OPT Legal Director Jobs
Legal Director jobs on OPT require employers to sponsor your H-1B visa or other long-term visa before your authorization expires. Most roles demand a J.D. and bar admission. STEM OPT does not apply here, so your standard 12-month window is the timeline employers will work against.
Find OPT Legal Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 615+ Legal Director jobs
See all 615+ Legal Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Legal Director roles.
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 Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Legal Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Legal Director
Target in-house legal departments at large employers
Large corporations with established HR and legal teams process visa sponsorships regularly. They have the infrastructure to handle H-1B visa petitions without treating it as an unusual burden, making them far more receptive than small law firms.
Lead with bar admission and jurisdiction early
Legal Director roles require active bar membership in a relevant state. Confirm your bar admission status and jurisdiction in your resume header and cover letter so hiring managers immediately know you meet the non-negotiable licensing requirement before sponsorship comes up.
Frame your OPT timeline around the H-1B cap schedule
H-1B registration opens in March each year, with an October 1 start date. If you join a role in time to be included in that cycle, sponsorship becomes a straightforward transition rather than an emergency, which reassures cautious hiring teams.
Highlight cross-border legal expertise as a differentiator
Your international background is a genuine asset for Legal Director roles involving international contracts, compliance, or regulatory matters. Positioning your perspective as additive to the legal team reframes sponsorship from a cost into a strategic investment in specialized capability.
Engage outside counsel to educate reluctant employers
Some employers hesitate not from unwillingness but from unfamiliarity with the process. Offering to connect their HR team with an immigration attorney, or providing a concise sponsorship overview document, removes the friction that prevents otherwise interested employers from moving forward.
Prioritize employers with a documented H-1B sponsorship history
Public LCA disclosure data shows which employers have previously filed for legal professionals. Concentrating your search on companies with a track record in this area eliminates guesswork and significantly improves the probability of a successful sponsorship conversation.
Legal Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Legal Director on OPT?
Yes, if your J.D. or relevant law-related degree supports the role and your employer is willing to sponsor you for long-term work authorization. Legal Director positions qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B standards. Because STEM OPT extension does not apply to law degrees, your standard OPT period gives you 12 months to secure sponsorship.
Do Legal Director employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Sponsorship rates vary significantly by employer type. Large corporations with in-house legal departments and multinational companies are the most consistent sponsors, since they process H-1B petitions routinely. Smaller law firms and nonprofits sponsor far less frequently due to cost and administrative complexity. Focusing your search on companies with prior LCA filings for legal roles improves your odds considerably.
Does bar admission affect my OPT eligibility or sponsorship prospects?
Bar admission does not affect your OPT eligibility, but it is typically a hard requirement for a Legal Director title. Employers sponsoring you for H-1B will expect active bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction as part of the specialty occupation justification. If you are still awaiting bar results, some employers will discuss conditional offers while your application is pending.
Where can I find Legal Director jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers. You can browse Legal Director openings from employers who have indicated willingness to sponsor work authorization, which filters out the significant portion of postings where sponsorship is not available. Searching a general job board wastes time on roles that will not advance once your visa status is disclosed.
What happens to my OPT status if a Legal Director role falls through before my H-1B is filed?
Your OPT authorization is tied to your current employer. If a role ends before an H-1B petition is filed on your behalf, you enter the 60-day grace period during which you can seek new employment or change status. You cannot work during the grace period. Finding a new sponsoring employer before the grace period expires is critical to maintaining lawful status.