OPT Legal Assistant Jobs
Legal Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in paralegal studies, legal studies, or political science. Most roles fall under SOC code 23-2011, which qualifies for standard 12-month OPT authorization, with STEM extension eligibility depending on your degree classification.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Number: 999881
Unit/Department: Law Instruction
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Department Summary:
Drake University Law School sustains a vibrant intellectual culture, and Des Moines has been recognized as one of the top ten Best Places to Live (US News) and Best Places for Business and Careers (Forbes), with a robust and growing economy (Wall Street Journal). The Law School features innovative and nationally recognized programs in constitutional law, agricultural law, legal writing, and practical training.
Job Summary:
DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL invites applications from entry level and lateral candidates for one tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Law position. We welcome applications from candidates with demonstrated teaching and research interests in Criminal Law/Criminal Procedure, Family Law or Legal Writing.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a J.D. degree (or the equivalent) and should have a record of academic excellence, substantial academic or practice experience, a passion for teaching, as well as a record or evidence of the potential for accomplishments in scholarship. Appointment rank will be determined commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Confidential review of applications will begin immediately. Applications should include (1) a letter of interest, (2) a complete CV, (3) teaching evaluations (if available), (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, (5) a research agenda, and (6) the names and addresses of at least three references. Applications should be sent directly to Professor Christoph Henkel, Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee, Drake University Law School, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311 or e-mail: christoph.henkel@drake.edu.
Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.
Have Questions?
Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Christoph Henkel, Professor, Christoph.henkel@drake.edu
Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Review of Applications Begins:
The position will remain posted until filled.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
Tuition Benefits.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
Position Number: 999881
Unit/Department: Law Instruction
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Department Summary:
Drake University Law School sustains a vibrant intellectual culture, and Des Moines has been recognized as one of the top ten Best Places to Live (US News) and Best Places for Business and Careers (Forbes), with a robust and growing economy (Wall Street Journal). The Law School features innovative and nationally recognized programs in constitutional law, agricultural law, legal writing, and practical training.
Job Summary:
DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL invites applications from entry level and lateral candidates for one tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Law position. We welcome applications from candidates with demonstrated teaching and research interests in Criminal Law/Criminal Procedure, Family Law or Legal Writing.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a J.D. degree (or the equivalent) and should have a record of academic excellence, substantial academic or practice experience, a passion for teaching, as well as a record or evidence of the potential for accomplishments in scholarship. Appointment rank will be determined commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Confidential review of applications will begin immediately. Applications should include (1) a letter of interest, (2) a complete CV, (3) teaching evaluations (if available), (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, (5) a research agenda, and (6) the names and addresses of at least three references. Applications should be sent directly to Professor Christoph Henkel, Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee, Drake University Law School, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311 or e-mail: christoph.henkel@drake.edu.
Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.
Have Questions?
Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Christoph Henkel, Professor, Christoph.henkel@drake.edu
Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Review of Applications Begins:
The position will remain posted until filled.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
Tuition Benefits.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
See all 615+ OPT Legal Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Legal Assistant
Target law firms that regularly hire OPT candidates
Mid-size and large law firms with active immigration or corporate practices hire OPT students regularly. Search Migrate Mate to filter for employers with a documented history of OPT-friendly hiring in legal support roles.
Confirm your degree supports the Legal Assistant SOC code
USCIS requires your OPT employment to be directly related to your degree. A paralegal studies or legal studies degree maps cleanly. Political science and pre-law degrees can qualify if your duties align with your coursework.
Apply before your OPT start date is finalized
Law firms move slowly on hiring decisions. Starting your search 60 to 90 days before your OPT authorization begins gives employers time to process paperwork without feeling rushed by your work authorization timeline.
Highlight legal research and writing skills prominently
Employers screening OPT candidates want proof of practical skills immediately. Emphasize Westlaw, LexisNexis proficiency, brief drafting, and document review experience on your resume, since these reduce onboarding time for busy practices.
Ask directly about H-1B sponsorship during later interview stages
Legal support roles at larger firms often lead to H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT. Raise this question after receiving an offer, not during early interviews, and frame it around your long-term commitment to the firm.
Consider in-house legal departments at large corporations
Corporate legal departments at companies like Google, Amazon, or major financial institutions hire Legal Assistants and have dedicated immigration counsel on staff, making OPT authorization and future H-1B sponsorship significantly more straightforward.
Legal Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Legal Assistant job qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization?
Yes, Legal Assistant roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your degree field. Degrees in paralegal studies, legal studies, political science, or criminal justice typically support this connection. Your DSO will confirm the relationship between your specific degree and the role before authorizing employment.
Can I work as a Legal Assistant on OPT without a paralegal certificate?
Yes. A paralegal certificate is not required for OPT eligibility or for most Legal Assistant positions. What matters for OPT purposes is that your degree field relates to the role. Many employers prefer candidates with relevant degrees and writing skills over formal certification, particularly for entry-level legal support positions.
Do law firms typically sponsor Legal Assistants for H-1B visas after OPT?
Some do, particularly mid-size and large firms in corporate, immigration, and intellectual property practices. Sponsorship is less common at small firms due to cost and limited HR infrastructure. Demonstrating strong performance during your OPT period significantly improves your chances. Searching Migrate Mate for employers with a history of sponsorship is a practical first step.
Is Legal Assistant work eligible for a STEM OPT extension?
Standard Legal Assistant roles classified under SOC 23-2011 are not on the STEM OPT designated degree list, so STEM extension is not available for this SOC code. However, if your underlying degree is in a STEM field and you pursue a role in legal technology, compliance analytics, or e-discovery with a qualifying employer, a STEM extension may apply.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change law firms during my OPT period?
You can change employers during OPT, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days through your school's SEVIS reporting system. There is no formal transfer process with USCIS for OPT, but the new position must still be directly related to your degree. A gap between positions is allowed up to a 90-day unemployment limit across your full OPT period.