OPT General Counsel Jobs
General Counsel roles are among the most competitive legal positions for F-1 OPT students. Most employers require a J.D. and active bar admission, and your 12-month OPT window, or up to 36 months on STEM OPT extension, needs to align with a firm willing to sponsor H-1B visa before authorization expires.
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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 General Counsel Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT General Counsel Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in General Counsel
Target companies with existing immigration infrastructure
Large corporations and Fortune 500 companies routinely sponsor attorneys for H-1B visa. Focus your search on employers who already have in-house legal teams, as they understand the sponsorship process and have the resources to support it.
Apply early relative to your OPT end date
H-1B cap-subject petitions are filed in April for an October 1 start. If your OPT expires before October, your employer must file a timely H-1B to trigger the 240-day cap-gap rule and keep you authorized to work.
Address bar admission proactively
Most General Counsel roles require active bar membership in at least one U.S. state. Passing the bar before or during your OPT period signals readiness and removes a common objection employers raise when weighing whether to sponsor an international candidate.
Leverage your law school's alumni and career networks
Law school alumni in General Counsel roles have direct hiring influence. A warm introduction from a fellow graduate carries more weight than a cold application, especially for senior legal positions where cultural and institutional fit matter as much as credentials.
Be transparent about your timeline from the first conversation
Raise your OPT status early, not after an offer. Employers appreciate candidates who come prepared with specifics about their authorization window, cap-gap eligibility, and what H-1B sponsorship would require from the company's legal or HR team.
Use Migrate Mate to find General Counsel roles open to OPT
Browsing general job boards wastes time on roles that won't sponsor. Migrate Mate filters for employers actively open to OPT candidates, so your search focuses on companies already willing to engage with international legal professionals.
General Counsel OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as General Counsel?
Yes. F-1 students on OPT can work as General Counsel as long as the role relates to their field of study, typically law or a closely related discipline. Your work must fall within the scope of your authorized STEM or standard OPT period, and the position must align with your degree as reported on your I-20.
Do General Counsel positions typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Sponsorship varies significantly by employer size. Large corporations with established in-house legal departments, particularly those in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and technology, are more likely to sponsor H-1B for General Counsel and senior attorney roles. Smaller companies or startups without prior immigration experience are far less predictable. Migrate Mate lists roles from employers already open to sponsoring international candidates.
Does a General Counsel role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Generally no. STEM OPT extension applies to degree programs classified under STEM CIP codes, which typically excludes J.D. programs. If you hold both a STEM degree and a J.D., you may be able to apply for STEM OPT under your qualifying STEM degree, but the General Counsel role itself would need to relate directly to that STEM field, not just the legal function.
What happens if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your employer files a timely, cap-subject H-1B petition before your OPT expires, you may be eligible for cap-gap protection, which extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year or until your H-1B is approved or denied. You must remain employed by the same sponsoring employer during this period. Gaps in employment during cap-gap can jeopardize your status.
Is bar admission required for General Counsel OPT roles?
Most General Counsel positions require active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. Some employers will consider candidates awaiting bar results if they're already credentialed and practicing under supervision. Foreign-licensed attorneys may qualify for certain compliance-heavy or international legal roles, but full General Counsel responsibilities typically require U.S. bar membership to provide legal advice and represent the company.