Corporate Counsel Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California is one of the top states for corporate counsel visa sponsorship, driven by Silicon Valley's technology sector, Los Angeles entertainment and media companies, and major financial and healthcare employers. Google, Meta, Apple, and Salesforce regularly sponsor corporate counsel roles. San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles concentrate the most opportunities for internationally trained attorneys seeking U.S. work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsWork Schedule
Standard Office Hours (40/wk)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
DESCRIPTION:
Thermo Fisher Scientific is seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Corporate Counsel - AI Compliance to lead Thermo Fisher's enterprise AI Compliance Program and provide strategic legal and compliance leadership on the development, procurement, deployment, commercialization, and use of AI-enabled products, services, and processes across Thermo Fisher's global businesses and corporate functions.
This role is accountable for supporting both Corporate and Business Compliance while enabling innovation and managing legal, regulatory, and ethical risks associated with artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. This position is part of the Global Privacy and Technology Office and leads the ongoing evolution and operationalization of Thermo Fisher's Responsible AI Framework.
Success in this role requires leading with a high degree of independence, setting program priorities, improving efficiency and scalability, influencing senior stakeholders across a highly matrixed organization, and anticipating emerging issues before they become business or compliance challenges. This role will manage two direct reports and serve as a key leader across legal, compliance, digital, and business teams.
REQUIREMENTS
- 10+ years of experience in legal, compliance, privacy, technology law, or AI governance, with experience advising on AI, digital innovation, or related data governance matters.
- Strong practical understanding of global AI and data protection frameworks, including the EU AI Act, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, and related requirements affecting the development and use of AI.
- Demonstrated experience building, leading, or scaling enterprise compliance, governance, or counseling programs in a complex global organization, including developing practical templates, guidance, and processes.
- Proven ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, anticipate issues, and influence senior stakeholders through sound judgment, clear communication, and business-oriented advice.
- Experience leading people and working across functions, businesses, and time zones in a highly matrixed environment; direct people leadership experience preferred.
- Advanced English proficiency; additional languages and experience in life sciences, healthcare, or technology sectors are a plus.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
- Lead and shape Thermo Fisher's enterprise approach to responsible AI within one of the world's largest life sciences and technology companies.
- Build and scale a high-impact program that influences how AI is governed across global businesses and corporate functions.
- Partner with senior leaders and experienced legal, privacy, compliance, and technology professionals on matters central to innovation and growth.
- Lead, coach, and develop two direct reports while improving program efficiency, legal service delivery, and intake workflows to support a growing volume and complexity of AI matters.
- Expand your leadership experience through visibility to senior stakeholders, team leadership, and meaningful opportunities to improve how legal and compliance services are delivered.
- Develop and maintain practical playbooks, contract templates, fallback positions, guidance, and training materials that operationalize AI requirements and promote consistent decision-making.
- Manage outside counsel requests, maintain program documentation for audit or regulatory readiness, and monitor global AI legal and regulatory developments, translating external guidance into timely updates so Thermo Fisher remains current with AI requirements around the world.
- Be part of a culture built on Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, and Involvement, where diverse perspectives drive better outcomes and every colleague contributes to Thermo Fisher's mission.
Benefits
We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!
Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Watch as our colleagues explain 5 reasons to work with us. As one team of 100,000+ colleagues, we share a common set of values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement - working together to accelerate research, solve complex scientific challenges, drive technological innovation and support patients in need. #StartYourStory at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are valued.
Apply today!
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in North Carolina is $167,300.00–$223,100.00.
This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Work Schedule
Standard Office Hours (40/wk)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
DESCRIPTION:
Thermo Fisher Scientific is seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Corporate Counsel - AI Compliance to lead Thermo Fisher's enterprise AI Compliance Program and provide strategic legal and compliance leadership on the development, procurement, deployment, commercialization, and use of AI-enabled products, services, and processes across Thermo Fisher's global businesses and corporate functions.
This role is accountable for supporting both Corporate and Business Compliance while enabling innovation and managing legal, regulatory, and ethical risks associated with artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. This position is part of the Global Privacy and Technology Office and leads the ongoing evolution and operationalization of Thermo Fisher's Responsible AI Framework.
Success in this role requires leading with a high degree of independence, setting program priorities, improving efficiency and scalability, influencing senior stakeholders across a highly matrixed organization, and anticipating emerging issues before they become business or compliance challenges. This role will manage two direct reports and serve as a key leader across legal, compliance, digital, and business teams.
