Attorney Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington DC
Washington DC is one of the most active markets for attorney visa sponsorship in the United States, driven by the concentration of major law firms, federal agencies, international organizations, and policy-focused nonprofits. Employers such as Covington and Burling, Skadden, and the World Bank regularly sponsor foreign-trained attorneys across litigation, regulatory, and international law practices.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB SUMMARY
Located in the nation’s capital, The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. OAG enforces the laws of the District, defends, and provides legal advice to the District’s government agencies and protects the interests of the District’s residents. The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia is currently looking for an Attorney Advisor to serve as the Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs.
This position is in the Office of the Attorney General, Immediate office and will report to the Chief of Staff and will be responsible for managing the Policy and Legislative Affairs section. The Policy and Legislative affairs section researches and develops policy positions on a wide range of legal issues affecting the District.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop policy priorities, works with OAG’s divisions to hone policy positions, develop and review legislation to advance and ensure consistency with these positions, advises the Council on potential legislation, and consults with District agencies and communities to understand their needs. The incumbent in this position will serve as the main point of contact for OAG with the Council of the District of Columbia; building and maintaining strong relationships with Council members and council staff. They will be responsible for working with District agencies and stakeholders and conduct extensive legal research and community outreach to ensure that OAG’s policy positions and priorities address community concerns. Additionally, they will be responsible for drafting and reviewing all OAG testimony before the Council; ensuring that all agency statements are consistent with our legal and policy positions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION
Candidates must have at least 7 years of relevant experience and possess strong legal policy, legislative, and analytical skills. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression. Excellent oral and written communication skills are also required. The candidate should also have considerable prior experience handling complex policy and legislative matters.
Incumbent must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school at the time of appointment.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION
The incumbent must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment.
HOW TO APPLY
Online Application must be completed in its entirety, along with the submission of all required documents.
- Use button at top of page to complete online application.
- For resume attachment, attach a single document containing all of the following:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Proof of active bar membership (or proof of eligibility to waive into D.C.)
- Writing sample (between 5 and 10 pages)
Please upload all of these documents as one combined PDF in the “resume” field of the application.
If you experience issues uploading your attachments, please send the required documents to OAGrecruitment@dc.gov prior to the closing date. Please add the Job ID to the subject line.
Failure to submit the required documentation may lead to non-consideration for the position.
WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT
Work is generally performed in an office setting. Generally, work is sedentary, some walking, handling, and carrying of light to moderately heavy objects (such as case records, briefcases, and exhibits) is required.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: Legal Supervisory Service, LX-905-01
Salary Range: The starting salary for this position is negotiable up to $170,000 depending on qualifications and availability of funds.
Number of Vacancies: One (1)
Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
In-person reporting with limited telework and flexible work schedules available upon eligibility.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING: The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation including reference checks.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.
RESIDENCY PREFERENCE: Applicants claiming "Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Code § 2-1401.01, et. seq., (the Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
OFFICIAL JOB OFFERS ARE TO BE MADE ONLY BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
JOB SUMMARY
Located in the nation’s capital, The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. OAG enforces the laws of the District, defends, and provides legal advice to the District’s government agencies and protects the interests of the District’s residents. The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia is currently looking for an Attorney Advisor to serve as the Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs.
This position is in the Office of the Attorney General, Immediate office and will report to the Chief of Staff and will be responsible for managing the Policy and Legislative Affairs section. The Policy and Legislative affairs section researches and develops policy positions on a wide range of legal issues affecting the District.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop policy priorities, works with OAG’s divisions to hone policy positions, develop and review legislation to advance and ensure consistency with these positions, advises the Council on potential legislation, and consults with District agencies and communities to understand their needs. The incumbent in this position will serve as the main point of contact for OAG with the Council of the District of Columbia; building and maintaining strong relationships with Council members and council staff. They will be responsible for working with District agencies and stakeholders and conduct extensive legal research and community outreach to ensure that OAG’s policy positions and priorities address community concerns. Additionally, they will be responsible for drafting and reviewing all OAG testimony before the Council; ensuring that all agency statements are consistent with our legal and policy positions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION
Candidates must have at least 7 years of relevant experience and possess strong legal policy, legislative, and analytical skills. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression. Excellent oral and written communication skills are also required. The candidate should also have considerable prior experience handling complex policy and legislative matters.
Incumbent must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school at the time of appointment.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION
The incumbent must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment.
HOW TO APPLY
Online Application must be completed in its entirety, along with the submission of all required documents.
- Use button at top of page to complete online application.
- For resume attachment, attach a single document containing all of the following:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Proof of active bar membership (or proof of eligibility to waive into D.C.)
- Writing sample (between 5 and 10 pages)
Please upload all of these documents as one combined PDF in the “resume” field of the application.
If you experience issues uploading your attachments, please send the required documents to OAGrecruitment@dc.gov prior to the closing date. Please add the Job ID to the subject line.
Failure to submit the required documentation may lead to non-consideration for the position.
WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT
Work is generally performed in an office setting. Generally, work is sedentary, some walking, handling, and carrying of light to moderately heavy objects (such as case records, briefcases, and exhibits) is required.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: Legal Supervisory Service, LX-905-01
Salary Range: The starting salary for this position is negotiable up to $170,000 depending on qualifications and availability of funds.
Number of Vacancies: One (1)
Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
In-person reporting with limited telework and flexible work schedules available upon eligibility.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING: The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation including reference checks.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.
RESIDENCY PREFERENCE: Applicants claiming "Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Code § 2-1401.01, et. seq., (the Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
OFFICIAL JOB OFFERS ARE TO BE MADE ONLY BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Attorney Job Roles in Washington DC
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Search Attorney Jobs in Washington DCAttorney Jobs in Washington DC: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for attorneys in Washington DC?
Large law firms with DC offices, including Covington and Burling, Hogan Lovells, Arnold and Porter, and WilmerHale, have established track records of sponsoring attorneys. International organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, and Inter-American Development Bank also sponsor legal professionals. Government contractors and policy-focused nonprofits in the DC area round out the employer pool for sponsored attorney roles.
Which visa types are most common for attorney roles in Washington DC?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for foreign attorneys in DC, as legal positions requiring a Juris Doctor or equivalent degree typically qualify as specialty occupations. O-1A visas are an option for attorneys with demonstrated extraordinary achievement. Foreign nationals from qualifying treaty countries may also pursue TN visa or E-3 visas depending on their nationality and the specific role.
How to find attorney visa sponsorship jobs in Washington DC?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship status, making it straightforward to identify DC-based attorney roles where employers are actively willing to sponsor. Rather than sorting through thousands of general postings, you can browse attorney openings in Washington DC from firms and organizations with a documented history of international hires.
Which areas in Washington DC have the most attorney sponsorship jobs?
Washington DC is a single-district jurisdiction, so sponsored attorney roles are concentrated in the city itself rather than spread across multiple metros. The downtown corridor near K Street and the Penn Quarter neighborhood hosts a high density of major law firms and lobbying organizations. The Georgetown and Capitol Hill areas also have significant concentrations of policy and regulatory legal employers that sponsor foreign attorneys.
Are there any DC-specific considerations for attorneys seeking visa sponsorship?
Foreign attorneys seeking to practice law in DC should be aware that DC Bar admission rules differ from state bars, and some employer sponsorships are contingent on the candidate passing the bar or holding an LLM from a U.S. institution. Roles at international organizations may carry distinct employment terms and visa considerations compared to private law firms. Prevailing wage requirements under the LCA process apply to all H-1B-sponsored attorney positions in the DC metro area.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored attorney jobs in Washington DC?
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.