OPT Legal Consultant Jobs
Legal Consultant jobs on OPT are available at law firms, corporate legal departments, and consulting firms. Most roles require a law degree or related field, and your 12-month OPT clock starts on your authorized start date. STEM OPT extension isn't available for J.D. programs, so timeline planning matters.
See All OPT Legal Consultant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 401+ Legal Consultant jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 401+ Legal Consultant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Legal Consultant roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
We’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals – and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.
We are seeking a highly skilled professional (non-attorney) to join our Privacy and Data Law Group, to engage in cutting‑edge work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, privacy law and insurance operations. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional who enjoys substantive, forward‑looking work and wants to play a meaningful role in how The Hartford responsibly uses data and emerging technologies and responds to data incidents.
Based in Hartford, CT, this position will be part of the Privacy and Data Law Group. In particular, the position will be responsible for work within The Hartford's corporate Data Law Function, working with attorneys specializing in AI Law relative to AI Governance and associated legal issues, and the Privacy Law function, in particular relative to data incident response. The professional will exercise independent judgment in interpreting AI and data breach notification laws and determining appropriate governance, escalation, and compliance responses, in coordination with legal counsel. The professional will also be responsible for other projects as needed. The professional will routinely interact with attorneys, compliance professionals and AI Governance personnel, as well as internal business partners and clients with respect to AI and data incident response matters.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The position holds various responsibilities within The Hartford’s Privacy and Data Law Group, including the following.
AI / Data Governance Work
- AI legislative review, including tracking enacted and proposed state AI laws, updating state AI obligations charts, and preparing plain-language summaries of existing AI and date-related laws.
- Conduct legal research.
- Partner with AI and Privacy Law attorneys in identifying and solving gaps in existing policies and procedures.
- Develop and maintain internal law written guidance for Hartford employees regarding responsible use of AI.
- Represent Data Law on the enterprise AI committees, in coordination with the AI lawyers.
- Manage work related to AI governance initiatives and projects, including AI-related certifications, regulatory playbooks, and change management efforts.
Data Incident Response
Respond to data incidents involving potential exposure of personal information of our customers, claimants, employees or others, in accordance with data breach notification laws and contractual obligations, working with the privacy law attorneys on our team. This includes:
- Initial triage of reported incidents to determine level of escalation and engagement needed.
- Lead investigation to identify root cause, ensure containment, identify remediation opportunities, and determine and execute on legal reporting obligations.
- Significant collaboration with various stakeholders across the enterprise.
- Legal research and analysis regarding data breach notification laws.
- Analysis of data to identify trends and opportunities to reduce incidents over time.
Tracking AI, privacy and cyber trends in the industry and relevant statutes, regulations, case law, and other legal requirements and guidelines.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree, Project Management certification or equivalent experience
- Knowledge of AI principles and regulatory guidance, and experience working with legal and data science teams preferred.
- Experience with data incident response preferred.
- Experience with legal research and analysis.
- Project management experience.
Proven Experience:
- Strong organization skills and excellent attention to detail
- Successfully navigating and prioritizing multiple assignments and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision
- Insurance industry experience preferred
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Excellent oral and written communication and customer service skills
- Team player – easily works with others to deliver results
- Results oriented – motivated to achieve high standards and continuous improvement
- Understanding legal and compliance considerations related to AI, data, and emerging technology.
- Ability to synthesize complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for business audiences.
- Experience conducting multi-jurisdictional surveys, certifications, and regulatory tracking efforts
Hybrid Position:
- Hybrid (Hartford, Connecticut-based) preferred.
- For the right candidate, we are open to a remote role.
Compensation
The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:
$96,000 - $144,000
Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age
See all 401+ OPT Legal Consultant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Legal Consultant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Legal Consultant
Target employers familiar with OPT authorization
Large law firms and Fortune 500 legal departments regularly hire OPT workers and understand the authorization process. Smaller boutique firms may need a brief explanation of what OPT work authorization means for them as an employer.
Clarify your degree field on every application
Legal Consultant roles require your degree to relate directly to the work. Clearly state your field of study on your resume and cover letter so hiring managers can immediately confirm your OPT authorization aligns with the position's requirements.
Address your OPT end date proactively
Most OPT periods last 12 months. If you're applying six months in, raise your timeline early in conversations. Employers who value your skills will want enough runway to evaluate sponsorship options before your authorization expires.
Understand which employers can sponsor after OPT
Law firms with 25 or more attorneys are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas for legal consultants. Corporate legal departments at large companies also sponsor regularly. Research employer sponsorship history before investing significant time in an application.
Highlight jurisdiction-specific knowledge strategically
If you passed a state bar exam or hold a foreign law license, make that visible on your resume. Employers filling compliance or regulatory advisory roles often prioritize candidates with demonstrated legal credentials over those with general consulting backgrounds.
Request a reporting employer early in onboarding
Your DSO must update SEVIS with your employer information within 10 days of starting work. Confirm your employer's full legal name, address, and start date before day one so your OPT authorization record stays current and compliant from the start.
Legal Consultant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Legal Consultant on OPT without passing the U.S. bar exam?
Yes. The bar exam is required to practice law independently in the U.S., but Legal Consultant roles typically involve advisory, research, compliance, or contract work that doesn't require a law license. Your employer's job description determines whether bar admission is needed. Many firms hire OPT students as legal consultants without requiring bar passage, especially in corporate, regulatory, or international law contexts.
Does a Legal Consultant role qualify as directly related to my field of study for OPT?
It depends on your degree. If you hold a J.D., LL.M., or a bachelor's in a related field such as political science, international relations, or business law, most Legal Consultant roles will qualify. Your DSO makes the final determination, but roles involving legal research, compliance advisory, or contract analysis are generally considered directly related to law and policy degrees.
Is a STEM OPT extension available for Legal Consultant jobs?
No. J.D. and LL.M. programs are not designated STEM fields, so graduates cannot apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. If your undergraduate degree is in a STEM field and your legal consulting role uses those technical skills, check with your DSO, but this situation is rare. Most legal consultants on OPT have a 12-month authorization window only.
How do I find Legal Consultant jobs where the employer is open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship and OPT-friendliness, which saves significant time compared to applying broadly and hitting dead ends. Search Legal Consultant roles on Migrate Mate to find employers already familiar with OPT work authorization. Corporate legal departments at large companies and international law firms tend to be the most consistently OPT-receptive employers in this field.
What happens if my Legal Consultant job ends before my OPT period expires?
You enter a 60-day grace period after your employment ends, during which you can look for a new qualifying position. You cannot work during the grace period. If you secure a new Legal Consultant role, your DSO updates your SEVIS record to reflect the new employer. If you don't find work within 60 days, you must leave the U.S. or change to another valid immigration status.