Corporate Counsel Jobs for OPT Students
Corporate Counsel roles qualify for OPT work authorization because they require at minimum a J.D. degree, meeting the specialty occupation standard STEM-designated law programs may also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most in-house legal teams at mid-size and large companies actively hire OPT candidates for contract review, compliance, and regulatory work.
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Get Access To All JobsCorporate Counsel | High-Growth SaaS | Alpharetta
Our team has been retained by a premier, publicly traded SaaS leader in the Hospitality Technology space to find a high-impact Corporate Counsel. If you are a tech attorney who is tired of "black and white" legal work and thrives in the "gray area" where business strategy meets law, this is your next move. Our client operates with the high-octane energy of a start-up but with the stability and resources of a global public company.
The "Inside Track" on the Role
This isn't a "hide in the library" legal position. You will be the primary legal partner for a tenured, high-performing sales organization and will have direct exposure to C-suite leadership.
- SaaS Mastery: You’ll manage negotiations for a portfolio of 30+ cutting-edge products.
- True Autonomy: Our client "hires adults." They don't micromanage; they expect a mature professional who can make independent decisions and provide "go-to" counsel without handholding.
- Fast-Paced Growth: This role was created due to expansion. You’ll wear multiple hats, moving from M&A transactions to product launches and international governance.
Unrivaled Benefits & Culture
Our client boasts some of the strongest retention we’ve seen in the Atlanta market, and for good reason:
- Day-One Peace of Mind: Full medical/dental/vision benefits start on your first day.
- CEO Commitment: In an incredible show of culture, employee benefit premiums have not increased in nine years —the company absorbs those costs.
- Financial Upside: Competitive base salary + bonus + Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) + 401k match (up to 3%).
- Time Off: A generous "earn as you go" PTO policy, personal days, floating holidays, and 10 paid company holidays.
- The Office: Modern, high-end suite with free parking and a flexible onsite schedule once you're up to speed.
What You Bring to the Table
- Experience: 3+ years of legal experience, specifically drafting and negotiating SaaS and technology agreements.
- Education: JD from an accredited law school and an active Bar membership.
- The "Vibe": You are proactive, agile, and ready to "jump in" where needed. You understand that in a high-growth environment, "that’s not my job" isn't in the vocabulary.
- Communication: Ability to translate complex legal risks into clear, actionable advice for non-legal stakeholders.
Interested in an Insider Introduction?
We have a direct line to the hiring team and can provide detailed insights into the firm's growth trajectory and leadership style.
Apply today for consideration. Only those meeting the client's requirements will be contacted.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. Robert Half is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Robert Half project lawyers do not constitute a law firm among themselves. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
Corporate Counsel | High-Growth SaaS | Alpharetta
Our team has been retained by a premier, publicly traded SaaS leader in the Hospitality Technology space to find a high-impact Corporate Counsel. If you are a tech attorney who is tired of "black and white" legal work and thrives in the "gray area" where business strategy meets law, this is your next move. Our client operates with the high-octane energy of a start-up but with the stability and resources of a global public company.
The "Inside Track" on the Role
This isn't a "hide in the library" legal position. You will be the primary legal partner for a tenured, high-performing sales organization and will have direct exposure to C-suite leadership.
- SaaS Mastery: You’ll manage negotiations for a portfolio of 30+ cutting-edge products.
- True Autonomy: Our client "hires adults." They don't micromanage; they expect a mature professional who can make independent decisions and provide "go-to" counsel without handholding.
- Fast-Paced Growth: This role was created due to expansion. You’ll wear multiple hats, moving from M&A transactions to product launches and international governance.
Unrivaled Benefits & Culture
Our client boasts some of the strongest retention we’ve seen in the Atlanta market, and for good reason:
- Day-One Peace of Mind: Full medical/dental/vision benefits start on your first day.
- CEO Commitment: In an incredible show of culture, employee benefit premiums have not increased in nine years —the company absorbs those costs.
