Legal OPT Jobs in Ohio
F-1 OPT legal jobs in Ohio are concentrated in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, where large law firms like Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, Benesch, and Thompson Hine have hired international graduates into paralegal, legal research, and compliance roles. Corporate legal departments at Ohio-based companies also represent a meaningful source of OPT-eligible positions for law and pre-law graduates.
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Organization: Rehabilitation & Correction - Operation Support Center
Agency Contact Name and Information: Vlora.mcafee@drc.ohio.gov
Work Location:
1980 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio, 43223
United States
Compensation: $34.53
Schedule: Permanent - Full Time
Work Hours: no specified
Classified Indicator: Classified
Union: OCSEA
Primary Job Skill: Software Development/Implementation
Guided by a single mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction believes that everyone is capable of positive change. Our staff embrace these core values and serves as role models for pro-social behavior conveying an attitude of dignity and respect in the treatment of others.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has been tasked with front line crime reduction through rehabilitative treatment and programming efforts provided in a safe, secure and humane correctional environment and effective community supervision. Our goal is to protect the public through helping individuals turn away from crime and become productive, contributing members of our communities, ensuring a safer Ohio for all Ohioans now and in the future.
Work location TBD
- Works under general supervision and possesses a working technical knowledge of software development
- Responsible for developing, writing and maintaining automated test scripts for web, API and enterprise applications
- Enhances reusable automation frameworks using Microsoft, Net technologies, Software Testing/QA Tools (e.g., Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress) and creates data-driven and keyword-driven automation solutions to streamline testing processes
- Responsible integrates automated test suites into CI/CD pipelines using platforms such as Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions or Jenkins, executes automated regression and smoke test suites; analyzes automation results
- Responsible for troubleshoots failures and collaborates with developers and DevOps engineers to implement shift-left testing practices
- During test execution, performs manual testing for functional, integration, regression, system, and end-to-end scenarios; validates application functionality against business and technical requirements, conducts exploratory testing to identify defects or usability issues and assists in supporting User Acceptance Testing (UAT) as well as production validation activities
- Identifies documents, prioritizes and tracks software defects using appropriate tracking tools and works closely with development teams to reproduce scenarios and/or defects to test and resolve issues and verify defect fixes through regression testing
- Analyzes business requirements, functional specifications and technical documentation to develop and maintain test plans, test cases, test scripts, and test data to include reviewing requirements for testability, identifies and participates in requirement and design reviews
- Ensures that current and future business process flows are clearly defined and thoroughly documented
- Conducts detailed alternative analyses to determine precise end-user requirements and consult closely with end users, technicians, vendors, management and other stakeholders to validate needs and constraints
- Assists software developers and project managers in troubleshooting and retesting to ensure timely project delivery and assisting in providing post-production support for applications of varying size, scope and operational impact (e.g., balancing, failover configuration and clustering to maintain system performance and reliability)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is a tobacco-free workplace.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing:
All final applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to appointments. Testing will also be performed for the presence of marijuana. An applicant with a positive test shall not be offered employment unless the applicant submits medical documentation of legally prescribed medications or a recommendation for medical marijuana.
Pre-Employment Background Investigation:
The final applicant selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is prohibited from hiring:
- Individuals under a federal or state weapons disability if the position requires firearms certification/recertification and use
- Individuals who have engaged in sexual abuse in a prison or other confinement facility; have been civilly or administratively adjudicated, or convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, implied threats of force, or if the victim did not or was unable to consent
- Individuals convicted of soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism, terrorism, or money laundering to support terrorism
- Individuals who have been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony where a direct correlation exists between the position and prior criminal behavior (example: individuals convicted of a felony involving fraud, deceit, or theft from holding a position that has substantial management or control over the property of a state agency)
WHY WORK FOR THE STATE OF OHIO:
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
- Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
QUALIFICATIONS
36 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.
-
Or completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems 18 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.
-
Or completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems 12 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting.
-
Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above. Note: The official position description on file with the designated agency is to reflect the required, primary technology directly relating to the duties of the position. Only those applicants possessing the experience in the required, primary technology listed in the position description & job posting are to be considered for any vacancies posted.
JOB SKILLS: Software Development/Implementation
ADA STATEMENT:
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
INTRODUCTION
Organization: Rehabilitation & Correction - Operation Support Center
Agency Contact Name and Information: Vlora.mcafee@drc.ohio.gov
Work Location:
1980 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio, 43223
United States
Compensation: $34.53
Schedule: Permanent - Full Time
Work Hours: no specified
Classified Indicator: Classified
Union: OCSEA
Primary Job Skill: Software Development/Implementation
Guided by a single mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction believes that everyone is capable of positive change. Our staff embrace these core values and serves as role models for pro-social behavior conveying an attitude of dignity and respect in the treatment of others.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has been tasked with front line crime reduction through rehabilitative treatment and programming efforts provided in a safe, secure and humane correctional environment and effective community supervision. Our goal is to protect the public through helping individuals turn away from crime and become productive, contributing members of our communities, ensuring a safer Ohio for all Ohioans now and in the future.
