OPT Assistant Counsel Jobs
Assistant Counsel roles sit at the intersection of legal practice and corporate compliance, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with a J.D. or law-related degree. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, gives you meaningful runway to secure employer sponsorship for long-term status.
See All OPT Assistant Counsel JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 239+ Assistant Counsel jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 239+ Assistant Counsel Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Assistant Counsel roles.
Get Access To All JobsEmployment Type:
Full time
Shift:
Day Shift
POSITION PURPOSE
Provides legal services for the Trinity Health System Office and assigned Ministries as a member of the Trinity Health Legal Department and in coordination with the needs of the System Office and assigned Ministries' senior management teams and consistent with the strategies and priorities of the organization. Responsible for handling a variety of routine to moderately complex legal matters or projects. Work requires independent judgment and often requires direct client contact.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Knows, understands, incorporates and demonstrates the mission, vision and values of Trinity Health in leadership behaviors, practices and decisions. Performs a variety of legal work, while developing expertise in one or more practice areas, as part of the Trinity Health Legal Department under direction/supervision of a senior attorney. Meets routinely with the supervising attorney to establish priorities and manage expectations for the delivery of legal services. Prepares formal memoranda and legal opinion on subjects that require extensive legal research. Consults and advises with and performs a variety of legal assignments for Ministries and System Office colleagues. Resolves or oversees matters involving substantial monetary amounts or other substantial risk to Trinity Health under direction/supervision of a senior attorney. Represents the interests of the assigned Ministries and Trinity Health in contacts with outside parties including attorneys, managers and officials of other companies and government agencies. Provides legal counsel to System Office and/or assigned Ministries and their operating entities or Service Area with respect to matters either in the particular field of law where the attorney has special expertise, or in the general field of corporate healthcare law. May perform legal services of a system-wide benefit, including as part of a Center of Excellence or practice group of the Trinity Health Legal Department. May advise management on developments in the area of expertise or corporate healthcare law in which the attorney specializes and which may impact Trinity Health. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws/regulations; Trinity Health's policies and procedures, as well as the Organizational Integrity Program, and Standards of Conduct, in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Licensed attorney holding a J.D. degree from a recognized law school. Must have a minimum of four (4) years experience practicing law with some experience in the practice of corporate healthcare law preferred, including the laws affecting tax-exempt organizations, with demonstrated legal capability covering diverse legal assignments that occasionally include legal matters of major significance. Must possess highly effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to relate directly, openly, and effectively with both internal and external constituencies. Must possess the ability to work independently on routine matters. However, is expected to seek guidance and accept supervision on more complicated matters or where substantial amounts of money or significant other risks to Trinity Health are involved. Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment. Attorney’s work is subject to review by other, more senior members of the Legal Department. Must possess strong conceptual and analytical skills. Must possess strong negotiation skills. Must possess strong interpersonal and consultative skills. Ability to deal tactfully with diverse people, situations and ideas and present advisory, persuasive and authoritative recommendations to all levels of the organization. Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals and values of Trinity Health.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to set and organize own work priorities, and adapt to them as they change frequently. Must be able to work concurrently on a variety of tasks/projects in an environment that may be stressful with individuals having diverse personalities and work styles. Operates in a typical office environment. The area is well-lit, temperature controlled and free from hazards. Communicates frequently, in person and over the phone, with people in all locations on product support issues. Hearing is needed for extensive telephone and in person communication. Manual dexterity is needed in order to operate a computer keyboard. Must possess the ability to comply with Trinity Health policies and procedures.
