OPT Legal Administrative Assistant Jobs
Legal Administrative Assistant jobs are open to F-1 OPT students with degrees in legal studies, paralegal studies, business administration, or a related field. Your OPT work authorization covers full-time employment at law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies, with STEM OPT extension available if your degree qualifies.
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JOB PURPOSE
The Legal Administrative Assistant provides high-level administrative support to litigation attorneys. This position performs all the duties and responsibilities of a Legal Administrative Assistant with additional emphasis on higher-level responsibilities as outlined below. This position requires a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion, initiative, flexibility, dependability and accountability.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Obtain and maintain knowledge of attorneys’ practice area and be familiar with legal terminology and procedures.
- Simultaneously handle numerous assignments, timelines and people on a daily basis.
- Submit billable time records on time.
- Serve as primary contact and liaison for clients and advisors.
- Monitor, screen and manage communications including phone calls, mail, and e-mail messages, using independent judgment to determine those requiring priority attention.
- Participate and assist with business development related projects and requests.
- Prepare a variety of complex reports and documents (including statistical, legal, financial, administrative and budget reports).
- Create and maintain an efficient documentation and filing system.
- Maintain appointment schedules and calendars, providing reminders as appropriate.
- Coordinate and organize meetings, including notification to attendees, set-up, pre-and post-meeting correspondence, meeting minutes and records, and other required follow up.
- Research and respond to communications as appropriate.
- Prepare meeting materials and create presentations.
- Manage travel and logistics details for the team.
- Monitor budget and process expenses.
- Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.
- E-file according to court rules and transcribe dictation, a plus.
COMPETENCIES
- Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism.
- Ability to exercise tact and discretion in preparing, handling and disclosing information of a confidential, controversial and/or sensitive nature.
- Ability to read, interpret and present information efficiently and effectively.
- Ability to perform research and prepare reports and recommendations.
- Ability to effectively work under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and orally with all firm members.
- Ability to prepare complex reports and presentations.
- Ability to effectively prioritize and manage workload.
KNOWLEDGE OR SKILLS REQUIRED
- Demonstrated ability to regularly provide Best in Class Client Service.
- Strong administrative skills (organization, time-management, proofreading, accuracy, detail-oriented).
- Superior communication skills, both verbal and in writing.
- Superior level of integrity and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure.
- Possess overall commitment to quality and teamwork.
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Computer literacy, including MS Word, Outlook and Excel.
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred. Legal Administrative Assistant experience preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION
Work is performed in a professional office environment and requires the following during the work day:
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time (working at a computer).
- Ability to move/traverse about inside the office intermittently throughout the day (attend meetings, access file cabinets, obtain supplies from supply room, etc.).
- Operate computer and other office equipment such as a copy machine, printer, telephone, etc.
- Repetitive movement (i.e. heavy computer/keyboard use).
- Individual will interact regularly with others verbally, in-person, and via written communication.
- May require occasional light lifting (files, copy paper, etc.).
IN ADDITION TO THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OUTLINED ABOVE:
Individual in this position will provide additional assistance and support as directed by his/her supervisor. This job description is subject to change at any time.
The hourly pay rate for this position is $35.89–$63.58 per hour ($70,000.00–$124,000.00 annualized), with compensation commensurate with experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. This is a non-exempt position eligible for overtime.
It is the policy of Robins Kaplan LLP to provide equal employment opportunities for all without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. It is also our policy to work with individuals with disabilities when reasonable accommodations, sufficient to allow a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of their job, may be needed. It is our policy to be a workplace free from illegal discrimination and harassment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Legal Administrative Assistant
Target law firms with established OPT hiring patterns
Large and mid-size law firms regularly hire OPT students for administrative roles. Focus on firms with dedicated HR departments, as they're more familiar with work authorization requirements and less likely to dismiss your application over OPT status.
Clarify your authorization upfront and confidently
When asked about work authorization, state clearly that you have OPT and are authorized to work without employer sponsorship for the duration of your OPT period. Framing it as already authorized removes the sponsorship concern many legal employers have.
Highlight legal software and document management skills
Familiarity with tools like Clio, iManage, or court filing systems signals immediate value to legal employers. These technical skills reduce onboarding time and make you a stronger candidate regardless of your work authorization timeline.
Pursue paralegal certificate programs to strengthen your profile
A paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program signals commitment to the legal field and increases your candidacy for roles that require more than general administrative experience. It also supports future H-1B visa sponsorship conversations with employers.
Apply to corporate legal departments, not just law firms
In-house legal teams at corporations, hospitals, and universities are often more flexible with OPT candidates than private law firms. These employers typically have HR infrastructure experienced in managing work authorization and are open to long-term sponsorship pathways.
Communicate your OPT end date and CPT or STEM extension clearly
Tell employers your exact OPT expiration date and whether you qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Giving a concrete timeline helps legal employers plan staffing needs and reduces hesitation about investing in onboarding an OPT student.
Legal Administrative Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Legal Administrative Assistants without employer sponsorship?
Yes. OPT authorizes you to work full-time in a role related to your degree without requiring your employer to sponsor a visa. Legal Administrative Assistant positions align with degrees in legal studies, paralegal studies, and business administration. Your employer does not file any petition on your behalf during OPT. Sponsorship only becomes relevant when you need to transition to an H-1B or another long-term visa.
Does a Legal Administrative Assistant role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated with a qualifying STEM degree, such as information systems or a technology-related legal field, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you may qualify for the extension. Most Legal Administrative Assistant roles are supported by non-STEM degrees like paralegal studies or business, which do not qualify for STEM OPT. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Legal Administrative Assistant jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by OPT-friendly employers, so you can browse Legal Administrative Assistant openings without sorting through postings that exclude international students. Searching on a general platform often surfaces roles where work authorization requirements are unclear. Using Migrate Mate saves time and connects you with employers already familiar with OPT.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I lose my Legal Administrative Assistant job?
F-1 OPT students have a 90-day unemployment limit during post-completion OPT. If you lose your position, that clock starts immediately. You must report the job loss to your DSO and begin your job search. If you find a new Legal Administrative Assistant or related role, report it to your DSO to pause the unemployment count. Exceeding 90 days of unemployment violates your F-1 status.
Do Legal Administrative Assistant jobs qualify as work related to my degree for OPT purposes?
Yes, provided your degree is in a relevant field. Legal studies, paralegal studies, pre-law, business administration, and criminal justice degrees typically satisfy the OPT requirement that employment be directly related to your major. Your DSO makes the final determination. If your degree is in an unrelated field, your DSO may advise that the position does not qualify, which could count against your unemployment days.