OPT Entry Level Jobs
Entry-level roles are the most common starting point for OPT students, and a growing number of employers actively recruit new graduates specifically because the OPT period gives both sides time to evaluate fit before long-term sponsorship becomes a conversation. Targeting companies with established new graduate programs and a history of H-1B visa filings gives you the clearest path from your first role to long-term work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Stoel Rives is seeking a recent graduate or junior associate to join its Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources practice group in the Sacramento office.
Our Environmental Land Use & Natural Resources Team
The Stoel Rives Environmental, Land Use, and Natural Resources team represents major businesses in the fisheries, forest products, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy industries. We deliver effective representation on the full spectrum of environmental and related issues, including regulatory compliance, permitting, legislative affairs and policy development, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.
QUALIFICATIONS
Below are the skills and experience necessary for this role. Candidates might not have all these skills and experiences, but if you have many of them and are enthusiastic about developing others, we encourage you to apply.
We are looking for a recent graduate or junior associate who has a deep interest in Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources and wants to practice in Sacramento starting in the fall of 2026:
- JD from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials.
- Active membership with the California Bar, or a recent JD law school graduate who passed the February 2026 California Bar Exam or who is registered to take the July 2026 exam.
- Coursework or experience in Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources, and a demonstrated interest in building a long-term practice in this area.
- Experience prior to or during law school that might include professional work experience, participation in environmental law school organizations, law review, mock trial, or moot court.
- Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, responsiveness, initiative, and perseverance, and commitment to client service and team success.
- Strong client-service orientation, sound judgment, and professional communication skills.
HOURS EXPECTATIONS & COMPENSATION STOEL RIVES: PART OF OUR TEAM
The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an “all-in” hours expectation of 2,050 or 2,150, depending on seniority. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable hours expectation as well as any additional billable hours, additional pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm’s workplace culture, and civic and community activities.
To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.
The base compensation range for this position is $180,000, inclusive of salaries in all listed markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills, overall experience, and market location.
DEVELOPING & RETAINING TALENT
Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting, developing, and retaining lawyers and business professionals.
We offer a variety of training programs and retreats addressing practice area topics and skills at all levels, as well as legal and professional skills generally. We have a coaching and mentoring program, and our new lawyer integration program provides new lawyers with the resources and information necessary to succeed after they join the firm. Finally, we have a core competency model which is a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques needed for long-term success at the firm.
We value lawyers and business professionals who bring to the firm different backgrounds and experiences. Our people bring a variety of educational backgrounds, unique career experiences, bodies of knowledge, technical abilities, and community involvement. This variety makes us better at advising and serving our clients and it ensures a positive and supportive workplace for everyone.
We are proud participants in the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our people is paramount to the success of the firm.
INTRODUCTION
Stoel Rives is seeking a recent graduate or junior associate to join its Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources practice group in the Sacramento office.
Our Environmental Land Use & Natural Resources Team
The Stoel Rives Environmental, Land Use, and Natural Resources team represents major businesses in the fisheries, forest products, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy industries. We deliver effective representation on the full spectrum of environmental and related issues, including regulatory compliance, permitting, legislative affairs and policy development, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.
QUALIFICATIONS
Below are the skills and experience necessary for this role. Candidates might not have all these skills and experiences, but if you have many of them and are enthusiastic about developing others, we encourage you to apply.
We are looking for a recent graduate or junior associate who has a deep interest in Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources and wants to practice in Sacramento starting in the fall of 2026:
- JD from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials.
- Active membership with the California Bar, or a recent JD law school graduate who passed the February 2026 California Bar Exam or who is registered to take the July 2026 exam.
- Coursework or experience in Environmental, Land Use & Natural Resources, and a demonstrated interest in building a long-term practice in this area.
- Experience prior to or during law school that might include professional work experience, participation in environmental law school organizations, law review, mock trial, or moot court.
- Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, responsiveness, initiative, and perseverance, and commitment to client service and team success.
- Strong client-service orientation, sound judgment, and professional communication skills.
HOURS EXPECTATIONS & COMPENSATION STOEL RIVES: PART OF OUR TEAM
The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an “all-in” hours expectation of 2,050 or 2,150, depending on seniority. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable hours expectation as well as any additional billable hours, additional pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm’s workplace culture, and civic and community activities.
