TN Visa Assistant Corporation Counsel Jobs
Assistant Corporation Counsel roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's lawyer category, making them accessible to Canadian and Mexican attorneys without the H-1B lottery. Canadian citizens can secure TN status at the port of entry, while Mexican citizens apply at a U.S. consulate. Municipal law departments and city attorneys' offices are the most common sponsoring employers.
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Get Access To All JobsSalary
$75,000.00 - $85,000.00 Annually
Location
Michigan, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
20254091142LAWbb
Department
Law
Opening Date
04/15/2026
Closing Date
4/30/2026 4:31 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
1800
Description
LAW DEPARTMENT
ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL
CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Established by the Detroit City Charter, the Law Department is an independent agency that represents the interests of the City of Detroit as a corporate body. The Department is headed by the Corporation Counsel, whose mission is to provide a variety of legal services to the City, its elected officials, departments, agencies, offices, commissions, and boards, as well as its individual employees, in their official capacity.
The Department has numerous attorneys, specializing in various areas, who provide legal advice, opinions, and counsel to clients.
This position involves prosecuting all City Of Detroit criminal ordinance violations and some state law violations. Appear at arraignments, pretrials, motion hearings, trials, both jury and bench, and sentencing hearings. Appear as a Special Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor on select state law misdemeanor and felony violations. Appear in a variety of civil infractions.
Examples of Duties
- Perform specialized professional legal work in preparation for litigation of civil and criminal ordinance violations at 36th District Court.
- Appear as a Special Assistant Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney on select felony violations and State Law violations.
- Perform research in preparation for trials and hearings and in the resolution of and clarification of legal issues and problems.
- Appear at Detroit Administrative Hearings (DAH) on various blight code violations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association-approved institution.
- Trial experience preferred.
- One year of experience in the practice of law including experience in the trial and argument of cases before courts or quasi-judicial bodies.
- Experience in criminal law preferred.
LICENSE, CERTIFICATION, AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
License to practice law in the State of Michigan.
EQUIVALENCY
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Supplemental Information
Please attach a cover letter, resume with references, and a writing sample.
Evaluation Plan
- Interview: 70%
- Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
- Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional points may be awarded for:
- Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
- Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Excellent interpersonal skills; good writing skills in providing written legal analyses and advice to clients.
- Able to multi-task and prioritize and commit to a participative/team-oriented practice environment.
- The techniques of legal research, particularly as applied to municipal corporation law.
- Court procedures and legal principles and their application.
- Adjudication principles and practices.
SKILL IN:
- Legal research.
- Developing legal arguments and applying legal principles to legal problems.
- Effective problem-solving techniques.
- Oral and written communication.
ABILITY TO:
- Analyze and appraise facts, evidence, and precedence.
- Present statements of facts, law, and arguments clearly and logically.
- Problem solve and display resourcefulness and initiative in handling legal matters.
- Interact effectively with outside agencies and departmental personnel with tact and diplomacy.
- Display judicial temperament and poise.
Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
- Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
- Dental
- Vision
INSURANCE
- Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
- Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
- In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply;
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
- Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
Salary
$75,000.00 - $85,000.00 Annually
Location
Michigan, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
20254091142LAWbb
Department
Law
Opening Date
04/15/2026
Closing Date
4/30/2026 4:31 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
1800
Description
LAW DEPARTMENT
ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL
CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Established by the Detroit City Charter, the Law Department is an independent agency that represents the interests of the City of Detroit as a corporate body. The Department is headed by the Corporation Counsel, whose mission is to provide a variety of legal services to the City, its elected officials, departments, agencies, offices, commissions, and boards, as well as its individual employees, in their official capacity.
The Department has numerous attorneys, specializing in various areas, who provide legal advice, opinions, and counsel to clients.
This position involves prosecuting all City Of Detroit criminal ordinance violations and some state law violations. Appear at arraignments, pretrials, motion hearings, trials, both jury and bench, and sentencing hearings. Appear as a Special Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor on select state law misdemeanor and felony violations. Appear in a variety of civil infractions.
Examples of Duties
- Perform specialized professional legal work in preparation for litigation of civil and criminal ordinance violations at 36th District Court.
- Appear as a Special Assistant Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney on select felony violations and State Law violations.
- Perform research in preparation for trials and hearings and in the resolution of and clarification of legal issues and problems.
- Appear at Detroit Administrative Hearings (DAH) on various blight code violations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association-approved institution.
- Trial experience preferred.
- One year of experience in the practice of law including experience in the trial and argument of cases before courts or quasi-judicial bodies.
- Experience in criminal law preferred.
LICENSE, CERTIFICATION, AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
License to practice law in the State of Michigan.
EQUIVALENCY
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Supplemental Information
Please attach a cover letter, resume with references, and a writing sample.
