Law Librarian Jobs for OPT Students
Law Librarian roles qualify for OPT when your degree is in library science, legal studies, or a related field. Most positions are with law schools, courts, or large firms, which are experienced with F-1 work authorization. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this role, so your 12-month timeline matters.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty, and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.
POSITION INFORMATION
Proposed Faculty Rank
Assistant Law Librarian
Department
00100 - Law Library
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Track
Tenure Track
New Position to Begin
7/1/2026
Details
Faculty Services and Instructional Design Librarian
James E. Faust Law Library
University of Utah
Description
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law seeks a dynamic and collaborative Faculty Services and Instructional Design Librarian to join its library faculty. This tenure-track position combines teaching, support for effective learning, and library service. Recent graduates, newer librarians, as well as experienced librarians are invited to apply. Position available January 1, 2026. Hiring process will continue until position is filled.
Core Responsibilities:
Teaching and Instruction
- Teach two credit hours per academic year in the law school’s legal research curriculum (basic, advanced, or specialized courses).
- Design and develop instructional materials, assessments, and activities that support course learning objectives and promote active, effective learning.
- Participate in the development and delivery of research workshops, orientations, and outreach programs.
Faculty and Instructional Design Support
- Collaborate with law faculty to enhance student learning through instructional design best practices.
- Provide consultation, training, and support to faculty on the effective use of instructional technologies for in-person, hybrid, and online courses.
- Partner with campus IT and instructional design teams to pilot and assess new technologies that support legal education.
Research, Scholarship, and Service
- Coordinate and participate in the Library Seminar Paper Workshops, Library Briefings, and other research training sessions across the curriculum.
- Provide 6-10 hours per week of reference and research assistance to law school faculty, students, and other library patrons.
- Serve as a faculty liaison, providing research support, and training for student research assistants.
- Conduct scholarly research and publish in areas such as legal research pedagogy, educational technology, or law librarianship.
- Prepare and maintain online research guides, tutorials, and other instructional resources that support teaching, scholarship, and student learning.
- Engage in library, law school, university, and professional committee service.
- Engage in professional development and contribute to the advancement of the Law Library’s mission and goals.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited institution required.
- Master’s degree in Library Science (M.L.S. or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution, or an equivalent degree in information science, instructional design, educational technology, or a closely related field preferred.
- Demonstrated teaching experience or potential for effective legal research instruction.
- Interest in supporting and improving student learning through instructional design.
- Experience assisting with course or instructional design is welcome but not required.
- Strong service orientation; excellent oral and written communication; good organizational skills; strong teamwork skills.
- Ability to deal effectively with all library patrons.
- Adaptable to additional responsibilities.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary range is $83,000-88,000 and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Librarians have faculty status at the University of Utah and receive generous health, vacation, and retirement benefits, including 25 days of vacation and 12 paid holidays each year. This position has the option to telecommute one day a week. No evening or weekend work required. A stipend for moving costs is included.
ABOUT THE LIBRARY
The library has six librarians and two full-time library staff. The library serves approximately 300 students and over 35 faculty members at its top public law school. The University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our campus is nestled in the heart of the Wasatch mountains which offer Olympic-class skiing, hiking, climbing, and a variety of other outdoor sports. Salt Lake City offers a wealth of amenities including outstanding entertainment venues, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene.
EEO/NON-DISCRIMINATION INFORMATION
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at:
https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
NOTICE
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (
INTRODUCTION
The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty, and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.
POSITION INFORMATION
Proposed Faculty Rank
Assistant Law Librarian
Department
00100 - Law Library
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Track
Tenure Track
New Position to Begin
7/1/2026
Details
Faculty Services and Instructional Design Librarian
James E. Faust Law Library
University of Utah
Description
The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law seeks a dynamic and collaborative Faculty Services and Instructional Design Librarian to join its library faculty. This tenure-track position combines teaching, support for effective learning, and library service. Recent graduates, newer librarians, as well as experienced librarians are invited to apply. Position available January 1, 2026. Hiring process will continue until position is filled.
Core Responsibilities:
Teaching and Instruction
- Teach two credit hours per academic year in the law school’s legal research curriculum (basic, advanced, or specialized courses).
- Design and develop instructional materials, assessments, and activities that support course learning objectives and promote active, effective learning.
- Participate in the development and delivery of research workshops, orientations, and outreach programs.
Faculty and Instructional Design Support
- Collaborate with law faculty to enhance student learning through instructional design best practices.
- Provide consultation, training, and support to faculty on the effective use of instructional technologies for in-person, hybrid, and online courses.
- Partner with campus IT and instructional design teams to pilot and assess new technologies that support legal education.
