Corporate Legal Counsel Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California hosts some of the most active corporate legal counsel hiring in the country, driven by tech giants in Silicon Valley, entertainment studios in Los Angeles, and major financial institutions in San Francisco. Companies like Apple, Google, Netflix, and Salesforce regularly sponsor international attorneys for in-house roles across the state.
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The Company:
Faraday Future (FF) is a California-based embodied artificial intelligence ecosystem company, leveraging the latest technologies and world’s best talent to realize exciting new possibilities in mobility and robotics. We’re producing user-centric, technology-first vehicles and robots to establish new paradigms in human-AI interaction. We’re not just seeking to change how our cars and robots work – we’re seeking to change the way we drive and interact with machines. At FF, we’re creating something new, something connected, and something with a true global impact.
Your Role:
Reporting to the General Counsel, as Senior Legal Counsel-Corporate Governance, you’ll be a key legal leader driving strategic legal initiatives across Faraday Future’s global operations. You’ll collaborate with senior leadership, oversee outside counsel, and serve as a principal advisor on securities filings, governance, legal compliance, contract review and negotiation, and internal investigations.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the creation of a compliant legal system suitable for a public company
- Lead public company compliance requirements, SEC filings
- Manage government reporting on various compliance matters
- Responsible for reviewing all contracts including supply chain contracts, consulting agreements, securities purchase agreements, NDAs, etc.
- Counsel company management on legal and ethical compliance laws, regulations, and governance
- Develop and implement a comprehensive program for legal and ethical compliance that meets all applicable legal requirements and industry standards
- Develop and implement training regimens for compliance and governance topics
- Manage other legal functions that support corporate internal operation including IP, labor and others
- Implement and manage compliance policies, protocols, and training
- Audit company procedures, policies, and practices to identify potential risks
- Investigate allegations of legal and ethical compliance violations
- Work seamlessly and collaboratively within the legal team and as a legal business partner to multiple internal business stakeholders
- Strong personal ethics code and integrity
Basic Qualifications:
Education & Licensure
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
- Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of relevant legal experience, including substantial in-house and/or law firm experience supporting public companies
- Must have experience in one of the following industries: high-tech consumer electronics, internet AI, automotive
- Demonstrated experience advising publicly traded companies on securities law compliance, corporate governance, and regulatory matters
- Proven experience managing SEC reporting obligations, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements, registration statements, and Section 16 filings
- Experience supporting equity and debt financings and familiarity with public capital markets transactions
- Strong background drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, including supply chain agreements, consulting agreements, NDAs, securities purchase agreements, and vendor contracts
- Experience developing and implementing corporate compliance and ethics programs
- Experience conducting internal investigations, compliance audits, and risk assessments
- Prior experience collaborating with executive leadership, finance, HR, and operational teams
- Experience supporting Board of Directors governance activities, including preparation of board materials, resolutions, and meeting minutes
Technical Knowledge & Legal Expertise
- Strong knowledge of the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934
- Deep understanding of SEC regulations, disclosure requirements, and public company compliance obligations
- Familiarity with corporate governance best practices and board governance procedures
- Knowledge of legal and ethical compliance frameworks, internal controls, and regulatory reporting requirements
- Understanding of labor and employment law, contract law, and corporate legal operations
- Ability to identify legal and operational risks and develop practical mitigation strategies
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent contract drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
- Strong business judgment with the ability to provide practical, solutions-oriented legal advice
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments
- High attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive matters
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
Personal Attributes
- Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and sound ethical judgment
- Strong commitment to legal and ethical compliance
- Collaborative mindset with a proactive and business-partner-oriented approach
- Ability to build trusted relationships across the organization
- High level of accountability, discretion, and professionalism
Preferred Qualifications
- Additional certifications in corporate compliance, governance, or securities law are a plus
- Exposure to intellectual property, employment law, litigation management, and other corporate legal matters preferred
- Prior experience helping prepare a company for public company readiness or supporting newly public companies
- Familiarity with compliance training development and implementation
- Experience managing outside counsel and cross-functional compliance initiatives
- Fluency in Mandarin preferred
Annual Salary Range:
($160,000 - $200,000 DOE), plus benefits and incentive plans
Perks + Benefits
- Healthcare + dental + vision benefits (Free for you/discounted for family)
- 401(k) options
- Casual dress code + relaxed work environment
- Culturally diverse, progressive atmosphere
Faraday Future is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.
Corporate Legal Counsel Job Roles in California
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Search Corporate Legal Counsel Jobs in CaliforniaCorporate Legal Counsel Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for corporate legal counsel roles in California?
Large technology companies are among the most consistent sponsors for in-house counsel positions in California. Apple, Google, Meta, Salesforce, and Adobe regularly hire international attorneys for roles covering contracts, intellectual property, employment law, and regulatory compliance. Entertainment companies like Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery also sponsor in Los Angeles. Sponsorship at smaller firms and startups is less common but does occur for specialized roles.
Which visa types are most common for corporate legal counsel jobs in California?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for corporate legal counsel roles in California, as in-house attorney positions generally qualify as specialty occupations requiring a Juris Doctor or equivalent degree. The O-1A is an option for attorneys with demonstrated distinction in their field. Australian citizens may qualify for the E-3 visa. Candidates already authorized under L-1 visa or TN visa status may also find in-house roles that accommodate their existing classification.
Which cities in California have the most corporate legal counsel sponsorship jobs?
San Francisco and the broader Bay Area account for the largest share of in-house counsel sponsorship jobs in California, concentrated among technology and financial services companies. Los Angeles is the second major hub, particularly for entertainment, media, and consumer brands. San Jose and Palo Alto see consistent demand from semiconductor and software companies. San Diego has a growing cluster tied to biotech and life sciences employers.
How to find corporate legal counsel visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for roles where employers have a demonstrated history of visa sponsorship, making it a practical starting point for international attorneys targeting California. You can search by role and state to surface corporate legal counsel positions at technology, entertainment, and financial services companies across San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego without sifting through listings from employers unlikely to sponsor.
Are there state-specific considerations for corporate legal counsel sponsorship in California?
California's bar admission requirement adds a layer of complexity for international attorneys pursuing in-house roles. Most employers require or strongly prefer California State Bar membership, which means passing the California bar exam is often a practical prerequisite alongside visa sponsorship. California's strong employment protections and unique legal environment also mean employers typically seek candidates with direct familiarity with California contract, employment, and privacy law, particularly given the California Consumer Privacy Act.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored corporate legal 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.