REQUIREMENTS
- 10+ years of experience in legal, compliance, privacy, technology law, or AI governance, with experience advising on AI, digital innovation, or related data governance matters.
- Strong practical understanding of global AI and data protection frameworks, including the EU AI Act, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, and related requirements affecting the development and use of AI.
- Demonstrated experience building, leading, or scaling enterprise compliance, governance, or counseling programs in a complex global organization, including developing practical templates, guidance, and processes.
- Proven ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, anticipate issues, and influence senior stakeholders through sound judgment, clear communication, and business-oriented advice.
- Experience leading people and working across functions, businesses, and time zones in a highly matrixed environment; direct people leadership experience preferred.
- Advanced English proficiency; additional languages and experience in life sciences, healthcare, or technology sectors are a plus.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
- Lead and shape Thermo Fisher's enterprise approach to responsible AI within one of the world's largest life sciences and technology companies.
- Build and scale a high-impact program that influences how AI is governed across global businesses and corporate functions.
- Partner with senior leaders and experienced legal, privacy, compliance, and technology professionals on matters central to innovation and growth.
- Lead, coach, and develop two direct reports while improving program efficiency, legal service delivery, and intake workflows to support a growing volume and complexity of AI matters.
- Expand your leadership experience through visibility to senior stakeholders, team leadership, and meaningful opportunities to improve how legal and compliance services are delivered.
- Develop and maintain practical playbooks, contract templates, fallback positions, guidance, and training materials that operationalize AI requirements and promote consistent decision-making.
- Manage outside counsel requests, maintain program documentation for audit or regulatory readiness, and monitor global AI legal and regulatory developments, translating external guidance into timely updates so Thermo Fisher remains current with AI requirements around the world.
- Be part of a culture built on Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, and Involvement, where diverse perspectives drive better outcomes and every colleague contributes to Thermo Fisher's mission.
Benefits
We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!
Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Watch as our colleagues explain 5 reasons to work with us. As one team of 100,000+ colleagues, we share a common set of values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement - working together to accelerate research, solve complex scientific challenges, drive technological innovation and support patients in need. #StartYourStory at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are valued.
Apply today!
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in North Carolina is $167,300.00–$223,100.00.
This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Corporate Counsel Job Roles in California
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Search Corporate Counsel Jobs in CaliforniaCorporate Counsel Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for corporate counsel roles in California?
Technology companies headquartered in California account for a significant share of corporate counsel sponsorships. Google, Apple, Meta, Salesforce, and Netflix have all filed Labor Condition Applications for in-house legal roles. Major financial institutions with California offices, including Wells Fargo and Pacific Premier Bank, and healthcare systems like Dignity Health also sponsor corporate counsel positions. Sponsorship patterns vary by employer size and legal department structure.
Which visa types are most common for corporate counsel roles in California?
The H-1B is the most common visa for corporate counsel positions because in-house legal roles at companies requiring a Juris Doctor typically qualify as specialty occupations. Australian citizens may use the E-3 visa, which has no lottery and is available year-round. Candidates with extraordinary legal accomplishments may pursue the O-1A. TN status is available to Canadian and Mexican attorneys for qualifying legal roles under the USMCA.
Which cities in California have the most corporate counsel sponsorship jobs?
San Francisco and the broader Bay Area generate the highest volume of corporate counsel sponsorship opportunities, concentrated in technology and venture-backed companies. Los Angeles follows, with strong demand from entertainment studios, media conglomerates, and real estate firms. San Jose and Palo Alto are active due to semiconductor and enterprise software employers. San Diego has emerging demand from biotech and defense contractors with in-house legal needs.
How to find corporate counsel visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters corporate counsel roles in California specifically by visa sponsorship, so you're not sorting through listings that don't apply to international candidates. The platform surfaces positions at technology companies, financial institutions, and healthcare systems across the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Searching by role and state on Migrate Mate saves significant time compared to manually identifying which California employers are willing to sponsor.
Are there any California-specific considerations for corporate counsel visa sponsorship?
California's active bar membership requirement adds a layer of complexity for international attorneys. Candidates admitted to a foreign bar typically must pass the California Bar Examination before practicing as in-house counsel, though some roles permit employment under supervision pending admission. California's concentration of large technology employers also means many legal departments are experienced with H-1B sponsorship processes, which can streamline the employer side of the petition.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored corporate counsel jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
See which corporate counsel employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in California right now.
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