- Financial Upside: Competitive base salary + bonus + Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) + 401k match (up to 3%).
- Time Off: A generous "earn as you go" PTO policy, personal days, floating holidays, and 10 paid company holidays.
- The Office: Modern, high-end suite with free parking and a flexible onsite schedule once you're up to speed.
What You Bring to the Table
- Experience: 3+ years of legal experience, specifically drafting and negotiating SaaS and technology agreements.
- Education: JD from an accredited law school and an active Bar membership.
- The "Vibe": You are proactive, agile, and ready to "jump in" where needed. You understand that in a high-growth environment, "that’s not my job" isn't in the vocabulary.
- Communication: Ability to translate complex legal risks into clear, actionable advice for non-legal stakeholders.
Interested in an Insider Introduction?
We have a direct line to the hiring team and can provide detailed insights into the firm's growth trajectory and leadership style.
Apply today for consideration. Only those meeting the client's requirements will be contacted.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. Robert Half is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Robert Half project lawyers do not constitute a law firm among themselves. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Corporate Counsel
Target companies with established legal departments
Large corporations with dedicated legal teams are more likely to have HR infrastructure to support OPT work authorization. Focus on companies with 500-plus employees where in-house counsel headcount justifies hiring international graduates.
Emphasize your J.D. and bar admission status
Employers hiring Corporate Counsel need someone who can practice law. Lead with your J.D., the state you're admitted to practice in, and any pending bar applications. Sponsorship conversations go smoother when your credentials are unambiguous.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Corporate legal hiring moves slowly. Background checks, conflict screenings, and onboarding paperwork for attorneys take four to eight weeks. Start applying three to four months before your OPT authorization begins to avoid gaps.
Frame H-1B sponsorship as a low-lift for legal employers
In-house legal departments already work with outside counsel on immigration matters. Many are more comfortable sponsoring H-1B than hiring managers in other departments. Address sponsorship directly and offer to explain the process if needed.
Prioritize contract, compliance, and privacy roles first
Contract management, regulatory compliance, and data privacy are the highest-volume Corporate Counsel entry points. These areas have persistent demand and are commonly filled by candidates still on OPT at companies comfortable with work authorization timelines.
Corporate Counsel jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as Corporate Counsel on OPT?
Yes. Corporate Counsel roles require a J.D. degree at minimum, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard that makes OPT work authorization valid for the position. You'll need to be authorized to practice law in the state where you'll be working, so bar admission status matters alongside your OPT authorization.
Do Corporate Counsel jobs typically come with H-1B sponsorship?
Many do, particularly at companies with 500-plus employees that already work with outside immigration counsel. In-house legal teams tend to understand the H-1B process better than other departments. The most straightforward way to find Corporate Counsel roles where employers are open to OPT and sponsorship is to browse Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for visa-friendly opportunities.
Does my law school's STEM designation affect my OPT timeline as a Corporate Counsel candidate?
It can meaningfully. If your J.D. program holds a STEM designation, typically programs with a technology law, cybersecurity law, or data privacy concentration, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of your initial 12 months. That gives you 36 months of total work authorization, which makes employers significantly more willing to hire before committing to H-1B sponsorship.
What practice areas hire Corporate Counsel on OPT most often?
Contract management, data privacy, regulatory compliance, and employment law are the most active hiring areas for entry-level Corporate Counsel on OPT. These functions have high transaction volume and persistent headcount needs at technology companies, financial services firms, and healthcare organizations. Roles tied to specific regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX compliance are especially common.
How should I handle the OPT and bar admission conversation with employers?
Address both upfront and together. Confirm your OPT end date, whether you're pursuing STEM extension eligibility, and your bar admission status or timeline in your first substantive conversation. Employers evaluating Corporate Counsel candidates need to know you can legally practice in their jurisdiction. Combining both topics in one clear statement prevents confusion and builds credibility with hiring managers.
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