OPT Data Privacy Specialist Jobs
Data Privacy Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in information systems, law, or computer science. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT-eligible under CIP codes tied to information assurance, giving you up to 36 months of authorized work experience in a rapidly growing compliance field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Holland & Knight LLP is seeking a junior-to-mid-level associate to join its nationally recognized Data Strategy, Security & Privacy team in the firm's San Francisco office. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated litigator to build a practice at the intersection of privacy law, cybersecurity, and complex commercial litigation.
About the Team
Holland & Knight's Data Strategy, Security & Privacy team works collaboratively across offices to vigorously represent and defend clients in all aspects of consumer class actions, mass arbitrations, and government enforcement actions arising from privacy, data, and technology-related matters. Associates on the team have the opportunity to develop deep substantive knowledge of privacy, cybersecurity, and consumer protection statutes while sharpening core litigation skills and taking an active, hands-on role in every phase of a matter.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have two to four years of litigation experience and a strong grasp of civil procedure. Candidates should be comfortable working across a mix of large, complex cases and smaller, fast-moving matters, and should demonstrate superior legal research and writing skills.
We are looking for candidates who have experience with, or meaningful exposure to, the following:
- Drafting and contributing to dispositive and procedural motions, including motions to compel arbitration, motions to transfer venue, motions to dismiss for lack of standing, personal jurisdiction, or failure to state a claim, and discovery motions
- Familiarity with California's federal and state courts and their respective local rules, as well as JAMS and AAA arbitration procedures
- Preparing and responding to written discovery and working directly with client witnesses in connection with discovery obligations
- Preparing for mediations
Prior experience in privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, or a technical background is welcome but not required. A strong academic record is expected. Candidates must be admitted to practice law in the State of California.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, law school transcript, and a writing sample consisting of a brief (or a substantial portion of a brief) or other public filing for which the candidate served as the primary author.
This position may be filled in California. In accordance with applicable Pay Transparency Laws, the pay range for this position in this location is $235,000 – 310,000/yr. This range may not be applicable to other locations. An individual's actual compensation will depend on the individual's qualifications and experience.
Job Requirements:
- 2 to 4 years of litigation experience
- Admitted to California Bar
INTRODUCTION
Holland & Knight LLP is seeking a junior-to-mid-level associate to join its nationally recognized Data Strategy, Security & Privacy team in the firm's San Francisco office. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated litigator to build a practice at the intersection of privacy law, cybersecurity, and complex commercial litigation.
About the Team
Holland & Knight's Data Strategy, Security & Privacy team works collaboratively across offices to vigorously represent and defend clients in all aspects of consumer class actions, mass arbitrations, and government enforcement actions arising from privacy, data, and technology-related matters. Associates on the team have the opportunity to develop deep substantive knowledge of privacy, cybersecurity, and consumer protection statutes while sharpening core litigation skills and taking an active, hands-on role in every phase of a matter.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have two to four years of litigation experience and a strong grasp of civil procedure. Candidates should be comfortable working across a mix of large, complex cases and smaller, fast-moving matters, and should demonstrate superior legal research and writing skills.
We are looking for candidates who have experience with, or meaningful exposure to, the following:
- Drafting and contributing to dispositive and procedural motions, including motions to compel arbitration, motions to transfer venue, motions to dismiss for lack of standing, personal jurisdiction, or failure to state a claim, and discovery motions
- Familiarity with California's federal and state courts and their respective local rules, as well as JAMS and AAA arbitration procedures
- Preparing and responding to written discovery and working directly with client witnesses in connection with discovery obligations
- Preparing for mediations
Prior experience in privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, or a technical background is welcome but not required. A strong academic record is expected. Candidates must be admitted to practice law in the State of California.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, law school transcript, and a writing sample consisting of a brief (or a substantial portion of a brief) or other public filing for which the candidate served as the primary author.
This position may be filled in California. In accordance with applicable Pay Transparency Laws, the pay range for this position in this location is $235,000 – 310,000/yr. This range may not be applicable to other locations. An individual's actual compensation will depend on the individual's qualifications and experience.
Job Requirements:
- 2 to 4 years of litigation experience
- Admitted to California Bar
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Privacy Specialist
Lead with your STEM OPT eligibility
Many hiring managers don't realize data privacy roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mention your STEM-designated degree in your cover letter to immediately reduce concerns about your authorization timeline and distinguish yourself from other candidates.
Earn a recognized privacy certification
The CIPP/US or CIPM from the International Association of Privacy Professionals signals credibility to employers who may be unfamiliar with hiring OPT students. Certified candidates routinely move faster through hiring processes, especially at companies building out compliance functions for the first time.
Target companies with existing compliance infrastructure
Mid-to-large firms in healthcare, fintech, and SaaS already have HR processes for work-authorized employees and dedicated legal teams comfortable with OPT paperwork. Smaller startups often lack that infrastructure, making sponsorship conversations more difficult and unpredictable for international candidates.
Quantify your privacy impact in concrete terms
Hiring managers respond to measurable outcomes. Frame your experience around specifics: number of vendor assessments completed, data subject request workflows you built, or compliance gaps you identified. Concrete results shift the conversation away from visa status toward demonstrated value.
Understand your OPT reporting obligations before you start
Any change in employer, job title, or work location must be reported to your DSO within 10 days. Data privacy roles sometimes involve client-site work or consulting arrangements, so confirm with your DSO how to properly report those situations to stay compliant throughout your OPT period.
Position yourself for H-1B sponsorship early
Data privacy is classified as a specialty occupation under USCIS guidance, making it a viable path to H-1B visa sponsorship. Raise the sponsorship conversation during offer negotiations rather than after starting, so both you and the employer have time to prepare before the next H-1B registration window.
Data Privacy Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Data Privacy Specialist roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They often do, depending on your degree. If your F-1 degree is in a STEM-designated field such as information systems, computer science, or information assurance, you're eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total work authorization. The job title alone doesn't determine eligibility, your CIP code does. Confirm with your DSO before applying.
Will employers hire a Data Privacy Specialist on OPT?
Yes. Data privacy is a specialized compliance function, and qualified candidates are in short supply. Employers in regulated industries like healthcare, financial services, and enterprise technology are particularly motivated to hire skilled candidates regardless of visa status. Focusing your search on companies with established legal and HR teams makes the process smoother. Migrate Mate filters specifically for OPT-friendly employers so you can skip the guesswork.
Is a Data Privacy Specialist role considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Data privacy roles typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as information systems, computer science, or law, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard USCIS applies to H-1B petitions. This means the job is a viable bridge from OPT to H-1B sponsorship. Discuss sponsorship intent with the employer during the offer stage so they can plan around the April registration window.
What degree backgrounds do employers look for in Data Privacy Specialist roles?
Most employers target candidates with degrees in information systems, computer science, business administration with a technology focus, or law. Some roles also accept public policy or data analytics backgrounds, particularly when paired with a CIPP/US certification. If your degree is in one of these fields and holds a STEM designation, you'll also be eligible for the 24-month STEM extension, which significantly strengthens your candidacy.
Can I work as a Data Privacy Specialist on OPT if the role involves contractor or consulting arrangements?
Your OPT authorization allows you to work for the employer listed with your DSO, but consulting or contractor arrangements can create complications. If the role involves placement at a third-party client site, that may need to be reported as a change in work location or employer. Before accepting any consulting-style role, clarify the employment structure with your DSO to ensure it complies with your OPT terms and avoid inadvertent status violations.