OPT Assistant General Counsel Jobs
Assistant General Counsel roles fall squarely within OPT's specialty occupation requirement, as they demand a J.D. and active bar admission. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if your law degree qualifies) starts the day you begin work, so timing your bar passage and job search carefully matters.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Assistant General Counsel. Our ideal candidate will advise agency staff on legal matters and represent DTA in court and at administrative hearings.
DTA attracts people passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Advises agency staff on privacy, security and confidentiality issues.
- Assists in public procurements, including advising the selection board on procurement law, and reviewing and drafting requests for proposals, agency contracts and interagency agreements.
- Interpret laws, rules, regulations, and quasi-judicial decisions and opinions related to DTA operations.
- Confers with other agency staff in drafting proposed regulations and legislation for submission to the Legislature and analyzes proposed legislation to determine its impact on agency activities.
- Conducts legal research and drafts legal opinions.
- Responds to requests made to DTA pursuant to the Public Records Law and the Fair Information Practices Act.
- Represents and provides legal support to DTA and its personnel in civil litigation, court, administrative hearings, and depositions as assigned.
- Liaise with the Office of the Attorney General on major class action litigation as assigned.
- In person day in Boston location.
Required Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of law including constitutional law and administrative law.
- Knowledge of the procedures followed in courtroom proceedings.
- Knowledge of the methods of technical and general report writing.
- Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures.
- Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
- Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions and contracts.
- Ability to understand, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, procedures, guidelines, and policies governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
- Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of legal data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
- Ability to write clearly and persuasively.
- Ability to use computer word processing programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent research, writing, and oral skills, and ability to handle complex legal issues are essential.
- Ability to work well with other attorneys, program administrators and other staff.
- Knowledge of federal and state welfare programs and administrative law.
- Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.
Agency Mission:
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Counsel II
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place
Job: Legal Services
Agency: Department of Transitional Assistance
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Sep 18, 2026, 7:18:09 AM
Number of Openings: 2
Salary: 92,081.60 - 134,338.36 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Natasha Lugo (Natasha.Lugo@mass.gov) - 8572830119
Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Assistant General Counsel. Our ideal candidate will advise agency staff on legal matters and represent DTA in court and at administrative hearings.
DTA attracts people passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Advises agency staff on privacy, security and confidentiality issues.
- Assists in public procurements, including advising the selection board on procurement law, and reviewing and drafting requests for proposals, agency contracts and interagency agreements.
- Interpret laws, rules, regulations, and quasi-judicial decisions and opinions related to DTA operations.
- Confers with other agency staff in drafting proposed regulations and legislation for submission to the Legislature and analyzes proposed legislation to determine its impact on agency activities.
- Conducts legal research and drafts legal opinions.
- Responds to requests made to DTA pursuant to the Public Records Law and the Fair Information Practices Act.
- Represents and provides legal support to DTA and its personnel in civil litigation, court, administrative hearings, and depositions as assigned.
- Liaise with the Office of the Attorney General on major class action litigation as assigned.
- In person day in Boston location.
Required Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of law including constitutional law and administrative law.
- Knowledge of the procedures followed in courtroom proceedings.
- Knowledge of the methods of technical and general report writing.
- Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures.
- Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
- Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions and contracts.
- Ability to understand, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, procedures, guidelines, and policies governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
- Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of legal data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
- Ability to write clearly and persuasively.
- Ability to use computer word processing programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent research, writing, and oral skills, and ability to handle complex legal issues are essential.
- Ability to work well with other attorneys, program administrators and other staff.
- Knowledge of federal and state welfare programs and administrative law.
- Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.
Agency Mission:
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Counsel II
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place
Job: Legal Services
Agency: Department of Transitional Assistance
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Sep 18, 2026, 7:18:09 AM
Number of Openings: 2
Salary: 92,081.60 - 134,338.36 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Natasha Lugo (Natasha.Lugo@mass.gov) - 8572830119
Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
See all 41+ OPT Assistant General Counsel Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Assistant General Counsel Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Assistant General Counsel
Target companies with dedicated legal departments
Large corporations, financial institutions, and tech companies maintain in-house legal teams that hire regularly and have established immigration compliance processes. They're far more likely to understand OPT work authorization than smaller firms without dedicated HR support.
Lead with your bar admission status
Most Assistant General Counsel roles require active bar admission in at least one U.S. state. Confirm your bar status upfront in applications. Employers screening for this requirement will filter out candidates who don't address it clearly and early.
Emphasize your practice area specialization
In-house legal teams hire for specific needs: employment law, contracts, regulatory compliance, IP, or M&A. Tailoring your application to match the company's industry and legal needs dramatically improves your chances over a generalist approach.
Start your search at least four months before OPT begins
Legal hiring moves slowly. Background checks, conflicts assessments, and offer approvals take time at larger employers. Beginning your search well before your OPT authorization date gives you realistic runway to land an offer before your window opens.
Prepare to explain OPT confidently to hiring managers
Many in-house legal teams haven't hired on OPT before. A one-paragraph explanation of your authorization period, the employer's verification obligation, and the H-1B visa transition pathway removes uncertainty and shows the professional clarity they expect from legal talent.
Use Migrate Mate to find employers already sponsoring legal roles
Filtering for companies that have previously sponsored legal professionals saves significant time. Migrate Mate surfaces these employers, so you're focusing your applications on organizations already familiar with work authorization rather than educating every hiring manager from scratch.
Assistant General Counsel OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Assistant General Counsel role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Assistant General Counsel positions require a J.D. and bar admission, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard that underpins OPT eligibility. The role must be directly related to your legal field of study. If your degree is in law and the position requires legal expertise, the connection is straightforward and well-supported.
Can I work as an Assistant General Counsel during the 60-day OPT grace period?
No. The 60-day grace period between jobs does not authorize employment. You cannot begin or continue working as an Assistant General Counsel during that window. You must secure a new position and update your SEVIS record before starting work. The grace period exists only for job searching and immigration planning, not active employment.
Do employers need to do anything special to hire me on OPT as an Assistant General Counsel?
The process is simpler than most employers expect. They verify your Employment Authorization Document, confirm the role aligns with your field of study, and update their I-9 records. No government petition or approval is required during OPT itself. The complexity only arises later if they pursue H-1B sponsorship, which most legal employers are already familiar with.
Where can I find Assistant General Counsel jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. It surfaces in-house legal roles at employers who have sponsored work visas before, so you're not spending time on companies that will reject you at the authorization question. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers in Migrate Mate is the most efficient way to build a targeted application list for counsel roles.
Does my J.D. qualify for the STEM OPT extension to extend my work authorization?
No. A J.D. is not classified as a STEM degree under the Department of Homeland Security's STEM designated degree program list, so it does not qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Your OPT authorization is limited to 12 months. Planning your H-1B sponsorship timeline well before that window closes is essential for maintaining continuous work authorization in a legal role.