To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.
The base compensation range for this position is $180,000, inclusive of salaries in all listed markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills, overall experience, and market location.
DEVELOPING & RETAINING TALENT
Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting, developing, and retaining lawyers and business professionals.
We offer a variety of training programs and retreats addressing practice area topics and skills at all levels, as well as legal and professional skills generally. We have a coaching and mentoring program, and our new lawyer integration program provides new lawyers with the resources and information necessary to succeed after they join the firm. Finally, we have a core competency model which is a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques needed for long-term success at the firm.
We value lawyers and business professionals who bring to the firm different backgrounds and experiences. Our people bring a variety of educational backgrounds, unique career experiences, bodies of knowledge, technical abilities, and community involvement. This variety makes us better at advising and serving our clients and it ensures a positive and supportive workplace for everyone.
We are proud participants in the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our people is paramount to the success of the firm.
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Get Access To All JobsEntry Level OPT Job Search Tips
Look for structured graduate programs at larger companies
Large companies with formal graduate hiring programs are often more experienced with OPT students than smaller employers. These programs typically have dedicated HR teams who understand the EAD, E-Verify, and STEM OPT extension process.
Be upfront about your OPT authorization in applications
Employers at the entry level sometimes confuse OPT with visa sponsorship. Clarifying early that OPT is an existing work authorization and doesn’t require any action from them removes a common barrier and speeds up the hiring process.
Prioritize E-Verify employers for long-term flexibility
Entry level roles at E-Verify employers keep your STEM OPT extension option open. That extra 24 months can make a significant difference in your path to H-1B visa sponsorship and long-term career stability in the U.S.
Factor in your OPT start date when negotiating start dates
If you haven’t yet received your EAD, coordinate your offer timeline carefully. Most employers will wait a reasonable amount of time for authorization to come through, but it helps to set expectations early and keep them updated.
Target industries with high OPT hiring rates
Technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare are among the sectors that hire the most OPT students at the entry level. These industries also tend to have more employers who are familiar with the OPT process, which makes for a smoother onboarding experience.
Ask about the company’s H-1B history if you’re planning to stay long-term
Entry level roles can lead to H-1B sponsorship, but only if the employer has done it before. Companies with a track record of filing H-1B petitions are more likely to support you through that process when the time comes.
Entry Level OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
What entry level jobs are most accessible for OPT students?
Technology, finance, consulting, and engineering have the highest volume of entry-level roles with employers experienced with OPT hiring. Software engineering, data analysis, financial analysis, and business analyst positions are among the most commonly filled by new OPT graduates. Industries with persistent talent shortages, including healthcare technology and cybersecurity, are also strong areas for entry-level OPT hiring.
How early should I start applying for entry level jobs on OPT?
Starting your job search three to six months before your OPT start date gives you the best timeline. USCIS processing for the EAD card can take several weeks, and many employers need lead time to complete hiring before your authorized start date. Applying early also means you have time to be selective rather than accepting the first offer under time pressure.
Do entry level employers care that I will need H-1B sponsorship later?
Employers with established OPT-to-H1B conversion programs factor this in from the start and plan ahead. The key is targeting employers who have sponsored before, since they understand the timeline and are not caught off guard when the H-1B registration window approaches. Smaller employers without prior sponsorship experience may be willing but need more time to prepare, so having that conversation early in the process is always better than late.
Can I negotiate salary at an entry level OPT job the same as any other candidate?
Yes, your visa status does not limit your ability to negotiate. On STEM OPT, your employer must pay you wages commensurate with similarly situated U.S. workers, which means there is a fairness standard built into the arrangement. Researching market rates for your role and location before negotiating puts you in the same position as any other entry-level candidate.
What happens if I can't find a job before my OPT unemployment limit?
On standard post-completion OPT, you are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment before your F-1 status is at risk. Staying proactive, applying broadly across your qualifying field, and working with your DSO on options gives you the best chance of staying within the limit. Some students use this window to accept internships, part-time roles, or volunteer positions in their field to maintain compliance while continuing their full-time job search.