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.
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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 375+ OPT Legal Consultant Jobs
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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.