OPT City Attorney Jobs
City Attorney jobs are classified as specialty occupations, making them eligible for F-1 OPT work authorization. Most positions require a J.D. and active bar admission in the relevant state. STEM OPT extension does not apply to law roles, so your 12-month OPT timeline is the primary window to secure H-1B visa or other long-term sponsorship.
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The Law Office of Usman B. Ahmad, PC is dedicated to serving a diverse group of clients including individual clients and corporations across all 50 states and throughout the world in all areas of U.S. immigration law. The firm’s practice areas also include real estate, estate planning, bankruptcy, and business, matrimonial and family law. Our office is located in Long Island City, NY and is supported by over 35 immigration professionals. A career at UBA gives you the opportunity to work with a diverse group of professional colleagues who are passionate about immigration.
Our legal team is seeking an Associate Attorney with excellent written and oral communication skills with 2+ years of immigration experience to provide support to our Trial Team.
Responsibilities:
- Appearing in Immigration Court on behalf of clients; representing clients in adjustment of status and naturalization interviews.
- Supervise the work of paralegal staff in recordkeeping and document preparation.
- Other duties as required.
Requirements
- Candidates with 2+ years of immigration experience required including removal defense, cancellation of removal, and Withholding.
- Strong writing skills.
- JD required.
- Member of State Bar (NY preferred).
Please forward a resume; cover letter and an immigration writing sample. (a 601 affidavit, appeal or a motion preferred).
Compensation
- Salary: From $95,000.00 per year.
We offer competitive compensation, 401(k) profit sharing plan, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, health insurance options, short term and long term disability insurance and life insurance.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
Job Summary
The Law Office of Usman B. Ahmad, PC is dedicated to serving a diverse group of clients including individual clients and corporations across all 50 states and throughout the world in all areas of U.S. immigration law. The firm’s practice areas also include real estate, estate planning, bankruptcy, and business, matrimonial and family law. Our office is located in Long Island City, NY and is supported by over 35 immigration professionals. A career at UBA gives you the opportunity to work with a diverse group of professional colleagues who are passionate about immigration.
Our legal team is seeking an Associate Attorney with excellent written and oral communication skills with 2+ years of immigration experience to provide support to our Trial Team.
Responsibilities:
- Appearing in Immigration Court on behalf of clients; representing clients in adjustment of status and naturalization interviews.
- Supervise the work of paralegal staff in recordkeeping and document preparation.
- Other duties as required.
Requirements
- Candidates with 2+ years of immigration experience required including removal defense, cancellation of removal, and Withholding.
- Strong writing skills.
- JD required.
- Member of State Bar (NY preferred).
Please forward a resume; cover letter and an immigration writing sample. (a 601 affidavit, appeal or a motion preferred).
Compensation
- Salary: From $95,000.00 per year.
We offer competitive compensation, 401(k) profit sharing plan, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, health insurance options, short term and long term disability insurance and life insurance.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a City Attorney
Target municipal employers early
City and county governments hire on fixed budget cycles. Applications typically open months before a position starts. Starting outreach six to nine months before your OPT end date gives you the best chance of landing an offer with enough runway.
Confirm bar admission eligibility before applying
Most City Attorney roles require active bar admission in the hiring state. Research your state's bar eligibility rules for F-1 visa holders before applying, since some states have residency or citizenship requirements that could affect your candidacy.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship explicitly and early
Government employers rarely advertise sponsorship willingness upfront. Raise the question during the offer stage, not after. Frame it as a straightforward process requirement, and confirm whether the city has sponsored attorneys on H-1B visa in previous hiring cycles.
Highlight public sector legal experience
Internships with district attorneys, public defenders, or regulatory agencies signal readiness for government legal work. Emphasize any clinical placements or clerkships in your materials. Municipal hiring committees value demonstrated familiarity with public law over private sector experience.
Understand your OPT reporting obligations
Any change in employer, job title, or work location must be reported to your DSO within ten days. City Attorney positions with multiple departments or office locations can trigger reporting requirements. Stay current with your SEVP portal updates throughout employment.
Build relationships with your law school's public interest office
Law school public interest and government affairs offices often maintain direct contacts at city attorney offices. These relationships can surface unadvertised openings and connect you with alumni who have navigated OPT-to-sponsorship transitions in government legal roles.
City Attorney OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as City Attorneys?
Yes. City Attorney positions qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT because they require a J.D. and state bar admission in a specific professional field. Your OPT authorization covers full-time employment with a city or county government legal office. STEM OPT extension does not apply to law roles, so your authorization period is limited to 12 months unless you secure alternative long-term status.
Do city governments sponsor H-1B visas for attorneys?
Some do, but it varies significantly by jurisdiction. Larger municipal governments with established HR and legal infrastructure are more likely to have sponsored H-1B petitions before. Smaller cities may lack the administrative capacity or legal counsel familiar with the process. When evaluating offers, ask specifically whether the city has sponsored H-1B visas for attorneys in the past three years. You can browse City Attorney roles at employers open to sponsorship on Migrate Mate.
Does bar admission affect my OPT eligibility for City Attorney roles?
Bar admission affects your ability to perform the job, not your OPT authorization itself. Your OPT work authorization is tied to your degree field and employment in a related specialty occupation. However, most City Attorney positions require active bar admission before you can begin work. If you're awaiting bar results, some jurisdictions allow supervised practice under a provisional license, which may satisfy the role requirement during that window.
What happens to my OPT status if my City Attorney employment ends?
You enter a 60-day grace period beginning the day your employment ends. During this period you cannot work, but you can search for a new position. Any new employer must fall within your OPT authorization field, which for law graduates means a role requiring a J.D. or equivalent legal training. Report the employment change to your DSO promptly and update your SEVP portal within ten days of separation.
Can F-1 students work part-time as City Attorneys on OPT?
Yes, post-completion OPT permits both full-time and part-time employment. However, USCIS requires that you work a minimum of 20 hours per week to remain in valid OPT status. Part-time City Attorney roles, such as contract or staff attorney positions with reduced hours, satisfy this requirement. Ensure your employment agreement specifies hours clearly so your DSO can document compliant employment if your status is ever reviewed.