OPT Assistant Corporation Counsel Jobs
Assistant Corporation Counsel positions at city and county law offices qualify as specialty occupations under OPT, requiring a J.D. and active bar admission. Most municipal legal departments can sponsor H-1B visas, making these roles a strong option for OPT students with a law degree seeking long-term work authorization.
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$54,986.00 - $110,200.00 Annually
Location
Michigan, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
20254091133LAWjs
Department
Law
Opening Date
05/07/2026
Closing Date
5/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
1800
Description
LAW DEPARTMENT - TRANSACTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL
We represent Detroit in all civil actions. Established by the Detroit City Charter, the Law Department is an independent agency that represents the interests of the City of Detroit as a corporate body. The Department is headed by the Corporation Counsel, whose mission is to provide a variety of legal services to the City, its elected officials, departments, agencies, offices, commissions, and boards, as well as its individual employees, in their official capacity.
The Department has dozens of attorneys, specializing in various areas, who provide legal advice, opinions, and counsel clients; defend all legal actions against the City; prosecute violations of State Law and/or City Ordinances on behalf of the people of the City of Detroit; and assist in drafting City ordinances and other legal instruments, including all transactional and contractual documents which would legally bind the city.
Department attorneys, under general supervision, perform difficult and specialized professional legal work in preparation for litigation of complex and/or major lawsuits for assigned departments whose functions and activities are such as to present specialized legal problems; and/or performs difficult and specialized transactional work necessary for the advising and counsel of clients.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (may perform other duties as assigned)
- Draft, review and negotiate contracts for goods and services, grants, pre-bid documents and other agreements for the provision of goods and services for the City’s Executive and Legislative branches.
- Preparation and negotiation of agreements and other documentation for the acquisition, conveyance, and development of real property.
- Provide advice and counsel regarding management and maintenance of the City’s real estate portfolio.
- Advice on zoning, land use, environmental, regulatory, and administrative law matters.
- Preparation of legal opinions and other legal analyses.
- Serve as counsel to various City boards and commissions.
- Perform special projects at the direction of superiors.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications (required):
- Juris Doctorate degree from an approved American Bar Institution
- Minimum of (2) two years of relevant experience preferred
Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:
- License to practice law in the State of Michigan.
- Membership in the State Bar of Michigan
Equivalency: Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
- Interview: 70%
- Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
- Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional points may be awarded for:
- Veteran Points: 0-15 points
- Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of the techniques of legal research, particularly as applied to municipal corporation law.
- Knowledge of legal subjects and of State of Federal statutes as are applicable to municipal corporation law.
- Knowledge of municipal codes and ordinances.
- Skill in legal research.
- Skill in developing legal arguments and application of legal principles to difficult legal problems.
- Skill in legal writing and drafting.
- Skill in effective problem-solving techniques.
- Skill in organization and planning and managing multiple priorities.
- Skill in interpersonal communication.
- Ability to display independent judgment, maturity and be proactive in handling legal matters.
- Ability to display judicial temperament and poise.
Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
- Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
- Dental
- Vision
INSURANCE
- Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
- Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
- In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply;
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
- Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
Salary
$54,986.00 - $110,200.00 Annually
Location
Michigan, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
20254091133LAWjs
Department
Law
Opening Date
05/07/2026
Closing Date
5/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
1800
Description
LAW DEPARTMENT - TRANSACTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL
We represent Detroit in all civil actions. Established by the Detroit City Charter, the Law Department is an independent agency that represents the interests of the City of Detroit as a corporate body. The Department is headed by the Corporation Counsel, whose mission is to provide a variety of legal services to the City, its elected officials, departments, agencies, offices, commissions, and boards, as well as its individual employees, in their official capacity.
The Department has dozens of attorneys, specializing in various areas, who provide legal advice, opinions, and counsel clients; defend all legal actions against the City; prosecute violations of State Law and/or City Ordinances on behalf of the people of the City of Detroit; and assist in drafting City ordinances and other legal instruments, including all transactional and contractual documents which would legally bind the city.
Department attorneys, under general supervision, perform difficult and specialized professional legal work in preparation for litigation of complex and/or major lawsuits for assigned departments whose functions and activities are such as to present specialized legal problems; and/or performs difficult and specialized transactional work necessary for the advising and counsel of clients.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (may perform other duties as assigned)
- Draft, review and negotiate contracts for goods and services, grants, pre-bid documents and other agreements for the provision of goods and services for the City’s Executive and Legislative branches.
- Preparation and negotiation of agreements and other documentation for the acquisition, conveyance, and development of real property.
