OPT Paralegal Jobs
Paralegal roles are among the more OPT-friendly positions in the legal field, with many law firms and corporate legal departments willing to sponsor or extend work authorization. Your OPT period gives you 12 months of full-time work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description Summary
Under general supervision, uses specialized knowledge and skills obtained through experience, specialized training and certification to perform a variety of intermediate level litigation and regulatory support tasks, including assisting in organizing and analyzing documents and evidence and maintaining case files. May serve as a technical advisor to others. Guidance is provided to perform varied work that is somewhat difficult in nature, requiring some evaluation, originality and ingenuity to make moderately complex decisions. Resolves or recommends solutions to complex problems. Regular contact with internal customers and external providers of legal services is required to identify, research and resolve problems.
Assist with national subpoena responses with Litigation Counsel: provide reporting information, determine whether service of process handled properly, coordinate with branch offices to obtain requested documentation, review documentation and redact privileged information, provide appropriate documents to requesting party, and correspond w/ requesting law firms and third-party service providers.
Responsibilities:
- Provide legal support services to attorneys in the form of basic case research and preparation of legal and business communications.
- Draft legal and business communications in support of attorneys, prepare legal documents and other correspondence both with and without attorney supervision.
- Perform legal research with LexisNexis, WestLaw, and fact gathering.
- Maintain a library of pre-approved form documents, contract clauses, templates, and historical documents, and add or revise material as needed.
- Communicate with various business units to collect responsive documents and information.
- Field questions from branch offices, follow-up on the suggested course of action from Litigation Counsel, and facilitate resolutions to requests for documentation.
- Maintain calendar of deadlines and response dates.
- Prepare standard letters and reports and help create initial drafts of documents for review.
- May assist with litigation and dispute resolution.
- Gather, organize, summarize, index, and maintain documents from various sources.
- Perform legal research and assist in preparation of presentation materials.
- Provide general support to attorneys, and assist with other related duties as required.
- Maintain a library of preapproved documents, contracts and clauses, templates and historical documents and revise material as needed.
- Create and maintain internal case databases, run searches on internal and external document databases and systems, cull relevant information from a variety of resources.
- Review outside counsel and vendor invoices for discrepancies.
- Assist in reviewing claims and preparing draft pleadings for review by legal counsel.
- Gather, organize, summarize and index legal and supporting documentation for internal and external legal counsel.
- Draft correspondence, discovery requests and responses, motions, subpoenas and other related documents.
- Prepare and maintain trial notebooks and documents and may assist legal counsel at hearings and proceedings.
- Research, compile information and assist in preparing responses to regulatory authorities.
- Assist in reviewing outside counsel invoices and tracking actual expenses and comparing to budget.
- Maintain the ongoing status of cases in the case management system.
- Assist other paralegals, as required.
- Maintain currency in paralegal practices and methodologies.
- Operate standard office equipment and uses required software applications.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- Laws, legal codes, precedents, and government regulations.
- Fundamental business practices and concepts that impact the success and profitability of the firm.
- Intermediate level concepts, practices and procedures of the paralegal profession.
- Basic investment concepts, practices and procedures used in the securities industry.
- Principles of banking and finance and securities industry operations.
- Financial markets and products.
Skill in:
- Reviewing subpoenas and preparing responses.
- Gathering, organizing, summarizing and indexing legal and supporting documentation.
- Preparing discovery requests and responses, motions, subpoenas and other related documents.
- Prioritizing multiple tasks and duties.
- Assisting legal counsel at hearings and proceedings.
- Maintaining calendar of deadlines and response dates.
- Tracking expenses and comparing to budget.
- Maintaining information in an automated case management system.
- Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications.
- Strong attention to detail and high-level of organization.
Ability to:
- Evaluate legal documents for the appropriate level of response and escalation to Litigation Counsel.
- Maintain confidential information.
- Attend mediations and final hearings as deemed necessary by your assigned attorney.
- Maintain professional currency.
- Use analytical and critical thinking skills in reading, interpreting, analyzing and applying information from legal documentation and references.
- Manage multiple tasks with changing priorities to meet deadlines in a fast paced environment with constant interruptions.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Handle stressful situations and provide a high level of customer service in a calm and professional manner.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others at all organizational levels.
