OPT Trial Attorney Jobs
Trial Attorney jobs on OPT are available at law firms, public defender offices, and government agencies, but your employer must be authorized to employ you under your OPT work authorization. Most positions require a J.D., bar admission, and active STEM OPT is not available for this role since law is not a STEM field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are a leading California lemon law firm known for delivering strong results and developing exceptional trial attorneys. We are seeking a Trial Attorney who thrives in the courtroom, is confident managing cases through trial, and is eager to play a central role in high-impact litigation.
This position is ideal for an experienced litigator who wants to focus on trial work, sharpen advocacy skills, and work alongside accomplished litigators while handling cases from pre-trial through verdict.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as lead or second chair in trials, including jury and bench trials
- Handle all aspects of trial preparation, including strategy, witness preparation, and exhibit management
- Conduct depositions, including expert and key fact witnesses
- Draft and argue pre-trial motions, motions in limine, and post-trial motions
- Represent clients in hearings, mediations, and settlement negotiations
- Collaborate with attorneys on case strategy and trial positioning
- Provide guidance to junior attorneys on litigation and trial preparation
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active California Bar membership in good standing
- 2+ years of civil litigation experience
- Demonstrated trial experience (lead or second chair)
- Strong oral advocacy and courtroom presence
- Excellent legal writing and analytical skills
- Ability to manage cases independently and perform under pressure
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with lemon law or consumer protection litigation
- Experience handling jury trials
- Federal court experience and/or admissions
MENTORSHIP, LEADERSHIP & GROWTH
- Direct collaboration with some of the industry’s most accomplished trial attorneys
- Opportunities to take the lead in high-stakes trials and develop advanced advocacy skills
- A clear path toward senior leadership and partnership opportunities
- A high-performance, team-oriented environment focused on trial excellence
WHY JOIN QUILL & ARROW
- Competitive salary: $200,000–$300,000 annually (depending on experience)
- 100% employer-paid PPO medical coverage
- 100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) with 4% employer match (after 1 year)
- Generous PTO, sick time, and paid holidays
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- Hybrid schedule: work from home 2 days per week after 30 days (as trial schedule permits)
- Paid parking
- Monthly team lunches, annual holiday events, and office perks
Quill & Arrow is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where attorneys can grow into leadership roles and build long-term careers.
Pay: $200,000.00 - $300,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
INTRODUCTION
We are a leading California lemon law firm known for delivering strong results and developing exceptional trial attorneys. We are seeking a Trial Attorney who thrives in the courtroom, is confident managing cases through trial, and is eager to play a central role in high-impact litigation.
This position is ideal for an experienced litigator who wants to focus on trial work, sharpen advocacy skills, and work alongside accomplished litigators while handling cases from pre-trial through verdict.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as lead or second chair in trials, including jury and bench trials
- Handle all aspects of trial preparation, including strategy, witness preparation, and exhibit management
- Conduct depositions, including expert and key fact witnesses
- Draft and argue pre-trial motions, motions in limine, and post-trial motions
- Represent clients in hearings, mediations, and settlement negotiations
- Collaborate with attorneys on case strategy and trial positioning
- Provide guidance to junior attorneys on litigation and trial preparation
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active California Bar membership in good standing
- 2+ years of civil litigation experience
- Demonstrated trial experience (lead or second chair)
- Strong oral advocacy and courtroom presence
- Excellent legal writing and analytical skills
- Ability to manage cases independently and perform under pressure
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with lemon law or consumer protection litigation
- Experience handling jury trials
- Federal court experience and/or admissions
MENTORSHIP, LEADERSHIP & GROWTH
- Direct collaboration with some of the industry’s most accomplished trial attorneys
- Opportunities to take the lead in high-stakes trials and develop advanced advocacy skills
- A clear path toward senior leadership and partnership opportunities
- A high-performance, team-oriented environment focused on trial excellence
WHY JOIN QUILL & ARROW
- Competitive salary: $200,000–$300,000 annually (depending on experience)
- 100% employer-paid PPO medical coverage
- 100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) with 4% employer match (after 1 year)
- Generous PTO, sick time, and paid holidays
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- Hybrid schedule: work from home 2 days per week after 30 days (as trial schedule permits)
- Paid parking
- Monthly team lunches, annual holiday events, and office perks
Quill & Arrow is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where attorneys can grow into leadership roles and build long-term careers.
Pay: $200,000.00 - $300,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
See all OPT Trial Attorney Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Trial Attorney
Target employers with a history of visa sponsorship
Large law firms and government legal offices are more likely to have sponsored foreign national attorneys before. Search OFLC disclosure data to verify which employers have filed LCAs for attorney roles in recent years.
Clarify your OPT authorization early in the process
Be upfront with hiring partners that you hold OPT work authorization. Firms that have sponsored attorneys before will recognize the timeline and know what H-1B visa sponsorship requires before your OPT period ends.
Prioritize firms with established immigration practice groups
Law firms with dedicated immigration departments are far more comfortable navigating their own attorneys' visa situations. They understand the H-1B process firsthand and are less likely to be deterred by sponsorship logistics.
Plan around the H-1B cap registration window
H-1B registration opens in March for an October 1 start. If your OPT expires before October, discuss cap-gap protection with your employer early so neither side is caught off guard by the timeline.
Bar admission strengthens your sponsorship case significantly
Employers are more willing to invest in sponsorship when you are already licensed to practice. Passing the bar before your OPT period ends removes a major hiring risk and makes the sponsorship conversation much easier.
Frame your international background as a client-facing asset
Firms serving international clients, multinational corporations, or immigrant communities value attorneys who understand cross-border legal contexts. Positioning your background this way shifts the conversation from visa burden to competitive advantage.
Trial Attorney OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Trial Attorney on OPT?
Yes, as long as your employment is directly related to your field of study. A J.D. graduate working as a Trial Attorney satisfies the OPT requirement because the role is a direct application of your legal education. Your employer does not need to do anything special to hire you under OPT, but you must report the job to your DSO to update your SEVIS record.
Is STEM OPT extension available for Trial Attorney positions?
No. Law is not a STEM-designated field of study, so J.D. graduates are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You have 12 months of standard OPT. Planning for H-1B sponsorship or another visa pathway before your OPT expires is essential, and that conversation with a potential employer should happen before you accept an offer.
Do I need to pass the bar before working as a Trial Attorney on OPT?
It depends on the role and jurisdiction. Many entry-level litigation positions allow law graduates to work as law clerks or under attorney supervision while awaiting bar results. However, to appear in court and conduct trials independently, bar admission is required. Check the specific job posting and your state's unauthorized practice of law rules to confirm what your role permits during the waiting period.
How do I find Trial Attorney jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness, saving you the time of applying to roles where your work authorization is a dealbreaker. Browse Trial Attorney listings on Migrate Mate to find employers who have indicated openness to sponsoring international candidates, including those currently on OPT.
What happens to my Trial Attorney job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You can continue working as a Trial Attorney during the cap-gap period. If your petition is not selected in the lottery or not filed in time, you must stop working until you obtain other valid work authorization.