OPT Litigation Attorney Jobs
Litigation Attorney jobs on OPT are available at law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Most roles require a J.D. and bar admission, so confirm your OPT end date aligns with bar exam timelines. STEM OPT extension does not apply to law degrees.
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Position
We are seeking an associate attorney with 3 to 5 years of post-law school experience and a strong background in Delaware corporate litigation, specifically breach of fiduciary duty cases. The ideal candidate must excel in legal research and writing, as these skills are essential for success in this role. This position is remote with the option to work from our New York office.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth legal research and draft memoranda, pleadings, motions, and briefs related to Delaware corporate litigation.
- Analyze complex corporate governance issues, fiduciary obligations, and shareholder rights under Delaware law.
- Collaborate with partners and other attorneys on case strategy, discovery, and trial preparation.
- Draft and review litigation documents, including complaints, discovery requests, and responses.
- Represent clients in all phases of litigation, including depositions, hearings, and negotiations.
- Stay current on developments in Delaware corporate law and provide strategic insights to the team.
Requirements
Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience practicing Delaware corporate litigation, with a focus on breach of fiduciary duty cases.
- Bar Admission: Admission to the bar in at least one state; Delaware bar admission is highly preferred but not mandatory.
- Skills:
- Exceptional legal research and analytical abilities.
- Superior writing skills with attention to detail and the ability to craft persuasive arguments.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Education: JD from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience drafting dispositive motions in Delaware courts.
- Familiarity with Delaware Court of Chancery rules and procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Compensation And Benefits
- Salary $150,000-$220,000 commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Professional development opportunities, including CLE and industry events.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Litigation Attorney
Target firms with established OPT hiring pipelines
Large law firms and corporate legal departments hire OPT attorneys more consistently than small practices. Look for employers who have sponsored attorneys before, as they understand the H-1B visa process and are less likely to withdraw offers over authorization concerns.
Clarify your bar admission status upfront
Most litigation roles require active bar admission in the relevant state. Address your bar exam status early in conversations with employers so they can assess timeline fit before investing in your candidacy, avoiding mismatched expectations later in the process.
Emphasize your practice area specialization
Litigation covers commercial disputes, employment law, securities, and more. Positioning yourself in a specific practice area makes you a stronger candidate and signals focus. Firms are more willing to sponsor attorneys who fill a defined gap in their existing litigation team.
Understand your OPT timeline relative to H-1B cap deadlines
H-1B registration opens in March each year. If your OPT expires before October 1, you may face a gap. Work backward from your EAD expiration date to determine whether you need an employer to file a cap-gap extension petition in time.
Build relationships through law school alumni networks
Many litigation attorney hires happen through referrals, not open postings. Connecting with alumni at target firms before you need a job creates the kind of relationship that can surface unadvertised roles and ease employer concerns about visa sponsorship logistics.
Be transparent about your authorization on applications
Disclose your OPT status honestly when asked about work authorization. Firms that routinely sponsor attorneys will not be deterred. Those who are deterred would have withdrawn the offer later anyway, making early disclosure a time-saving filter, not a disadvantage.
Litigation Attorney OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Litigation Attorney on OPT?
Yes, you can work as a Litigation Attorney on OPT as long as the role directly relates to your field of study, typically a J.D. from a U.S. law school. Your employment must begin before your OPT authorization expires and remain within the legal field. Clerkships, associate positions, and in-house litigation roles all qualify, provided your EAD is valid for the duration of your employment.
Does a law degree qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
No. J.D. and other law degrees are not classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, so law graduates are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You have 12 months of standard OPT. Planning your job search and H-1B timeline around that 12-month window is essential, particularly given H-1B lottery timing.
Do law firms typically sponsor H-1B visas for litigation attorneys?
Many large and mid-size law firms do sponsor H-1B visas for litigation attorneys, particularly for associates in high-demand practice areas like commercial litigation, securities enforcement, and employment law. Smaller boutique firms are less consistent. Reviewing a firm's prior H-1B filing history through government disclosure data gives a reliable signal of their sponsorship willingness before you apply.
Where can I find Litigation Attorney jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the best place to find Litigation Attorney jobs that are open to OPT and visa sponsorship candidates. The platform filters for employers with sponsorship history, saving you time that would otherwise go toward researching firms one by one. You can browse by practice area and location to match roles to your specific litigation background.
What happens to my OPT if I fail the bar exam and cannot practice immediately?
You can still work in a legal capacity while awaiting bar results or during a retake period, as long as your employer permits unlicensed work under attorney supervision. However, most litigation attorney roles formally require bar admission. If your OPT is active and you are employed in a qualifying legal role, your status remains valid even if full licensure is pending.