Education/Previous Experience
Associates degree and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a law firm or legal department in a financial planning, investment management or other financial services environment. OR An equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources.
Licenses/Certifications
Paralegal certification is preferred.
Education
Associate's: Law
Work Experience
General Experience - 13 months to 3 years
Certifications
Certified Paralegal (CP) - National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
Travel
Less than 25%
Workstyle
Hybrid
The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave. Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.
At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view.
We expect our associates at all levels to:
- Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
- Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
- Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
- Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
- Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm
At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates. When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.
Job Description Summary
Under general supervision, uses specialized knowledge and skills obtained through experience, specialized training and certification to perform a variety of intermediate level litigation and regulatory support tasks, including assisting in organizing and analyzing documents and evidence and maintaining case files. May serve as a technical advisor to others. Guidance is provided to perform varied work that is somewhat difficult in nature, requiring some evaluation, originality and ingenuity to make moderately complex decisions. Resolves or recommends solutions to complex problems. Regular contact with internal customers and external providers of legal services is required to identify, research and resolve problems.
Assist with national subpoena responses with Litigation Counsel: provide reporting information, determine whether service of process handled properly, coordinate with branch offices to obtain requested documentation, review documentation and redact privileged information, provide appropriate documents to requesting party, and correspond w/ requesting law firms and third-party service providers.
Responsibilities:
- Provide legal support services to attorneys in the form of basic case research and preparation of legal and business communications.
- Draft legal and business communications in support of attorneys, prepare legal documents and other correspondence both with and without attorney supervision.
- Perform legal research with LexisNexis, WestLaw, and fact gathering.
- Maintain a library of pre-approved form documents, contract clauses, templates, and historical documents, and add or revise material as needed.
- Communicate with various business units to collect responsive documents and information.
- Field questions from branch offices, follow-up on the suggested course of action from Litigation Counsel, and facilitate resolutions to requests for documentation.
- Maintain calendar of deadlines and response dates.
- Prepare standard letters and reports and help create initial drafts of documents for review.
- May assist with litigation and dispute resolution.
- Gather, organize, summarize, index, and maintain documents from various sources.
- Perform legal research and assist in preparation of presentation materials.
- Provide general support to attorneys, and assist with other related duties as required.
- Maintain a library of preapproved documents, contracts and clauses, templates and historical documents and revise material as needed.
- Create and maintain internal case databases, run searches on internal and external document databases and systems, cull relevant information from a variety of resources.
- Review outside counsel and vendor invoices for discrepancies.
- Assist in reviewing claims and preparing draft pleadings for review by legal counsel.
- Gather, organize, summarize and index legal and supporting documentation for internal and external legal counsel.
- Draft correspondence, discovery requests and responses, motions, subpoenas and other related documents.
- Prepare and maintain trial notebooks and documents and may assist legal counsel at hearings and proceedings.
- Research, compile information and assist in preparing responses to regulatory authorities.
- Assist in reviewing outside counsel invoices and tracking actual expenses and comparing to budget.
- Maintain the ongoing status of cases in the case management system.
- Assist other paralegals, as required.
- Maintain currency in paralegal practices and methodologies.
- Operate standard office equipment and uses required software applications.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- Laws, legal codes, precedents, and government regulations.
- Fundamental business practices and concepts that impact the success and profitability of the firm.
- Intermediate level concepts, practices and procedures of the paralegal profession.
- Basic investment concepts, practices and procedures used in the securities industry.
- Principles of banking and finance and securities industry operations.
- Financial markets and products.
Skill in:
- Reviewing subpoenas and preparing responses.
- Gathering, organizing, summarizing and indexing legal and supporting documentation.
- Preparing discovery requests and responses, motions, subpoenas and other related documents.
- Prioritizing multiple tasks and duties.
- Assisting legal counsel at hearings and proceedings.
- Maintaining calendar of deadlines and response dates.
- Tracking expenses and comparing to budget.
- Maintaining information in an automated case management system.
- Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications.
- Strong attention to detail and high-level of organization.
Ability to:
- Evaluate legal documents for the appropriate level of response and escalation to Litigation Counsel.