Evaluation Plan
- Interview: 70%
- Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
- Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional points may be awarded for:
- Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
- Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Excellent interpersonal skills; good writing skills in providing written legal analyses and advice to clients.
- Able to multi-task and prioritize and commit to a participative/team-oriented practice environment.
- The techniques of legal research, particularly as applied to municipal corporation law.
- Court procedures and legal principles and their application.
- Adjudication principles and practices.
SKILL IN:
- Legal research.
- Developing legal arguments and applying legal principles to legal problems.
- Effective problem-solving techniques.
- Oral and written communication.
ABILITY TO:
- Analyze and appraise facts, evidence, and precedence.
- Present statements of facts, law, and arguments clearly and logically.
- Problem solve and display resourcefulness and initiative in handling legal matters.
- Interact effectively with outside agencies and departmental personnel with tact and diplomacy.
- Display judicial temperament and poise.
Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
- Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
- Dental
- Vision
INSURANCE
- Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
- Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
- In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply;
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
- Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
See all 9+ Assistant Corporation Counsel jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Assistant Corporation Counsel roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as an Assistant Corporation Counsel
Verify your bar admission covers U.S. practice
TN visa approval for lawyer roles requires active bar membership, but Canadian provincial licenses or Mexican licenciatura credentials don't automatically authorize U.S. court appearances. Confirm the role's jurisdiction requirements before applying, since some Assistant Corporation Counsel positions require state bar admission.
Target municipal and county law departments
City attorneys' offices and county counsel departments regularly hire Assistant Corporation Counsel and are familiar with TN sponsorship for lawyers. Focus your search on government law offices in major metros, where hiring timelines and visa support infrastructure are more developed than in smaller jurisdictions.
Request a TN support letter covering lawyer duties
Your employer's TN support letter must explicitly describe your duties as legal practice, not general advisory or administrative work. Vague job descriptions risk denial at the port of entry. Ask hiring managers to confirm the letter aligns with USCIS and CBP's lawyer category definition before your travel date.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsoring employers fast
Searching government job boards manually for TN-sponsoring law departments is slow and inconsistent. Migrate Mate filters Assistant Corporation Counsel roles by visa sponsorship availability, so you can reach out to employers already open to TN candidates without cold-applying to positions that won't support your status.
Prepare for CBP scrutiny of your legal credentials
Canadian citizens applying at the port of entry should carry certified transcripts, law school diplomas, and bar certificates in English. CBP officers reviewing lawyer-category TN applications often request documentation that consular appointments don't require, so bring a complete package regardless of how straightforward your case looks.
Negotiate TN renewal support before accepting an offer
TN status is granted in three-year increments with no cap on renewals, but government employers vary in how proactively they manage renewal filings. Before signing an offer, confirm whether the law department has a designated HR contact for immigration matters and what their standard lead time is for renewal paperwork.
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Find Assistant Corporation Counsel JobsAssistant Corporation Counsel TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Assistant Corporation Counsel role qualify for TN visa status?
Yes. Assistant Corporation Counsel positions fall under the TN visa's lawyer category, which covers professionals engaged in the practice of law. You'll need an LL.B., J.D., or equivalent first law degree and active bar membership. The employer must document that your duties constitute legal practice rather than administrative or policy work to satisfy CBP's review.
How does the TN visa compare to H-1B for an Assistant Corporation Counsel role?
The TN visa has no annual lottery and no numerical cap for Canadian citizens, so you can start work as soon as CBP approves your application at the port of entry. H-1B requires winning a lottery that selects fewer than half of applicants in competitive years. Mexican citizens face a TN allocation limit, but the process still avoids the H-1B lottery entirely. For attorney roles, TN is generally the faster and more predictable path.
Can Mexican attorneys apply for TN status for this role?
Yes, but Mexican citizens apply at a U.S. consulate rather than at the port of entry, and Mexico's TN allocation is subject to an annual cap. You'll need to schedule a consular appointment, submit your legal credentials, and obtain a TN visa stamp before traveling to the U.S. to start work. Processing timelines vary by consulate location and season.
Where can I find Assistant Corporation Counsel jobs that offer TN visa sponsorship?
Most standard job boards don't filter by TN sponsorship, which means sifting through postings that won't support your status. Migrate Mate is built specifically for TN and other treaty visa holders, letting you search Assistant Corporation Counsel openings by sponsorship availability so you can focus on employers already open to hiring international legal professionals.
What happens to my TN status if the city law department eliminates my position?
TN status is tied to the specific employer and role. If your position is eliminated, your TN authorization ends with your employment. You have a short grace period, typically up to 60 days, to find a new TN-qualifying employer, change to another visa status, or depart the U.S. Securing a new job offer triggers a fresh TN application, not a transfer of your existing status.
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