Legal Intern Jobs for OPT Students
Legal Intern roles on OPT are common at law firms, corporate legal departments, and nonprofits. Most positions require full-time F-1 OPT authorization. Your EAD card and a clear degree-to-role connection in a legal field are the two things employers will ask about first.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
As a Legal Intern, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our software and services remain aligned with applicable federal, state, and industry-specific regulations. You’ll monitor regulatory changes, interpret their impact on our customers, conduct contract reviews, and collaborate across teams to ensure timely updates and communications. You’ll also help shape regulatory strategy and support product development with subject matter expertise. We are ideally looking for someone who is available full-time in the summer and on a part-time basis during the school year.
- Conduct legal and regulatory research on FMCSA, DOT, FCRA, employment laws, privacy laws, and related compliance issues.
- Monitor and interpret federal, state, and industry-specific regulatory requirements relevant to the company’s platform and customer base.
- Assist with review and analysis of contracts (NDAs, vendor agreements, client agreements, and other supportive documents).
- Support internal compliance audits and reviews.
- Draft legal memos and briefing materials.
- Maintain regulatory tracking sheets and research repositories.
- Determine responsive documents and draft subpoena responses.
- Provide legal administrative support and participate in special projects.
Who you are
- Currently enrolled in an ABA accredited law school (1L, 2L, or 3L)
- Strong and demonstrable research and writing skills.
- Interest in administrative, regulatory, transportation, employment, or compliance law.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently.
- Professional judgment and ability to handle confidential information.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with non-legal teams.
Why you’ll love working here
- Mission-driven team transforming regulatory compliance through technology.
- Collaborative, high-growth environment with opportunities for leadership.
- Remote flexibility.
LOCATION
This role is primarily remote (US based), with the expectation of occasional visits to our offices for team collaboration, training, or company events.
This role may be based remotely out of the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin.
About us
At Foley, we’re reimagining how safety-sensitive industries hire, stay compliant, and manage risk. We’ve evolved into a modern SaaS company with an all-in-one, AI-ready platform that helps transportation, construction, distribution, and utility businesses operate faster, smarter, and safer.
As we continue to grow, we’re looking for curious, strategic thinkers who thrive in complexity, are motivated by making an impact, and want to join a team that’s passionate about building great products and supporting customers. Our core values — Teammateship, Grit, and Innovation — guide everything we do. Whether we’re collaborating internally or helping customers, we approach every challenge with optimism, humor, and a shared commitment to success.
Benefits
Foley offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off and holidays, wellness programs, and an employee assistance program.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Foley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Reasonable Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at careers@foley.io
Employment Status
Employment with Foley is on an at-will basis. Nothing in this job posting or in future communications should be construed as a contract of employment.
Massachusetts Applicants:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
INTRODUCTION
As a Legal Intern, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our software and services remain aligned with applicable federal, state, and industry-specific regulations. You’ll monitor regulatory changes, interpret their impact on our customers, conduct contract reviews, and collaborate across teams to ensure timely updates and communications. You’ll also help shape regulatory strategy and support product development with subject matter expertise. We are ideally looking for someone who is available full-time in the summer and on a part-time basis during the school year.
- Conduct legal and regulatory research on FMCSA, DOT, FCRA, employment laws, privacy laws, and related compliance issues.
- Monitor and interpret federal, state, and industry-specific regulatory requirements relevant to the company’s platform and customer base.
- Assist with review and analysis of contracts (NDAs, vendor agreements, client agreements, and other supportive documents).
- Support internal compliance audits and reviews.
- Draft legal memos and briefing materials.
- Maintain regulatory tracking sheets and research repositories.
- Determine responsive documents and draft subpoena responses.
- Provide legal administrative support and participate in special projects.
Who you are
- Currently enrolled in an ABA accredited law school (1L, 2L, or 3L)
- Strong and demonstrable research and writing skills.
- Interest in administrative, regulatory, transportation, employment, or compliance law.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently.
- Professional judgment and ability to handle confidential information.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with non-legal teams.