- Provide advice and counsel regarding management and maintenance of the City’s real estate portfolio.
- Advice on zoning, land use, environmental, regulatory, and administrative law matters.
- Preparation of legal opinions and other legal analyses.
- Serve as counsel to various City boards and commissions.
- Perform special projects at the direction of superiors.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications (required):
- Juris Doctorate degree from an approved American Bar Institution
- Minimum of (2) two years of relevant experience preferred
Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:
- License to practice law in the State of Michigan.
- Membership in the State Bar of Michigan
Equivalency: Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
- Interview: 70%
- Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
- Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional points may be awarded for:
- Veteran Points: 0-15 points
- Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of the techniques of legal research, particularly as applied to municipal corporation law.
- Knowledge of legal subjects and of State of Federal statutes as are applicable to municipal corporation law.
- Knowledge of municipal codes and ordinances.
- Skill in legal research.
- Skill in developing legal arguments and application of legal principles to difficult legal problems.
- Skill in legal writing and drafting.
- Skill in effective problem-solving techniques.
- Skill in organization and planning and managing multiple priorities.
- Skill in interpersonal communication.
- Ability to display independent judgment, maturity and be proactive in handling legal matters.
- Ability to display judicial temperament and poise.
Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
- Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
- Dental
- Vision
INSURANCE
- Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
- Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
- In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply;
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
- Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
See all OPT Assistant Corporation Counsel Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Assistant Corporation Counsel Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Assistant Corporation Counsel
Confirm your OPT end date before applying
Assistant Corporation Counsel hiring cycles at government law offices can run three to six months. Calculate your OPT expiration date and apply early enough that your start date falls within your authorized period, including any STEM OPT extension if applicable.
Verify bar admission requirements by jurisdiction
Most municipal law departments require active bar admission in the state where the office operates. Confirm you're admitted or pending admission before applying, since OPT authorization alone won't satisfy the core licensure requirement for this role.
Target government employers with H-1B cap-exempt status
Public universities and nonprofits affiliated with government agencies are often cap-exempt for H-1B purposes. Prioritize city attorney offices and public interest organizations that have sponsored international attorneys before, as they're more likely to understand the process.
Ask about sponsorship history during the interview
Government law offices vary widely in H-1B sponsorship experience. Asking directly whether the office has sponsored international attorneys before is appropriate and signals you've done your research, not that you're a flight risk.
Use your J.D. to qualify for STEM OPT if your program qualifies
Most J.D. programs do not qualify for STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree classification with your DSO early, since a 12-month standard OPT window creates a tighter timeline for completing the hiring process at government employers.
Highlight your practice area alignment in your cover letter
Municipal law offices handle litigation, land use, labor relations, and regulatory enforcement. Matching your coursework or clinic experience to the office's specific practice areas increases your chances, particularly when hiring managers are unfamiliar with OPT work authorization.
Assistant Corporation Counsel OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Assistant Corporation Counsel?
Yes. Assistant Corporation Counsel roles qualify as specialty occupations under OPT because they require a J.D. and typically active bar admission. Your OPT Employment Authorization Document authorizes you to work in a role directly related to your degree field. Make sure your offer letter reflects the legal practice area your J.D. covers.
Do government law offices sponsor H-1B visas for Assistant Corporation Counsel positions?
Many do, but practices vary by jurisdiction. Larger city and county attorney offices in major metro areas have established processes for sponsoring international attorneys, while smaller municipal offices may not. Some government-affiliated legal employers qualify as cap-exempt H-1B sponsors, which means they can file outside the annual lottery. Research each employer's sponsorship history before applying.
Where can I find Assistant Corporation Counsel jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists government and public sector legal jobs that are open to international candidates on OPT. Filtering by role type and employer lets you identify municipal law offices that have a track record of sponsoring work visas, which saves time compared to applying broadly and asking about sponsorship after the interview.
Does bar admission affect my OPT eligibility for this role?
OPT eligibility depends on your degree field, not your bar admission status. However, most Assistant Corporation Counsel positions require active bar admission as a condition of employment, separate from OPT authorization. If you're pending admission, disclose that early in the process. Some offices will extend conditional offers while you wait for results.
What happens if my OPT expires before the hiring process is complete?
If your OPT expires before you receive a formal offer or start date, you lose authorization to work in the U.S. and cannot begin the role. Government hiring timelines can stretch four to six months. Apply early, communicate your OPT end date proactively with HR, and explore whether a cap-gap extension applies if an H-1B petition is filed on your behalf before April 1.