Work location TBD
- Works under general supervision and possesses a working technical knowledge of software development
- Responsible for developing, writing and maintaining automated test scripts for web, API and enterprise applications
- Enhances reusable automation frameworks using Microsoft, Net technologies, Software Testing/QA Tools (e.g., Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress) and creates data-driven and keyword-driven automation solutions to streamline testing processes
- Responsible integrates automated test suites into CI/CD pipelines using platforms such as Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions or Jenkins, executes automated regression and smoke test suites; analyzes automation results
- Responsible for troubleshoots failures and collaborates with developers and DevOps engineers to implement shift-left testing practices
- During test execution, performs manual testing for functional, integration, regression, system, and end-to-end scenarios; validates application functionality against business and technical requirements, conducts exploratory testing to identify defects or usability issues and assists in supporting User Acceptance Testing (UAT) as well as production validation activities
- Identifies documents, prioritizes and tracks software defects using appropriate tracking tools and works closely with development teams to reproduce scenarios and/or defects to test and resolve issues and verify defect fixes through regression testing
- Analyzes business requirements, functional specifications and technical documentation to develop and maintain test plans, test cases, test scripts, and test data to include reviewing requirements for testability, identifies and participates in requirement and design reviews
- Ensures that current and future business process flows are clearly defined and thoroughly documented
- Conducts detailed alternative analyses to determine precise end-user requirements and consult closely with end users, technicians, vendors, management and other stakeholders to validate needs and constraints
- Assists software developers and project managers in troubleshooting and retesting to ensure timely project delivery and assisting in providing post-production support for applications of varying size, scope and operational impact (e.g., balancing, failover configuration and clustering to maintain system performance and reliability)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is a tobacco-free workplace.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing:
All final applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to appointments. Testing will also be performed for the presence of marijuana. An applicant with a positive test shall not be offered employment unless the applicant submits medical documentation of legally prescribed medications or a recommendation for medical marijuana.
Pre-Employment Background Investigation:
The final applicant selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is prohibited from hiring:
- Individuals under a federal or state weapons disability if the position requires firearms certification/recertification and use
- Individuals who have engaged in sexual abuse in a prison or other confinement facility; have been civilly or administratively adjudicated, or convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, implied threats of force, or if the victim did not or was unable to consent
- Individuals convicted of soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism, terrorism, or money laundering to support terrorism
- Individuals who have been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony where a direct correlation exists between the position and prior criminal behavior (example: individuals convicted of a felony involving fraud, deceit, or theft from holding a position that has substantial management or control over the property of a state agency)
WHY WORK FOR THE STATE OF OHIO:
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
- Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
QUALIFICATIONS
36 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.
-
Or completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems 18 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.
-
Or completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems 12 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting.
-
Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above. Note: The official position description on file with the designated agency is to reflect the required, primary technology directly relating to the duties of the position. Only those applicants possessing the experience in the required, primary technology listed in the position description & job posting are to be considered for any vacancies posted.
JOB SKILLS: Software Development/Implementation
ADA STATEMENT:
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
OPT Legal Job Roles in Ohio
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Search Legal Jobs in OhioLegal OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
Which legal companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Ohio?
Several Ohio-based law firms and corporate legal departments have histories of employing F-1 OPT workers, including Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, Benesch, Frost Brown Todd, and Thompson Hine. Large corporations headquartered in Ohio, such as Nationwide, Progressive, and Fifth Third Bank, also maintain in-house legal teams that have hired international graduates on OPT. Sponsorship availability varies by role, year, and hiring cycle.
Which cities in Ohio have the most legal F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Columbus is Ohio's primary hub for legal employment, hosting major law firms, state government legal offices, and corporate headquarters with in-house counsel teams. Cleveland follows closely, with a long-established legal community and regional offices of national firms. Cincinnati is also a strong market, particularly for corporate and compliance-oriented roles tied to its financial services and consumer goods sectors.
What types of legal roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Ohio?
Roles that commonly align with F-1 OPT eligibility include paralegal positions, legal research analyst roles, compliance analyst positions, and contract administrator roles within corporate legal departments. Law graduates and those with degrees in political science, pre-law, or related fields often pursue these tracks. The role must be directly related to the graduate's field of study for OPT authorization to apply.
How do I find legal F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Ohio?
Migrate Mate is specifically built for international students searching for OPT-eligible roles, including legal positions in Ohio. You can filter by state and industry to surface employers in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati who have sponsored F-1 workers in legal and compliance functions. Migrate Mate focuses exclusively on visa-friendly employers, which saves significant time compared to sifting through general job listings.
Are there any Ohio-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in the legal industry?
Ohio has no state-level restrictions on F-1 OPT employment in legal roles, but the standard federal requirement applies: your position must be directly related to your degree field. For graduates of Ohio's law schools, including Ohio State, Case Western Reserve, and University of Cincinnati, employer familiarity with OPT can vary. Larger firms and corporate legal departments tend to have established HR processes for international hires compared to smaller boutique practices.