Why you’ll love working here
- Mission-driven team transforming regulatory compliance through technology.
- Collaborative, high-growth environment with opportunities for leadership.
- Remote flexibility.
LOCATION
This role is primarily remote (US based), with the expectation of occasional visits to our offices for team collaboration, training, or company events.
This role may be based remotely out of the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin.
About us
At Foley, we’re reimagining how safety-sensitive industries hire, stay compliant, and manage risk. We’ve evolved into a modern SaaS company with an all-in-one, AI-ready platform that helps transportation, construction, distribution, and utility businesses operate faster, smarter, and safer.
As we continue to grow, we’re looking for curious, strategic thinkers who thrive in complexity, are motivated by making an impact, and want to join a team that’s passionate about building great products and supporting customers. Our core values — Teammateship, Grit, and Innovation — guide everything we do. Whether we’re collaborating internally or helping customers, we approach every challenge with optimism, humor, and a shared commitment to success.
Benefits
Foley offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off and holidays, wellness programs, and an employee assistance program.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Foley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Reasonable Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at careers@foley.io
Employment Status
Employment with Foley is on an at-will basis. Nothing in this job posting or in future communications should be construed as a contract of employment.
Massachusetts Applicants:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Legal Intern
Lead with your EAD, not just your degree
Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume visa sponsorship is required. Clarify upfront that your EAD card already authorizes you to work. Removing that assumption early prevents your application from being screened out unnecessarily.
Connect your degree field to the legal role explicitly
OPT requires your job to relate directly to your degree. For legal internships, be prepared to explain how your studies in law, political science, compliance, or a related field directly supports the work you will be doing.
Track your OPT end date before accepting any offer
Legal internships often run 10 to 16 weeks. Confirm your OPT expiration date before signing an offer. If the internship extends beyond your authorization window, you will need a plan for STEM OPT extension or a new status.
Apply to law firms that already employ international staff
Firms with existing international associates or foreign-trained lawyers are far more comfortable with OPT paperwork. Look for firms with global practices, international arbitration work, or offices in multiple countries as signals of familiarity.
Prepare documentation before your start date
Have your EAD card, Form I-20 with OPT authorization, and offer letter ready before day one. Many legal employers require copies for their HR and conflict-check systems. Delays in onboarding documentation can push your start date back.
Understand STEM OPT eligibility if your degree qualifies
If your law-adjacent degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code, such as certain compliance or legal technology programs, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Confirm eligibility with your DSO well before your standard OPT period ends.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Legal Intern on OPT without employer visa sponsorship?
Yes. Your F-1 OPT work authorization is granted by USCIS through your school, not your employer. The employer does not sponsor your OPT or file any petition on your behalf. You present your EAD card as proof of authorization, the same way a U.S. citizen presents a Social Security card. The employer simply verifies it on Form I-9.
Does a legal internship count as qualifying OPT employment?
It does, provided the role directly relates to your degree field. A legal internship supports a law degree, political science degree, or a compliance-focused program. The work must be at least 20 hours per week to count as authorized OPT employment. Unpaid legal internships can qualify, but you must confirm this arrangement meets your school's OPT reporting requirements before accepting.
How do I find Legal Intern positions that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers and lists legal internships from employers who are already open to hiring international students. Searching there filters out roles where OPT authorization would be a barrier, saving you time and reducing the chance of investing in applications that will be screened out.
What happens to my OPT if my legal internship ends early or I am let go?
Your OPT authorization remains active, but USCIS requires you to report any change in employment status to your DSO within 10 days. You have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your entire OPT period. If you exceed that, you fall out of status. Start your next job search immediately and document any gap carefully with your international student office.
Can I do a part-time legal internship on OPT?
Post-completion OPT requires a minimum of 20 hours of work per week to qualify as authorized employment. A part-time legal internship at 20 hours or more counts. Anything below 20 hours does not count toward your OPT and accrues against your 90-day unemployment limit. Pre-completion OPT during your program has its own hour restrictions set by your school.
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