Research, Scholarship, and Service
- Coordinate and participate in the Library Seminar Paper Workshops, Library Briefings, and other research training sessions across the curriculum.
- Provide 6-10 hours per week of reference and research assistance to law school faculty, students, and other library patrons.
- Serve as a faculty liaison, providing research support, and training for student research assistants.
- Conduct scholarly research and publish in areas such as legal research pedagogy, educational technology, or law librarianship.
- Prepare and maintain online research guides, tutorials, and other instructional resources that support teaching, scholarship, and student learning.
- Engage in library, law school, university, and professional committee service.
- Engage in professional development and contribute to the advancement of the Law Library’s mission and goals.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited institution required.
- Master’s degree in Library Science (M.L.S. or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution, or an equivalent degree in information science, instructional design, educational technology, or a closely related field preferred.
- Demonstrated teaching experience or potential for effective legal research instruction.
- Interest in supporting and improving student learning through instructional design.
- Experience assisting with course or instructional design is welcome but not required.
- Strong service orientation; excellent oral and written communication; good organizational skills; strong teamwork skills.
- Ability to deal effectively with all library patrons.
- Adaptable to additional responsibilities.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary range is $83,000-88,000 and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Librarians have faculty status at the University of Utah and receive generous health, vacation, and retirement benefits, including 25 days of vacation and 12 paid holidays each year. This position has the option to telecommute one day a week. No evening or weekend work required. A stipend for moving costs is included.
ABOUT THE LIBRARY
The library has six librarians and two full-time library staff. The library serves approximately 300 students and over 35 faculty members at its top public law school. The University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our campus is nestled in the heart of the Wasatch mountains which offer Olympic-class skiing, hiking, climbing, and a variety of other outdoor sports. Salt Lake City offers a wealth of amenities including outstanding entertainment venues, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene.
EEO/NON-DISCRIMINATION INFORMATION
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at:
https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
NOTICE
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Law Librarian
Target institutional employers over small firms
Law school libraries, federal courts, and large law firms have dedicated HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. Smaller practices rarely have immigration compliance experience, making the hiring process slower and less predictable for F-1 students.
Lead with your JD or MLIS degree match
Law Librarian postings typically require a Master of Library Science or a JD. Make it immediately clear in your cover letter which degree you hold and how it maps directly to the posted requirements, since employers screen fast.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Most law libraries have slow hiring cycles. Submit applications at least two to three months before your OPT authorization begins, so your start date aligns with their onboarding timelines and you do not lose authorized work days.
Emphasize legal research platform fluency
Proficiency in Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law signals immediate value to hiring managers. These are non-negotiable tools in legal environments, and demonstrating hands-on experience removes a common training objection during F-1 hiring conversations.
Address OPT proactively, not reactively
Mention your OPT authorization and end date in your first email or cover letter. Employers who are unfamiliar with F-1 work authorization appreciate clarity upfront. It builds trust and avoids late-stage surprises that derail otherwise strong candidacies.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly postings
Migrate Mate filters law librarian roles by OPT sponsorship willingness, saving you from applying to employers who will not move forward with F-1 candidates. Browsing a targeted list shortens your job search significantly given the 12-month authorization window.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Law Librarian role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, Law Librarian positions qualify for OPT when your degree is in library science, legal studies, information science, or a closely related field. Your job duties must be directly related to your major area of study. A role focused on legal research and collection management at a law school or court aligns well with an MLIS or JD degree.
Do Law Librarian jobs qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
No. Library science and legal studies are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, so Law Librarian roles do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You will have 12 months of post-completion OPT. If you need longer-term work authorization, your employer would need to sponsor an H-1B or another visa before your OPT expires.
Which types of employers are most likely to hire Law Librarians on OPT?
Law school libraries at universities, federal and state court systems, and large law firms with dedicated library departments are the most OPT-friendly employers in this field. These institutions hire regularly, have established HR processes for work authorization verification, and are accustomed to candidates with F-1 status. Smaller regional firms are less predictable. Migrate Mate lists roles filtered by sponsorship readiness.
Can I work as a Law Librarian while still completing my degree, before OPT begins?
You may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if your program includes a required practicum, internship, or cooperative education component. CPT requires explicit authorization from your DSO before you begin working. Part-time CPT (20 hours or fewer per week) does not affect your OPT eligibility. Full-time CPT for 12 months or more makes you ineligible for OPT, so plan carefully.
What credentials strengthen a Law Librarian application for OPT candidates?
An ALA-accredited Master of Library Science is the standard requirement, and a JD strengthens applications for academic or court library positions significantly. Hands-on experience with Westlaw and LexisNexis is expected. Candidates who have completed law library practicums or reference desk internships during their studies have a clear advantage. Strong written communication skills matter because the role involves research memos and patron instruction.
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