- Maintain confidential information.
- Attend mediations and final hearings as deemed necessary by your assigned attorney.
- Maintain professional currency.
- Use analytical and critical thinking skills in reading, interpreting, analyzing and applying information from legal documentation and references.
- Manage multiple tasks with changing priorities to meet deadlines in a fast paced environment with constant interruptions.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Handle stressful situations and provide a high level of customer service in a calm and professional manner.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others at all organizational levels.
Education/Previous Experience
Associates degree and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a law firm or legal department in a financial planning, investment management or other financial services environment. OR An equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources.
Licenses/Certifications
Paralegal certification is preferred.
Education
Associate's: Law
Work Experience
General Experience - 13 months to 3 years
Certifications
Certified Paralegal (CP) - National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
Travel
Less than 25%
Workstyle
Hybrid
The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave. Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.
At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view.
We expect our associates at all levels to:
- Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
- Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
- Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
- Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
- Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm
At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates. When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.
See all 593+ OPT Paralegal Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Paralegal Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Paralegal
Target law firms with established visa programs
Large and midsize law firms often have in-house immigration counsel and routinely sponsor H-1B visas for paralegals. Firms with dedicated immigration or corporate practices are especially accustomed to sponsoring international staff on OPT and beyond.
Clarify your OPT authorization early in conversations
Mention your OPT status and remaining authorization period in your cover letter or early screening calls. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume sponsorship is required immediately, so clarifying your existing work authorization removes the biggest hiring hesitation upfront.
Prioritize corporate legal departments over boutique firms
In-house legal teams at large corporations typically have HR infrastructure and immigration budgets in place. They sponsor OPT extensions and H-1B transitions more consistently than small boutique firms that rarely hire internationally and lack established sponsorship processes.
Align your degree field with your paralegal specialty
OPT must relate to your field of study. A degree in criminal justice, pre-law, or political science maps cleanly to paralegal work. If your degree is in another field, frame your coursework and research experience to demonstrate direct relevance to your legal practice area.
Pursue paralegal certification to strengthen your application
Credentials from the National Association of Legal Assistants or similar bodies signal professional commitment to employers. Certified candidates often advance faster to roles at firms more willing to invest in long-term immigration sponsorship, including H-1B petitions after OPT expires.
Use your OPT timeline as a negotiation asset
If you have a STEM extension available, you offer employers up to three years of work authorization before any H-1B decision is required. Framing this timeline proactively reassures hiring managers and gives the firm ample runway to evaluate you before committing to sponsorship.
Paralegal OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a paralegal on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role directly relates to your field of study. Degrees in criminal justice, political science, pre-law, legal studies, or a related social science field typically satisfy the OPT employment requirement for paralegal positions. If your degree is in an unrelated field, you'll need to demonstrate how your coursework connects to the legal work you'll be performing.
Do law firms commonly sponsor OPT students for paralegal roles?
It varies by firm size and practice area. Large law firms and corporate legal departments with established HR infrastructure sponsor OPT students far more reliably than small boutique firms. Firms with immigration, corporate, or tech practices tend to have the most experience with international hires. Browse paralegal roles that welcome OPT candidates on Migrate Mate to identify which employers actively sponsor.
Does a paralegal role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Only if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field. Most traditional paralegal or legal studies degrees are not STEM-designated. However, if you hold a STEM degree in fields like computer science or data science and are working as a paralegal in a tech-adjacent legal role, such as intellectual property or privacy law, you may be eligible. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files for H-1B?
If your OPT expires before an H-1B is approved, you'll lose work authorization and must stop working. The H-1B cap-subject lottery opens each April for an October 1 start date, so timing matters significantly. If you're approaching your OPT end date without H-1B approval, discuss a cap-exempt employer, a change of status option, or additional schooling with your immigration advisor as early as possible.
What should I look for in a paralegal job listing to assess OPT sponsorship likelihood?
Look for phrases like "visa sponsorship available," "will sponsor work authorization," or "OPT accepted" in the job description. Listings that state "must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship" are a firm no. Employer size is also a reliable signal: firms with 50 or more employees and active international hiring histories are better bets. Filter specifically for OPT-friendly paralegal roles on Migrate Mate.