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary/Salary Range
- Salary Range: $90,000-$130,000
Additional Information
Hofstra University provides the above salary as a good faith estimate of the starting pay range which considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience and education. In addition to the salary offered, we offer a collegial and inclusive culture, and a benefits program which includes generous paid time off, paid holidays, tuition remission for employees and eligible dependents, and a retirement plan with University contributions.
Salary ranges indicated for positions covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement are in accordance with the CBA.
See all 6+ Legal Assistant jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Legal Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Legal Assistant
Translate your legal credentials for U.S. employers
Foreign law degrees and paralegal certifications aren't always recognized at face value by U.S. law firms. Request an official credential evaluation and prepare a summary of the specific legal tasks you've handled, mapped to U.S. practice areas like litigation support, contract review, or regulatory compliance.
Distinguish Intern from Trainee before applying
The J-1 Intern category applies if you're currently enrolled in a degree program or graduated within the past 12 months. If you're a legal professional with more than one year of post-degree work experience, you qualify under the Trainee category, which requires a structured training plan filed with your designated sponsor.
Target law firms with existing J-1 host agreements
Many small and mid-size law firms have never hosted a J-1 exchange visitor and don't know how to start. Prioritize firms that have previously worked with designated sponsors like Cultural Vistas or CIEE, since an existing host agreement dramatically shortens your path to a DS-2019.
Use Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned legal roles
Searching general job boards for J-1 Legal Assistant positions wastes time on employers unfamiliar with exchange visitor requirements. Migrate Mate surfaces roles and employers in the legal sector that align with J-1 sponsorship, so you can focus your outreach where it's most likely to lead to an offer.
Confirm your training plan covers substantive legal tasks
Your designated sponsor won't issue a DS-2019 for a role consisting only of filing, copying, or reception duties. The training plan must show measurable skill development in areas like legal research, document drafting, or case management, structured in phases with clear learning objectives.
Check the two-year home residency requirement early
Some J-1 participants are subject to a two-year home-country return requirement before changing to certain other visa statuses. USCIS determines this based on your country of nationality, funding source, and skills list designation, so verify your status before you accept an offer and build long-term U.S. plans.
Legal Assistant jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Legal Assistant JobsLegal Assistant J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Legal Assistant roles?
The right category depends on where you are in your career. If you're currently a law or paralegal student, or graduated within the past 12 months, the J-1 Intern category applies. If you have a degree plus at least one year of full-time legal work experience, the J-1 Trainee category is the correct fit. Each requires a separate training plan and DS-2019 issuance from a State Department-designated sponsor organization.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for a Legal Assistant position?
Your J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like Cultural Vistas or CIEE issue the DS-2019 form that makes your visa application possible. The law firm or legal department that hires you is your host employer. They agree to the training program but are not the official visa sponsor. These two roles are legally distinct.
How do I find Legal Assistant host employers open to J-1 exchange visitors?
Most law firms don't advertise J-1 openings on general job boards, so direct outreach is often necessary. Migrate Mate helps you identify employers and legal roles in the U.S. that align with J-1 sponsorship requirements, saving you from cold-pitching firms that have no framework for hosting exchange visitors. Focus your search on firms in practice areas where your foreign legal background adds clear value.
What does the training plan need to include for a legal role?
Your designated sponsor requires a detailed Training Plan, typically on Form DS-7002, that outlines each phase of your legal training, the specific skills you'll develop, supervision arrangements, and measurable outcomes. For a Legal Assistant role, phases might include legal research methodology, document drafting, discovery support, and court filing procedures. Vague or administrative-only plans are routinely rejected by sponsor organizations.
Can the two-year home residency requirement affect my plans after a J-1 Legal Assistant program?
Yes. If your home country is on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, if you received government funding, or if your exchange was funded by a U.S. government agency, you may be required to return home for two years before changing to an H-1B or obtaining a green card. USCIS makes this determination. Confirm your status before accepting an offer so you can plan your post-program path accurately.
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