This position is located at System Office in Livonia, Michigan or one or more assigned Ministries. Must be able to travel to the various Trinity Health sites.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties so assigned.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Type:
Full time
Shift:
Day Shift
POSITION PURPOSE
Provides legal services for the Trinity Health System Office and assigned Ministries as a member of the Trinity Health Legal Department and in coordination with the needs of the System Office and assigned Ministries' senior management teams and consistent with the strategies and priorities of the organization. Responsible for handling a variety of routine to moderately complex legal matters or projects. Work requires independent judgment and often requires direct client contact.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Knows, understands, incorporates and demonstrates the mission, vision and values of Trinity Health in leadership behaviors, practices and decisions. Performs a variety of legal work, while developing expertise in one or more practice areas, as part of the Trinity Health Legal Department under direction/supervision of a senior attorney. Meets routinely with the supervising attorney to establish priorities and manage expectations for the delivery of legal services. Prepares formal memoranda and legal opinion on subjects that require extensive legal research. Consults and advises with and performs a variety of legal assignments for Ministries and System Office colleagues. Resolves or oversees matters involving substantial monetary amounts or other substantial risk to Trinity Health under direction/supervision of a senior attorney. Represents the interests of the assigned Ministries and Trinity Health in contacts with outside parties including attorneys, managers and officials of other companies and government agencies. Provides legal counsel to System Office and/or assigned Ministries and their operating entities or Service Area with respect to matters either in the particular field of law where the attorney has special expertise, or in the general field of corporate healthcare law. May perform legal services of a system-wide benefit, including as part of a Center of Excellence or practice group of the Trinity Health Legal Department. May advise management on developments in the area of expertise or corporate healthcare law in which the attorney specializes and which may impact Trinity Health. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws/regulations; Trinity Health's policies and procedures, as well as the Organizational Integrity Program, and Standards of Conduct, in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Licensed attorney holding a J.D. degree from a recognized law school. Must have a minimum of four (4) years experience practicing law with some experience in the practice of corporate healthcare law preferred, including the laws affecting tax-exempt organizations, with demonstrated legal capability covering diverse legal assignments that occasionally include legal matters of major significance. Must possess highly effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to relate directly, openly, and effectively with both internal and external constituencies. Must possess the ability to work independently on routine matters. However, is expected to seek guidance and accept supervision on more complicated matters or where substantial amounts of money or significant other risks to Trinity Health are involved. Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment. Attorney’s work is subject to review by other, more senior members of the Legal Department. Must possess strong conceptual and analytical skills. Must possess strong negotiation skills. Must possess strong interpersonal and consultative skills. Ability to deal tactfully with diverse people, situations and ideas and present advisory, persuasive and authoritative recommendations to all levels of the organization. Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity and caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals and values of Trinity Health.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to set and organize own work priorities, and adapt to them as they change frequently. Must be able to work concurrently on a variety of tasks/projects in an environment that may be stressful with individuals having diverse personalities and work styles. Operates in a typical office environment. The area is well-lit, temperature controlled and free from hazards. Communicates frequently, in person and over the phone, with people in all locations on product support issues. Hearing is needed for extensive telephone and in person communication. Manual dexterity is needed in order to operate a computer keyboard. Must possess the ability to comply with Trinity Health policies and procedures.
This position is located at System Office in Livonia, Michigan or one or more assigned Ministries. Must be able to travel to the various Trinity Health sites.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties so assigned.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
See all 239+ OPT Assistant Counsel Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Assistant Counsel Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Assistant Counsel
Clarify your bar admission status upfront
Many Assistant Counsel roles require bar admission in at least one U.S. state. If you've passed the bar, lead with that credential. If not, target roles explicitly open to J.D. graduates pending admission or focused on compliance rather than litigation.
Apply before your OPT start date
Legal hiring timelines often run eight to twelve weeks from application to offer. Submitting applications two to three months before your OPT authorization begins ensures you can start work without gaps that could complicate your status or an employer's onboarding process.
Understand how OPT gap rules affect legal roles
F-1 OPT students may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during their authorization period. Assistant Counsel positions often take longer to fill, so maintaining part-time or contract legal work between applications helps protect your status.
Ask specifically about the employer's H-1B sponsorship history
During interviews, ask whether the legal department has sponsored H-1B or O-1 visas before. Employers with a track record understand the process and timeline, reducing the risk that a sponsorship conversation will stall after you've already joined the team.
Highlight compliance and regulatory experience for STEM adjacency
If your law degree included a concentration in technology, health sciences, or engineering law, emphasize it. Some employers classify compliance-heavy legal roles under STEM-adjacent categories, which can open conversations about STEM OPT extension eligibility with your DSO.
Assistant Counsel OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Assistant Counsel in the United States?
Yes. F-1 students who have completed a J.D. or relevant law-related degree can work as Assistant Counsel under post-completion OPT. Your Employment Authorization Document authorizes full-time employment in your field of study. The role must be directly related to your degree, which legal and compliance positions typically satisfy without issue.
Do Assistant Counsel roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Standard J.D. programs are not classified under a STEM CIP code, so most Assistant Counsel roles do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on their own. However, if your degree is in a STEM field such as computer science or biomedical engineering and your legal role involves substantial technical compliance work, discuss the specifics with your DSO to assess eligibility.
How do I find Assistant Counsel jobs where employers are open to OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers willing to sponsor F-1 OPT students, saving you from applying to roles where sponsorship is a non-starter. Searching there focuses your effort on companies that have already indicated openness to work authorization support, which matters especially in legal hiring where offer-to-start timelines can be tight.
What visa options should I plan for after my OPT period ends as an Assistant Counsel?
The H-1B is the most common path for lawyers moving from OPT to long-term status, but it requires winning the annual lottery, which runs in March for an October 1 start. Some Assistant Counsel roles at qualifying nonprofit or government legal offices may be cap-exempt. The O-1A is another option if you've built a distinguished legal record with publications, awards, or significant cases.
Does bar admission affect my ability to work as Assistant Counsel on OPT?
OPT authorization itself does not require bar admission. However, the role description often does. Many in-house Assistant Counsel positions require admission to practice in at least one state, while others accept J.D. holders pending admission for compliance-focused work. Read each job description carefully and address your bar status directly in your application to avoid late-stage rejections.