Assistant Counsel Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Assistant Counsel positions regularly qualify for work visa sponsorship, particularly H-1B, O-1, and TN visas. Law firms and corporate legal departments sponsor these roles when they require specialized legal knowledge and a JD from an ABA-accredited law school. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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INTRODUCTION
The company built on breakthroughs. Join us. Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible. How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more. Come break through with us. Corning’s Businesses Are Ever-evolving To Best Serve Our Customers, Industries, And Consumers. Today, We Accelerate And Transform Life Sciences, Mobile Consumer Electronics, Optical Communications, Display, Automotive, And Solar Markets. We Are Changing The World With trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives; damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light; precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences; auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation; solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions.
ROLE PURPOSE
Responsibility for development and support of a patent portfolio for assigned Corning businesses in order to cost-effectively and efficiently capture and protect Corning inventions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Proactively oversees at least one significant patent portfolio of the relevant Corning business in accordance with strategic interests of that business, as well as the policies and procedures of the IP function of the Law Department.
- Recommends modifications to existing patenting strategy to align with business strategy, taking into account new information with regard to strengths and weaknesses of Corning’s patents in light of the overall IP landscape and competitor positions.
- Collaborates with business clients to ensure proper and comprehensive identification of Corning inventions and protection of Corning value propositions to customer.
- Drafts patent applications complying with department guidelines for relevant portfolio.
- Oversees outsourcing of drafting to ensure adequate protection of relevant Corning inventions, including adherence to quality, cost, and timing requirements.
- Secures appropriate foreign and domestic patent protection of Corning inventions.
- Identifies opportunities to innovate and improve Law Department policies and procedures, as well as relevant IP strategies regarding patent portfolio management.
- Independently leads the Patent Review Committee process for assigned portfolio(s).
- Autonomously and proactively counsels and updates clients on matters related to individual patents and patent portfolio.
- Works with other attorneys and agents as appropriate to supplement resources for the assigned businesses and oversees projects (including review of work product), and keeps the supervisor(s) of those other attorneys and agents apprised of the status and requirements of those projects, relating to the assigned businesses.
- Maintains high proficiency on current and enabling technologies related to the businesses supported as well as IP-related tools and technologies.
- Works with Intellectual Asset Manager of assigned businesses to optimize efficiencies of IP capture and processes, and value of the portfolio, including implementation of patent searching, invention mining, client training, invention disclosure preparation.
EXPERIENCES/EDUCATION - REQUIRED
- JD degree and member in good standing of state Bar.
- Registered to practice before the USPTO.
- BS and/or advanced degree in relevant technology (Materials Science, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics degrees and background preferred, but other technical backgrounds and experience that correspond well with our glass materials and chemistry-related technologies will be considered).
- 3+ years of experience as a practicing patent attorney (law firm experience preferred) largely preparing and prosecuting patents, including coordination of foreign counsel.
EXPERIENCES/EDUCATION - DESIRED
- Experience performing IP risk analyses and drafting infringement and validity opinions.
- Prior technical or patent examiner experience e.g., engineering or other role in industry.
- Exposure or experience drafting IP agreements and negotiating IP transactions.
- Experience in litigation.
- Very good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to identify and manage risks and recommend appropriate solutions consistent with the relevant risk tolerances of assigned business and Corning as a whole.
- Ability to reduce complexity to an actionable set of facts and decision points.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple simultaneous projects effectively.
- Comfortable interacting with inventors, managers, and senior leadership.
- We value diversity in our team.
- Good common sense and judgment, including how to prioritize diverse IP workload.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
COMPENSATION
- The range for this position is $156,339.00 - $214,967.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package. Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
- Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
- As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
- Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
- Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.
We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

INTRODUCTION
The company built on breakthroughs. Join us. Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible. How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more. Come break through with us. Corning’s Businesses Are Ever-evolving To Best Serve Our Customers, Industries, And Consumers. Today, We Accelerate And Transform Life Sciences, Mobile Consumer Electronics, Optical Communications, Display, Automotive, And Solar Markets. We Are Changing The World With trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives; damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light; precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences; auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation; solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions.
ROLE PURPOSE
Responsibility for development and support of a patent portfolio for assigned Corning businesses in order to cost-effectively and efficiently capture and protect Corning inventions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Proactively oversees at least one significant patent portfolio of the relevant Corning business in accordance with strategic interests of that business, as well as the policies and procedures of the IP function of the Law Department.
- Recommends modifications to existing patenting strategy to align with business strategy, taking into account new information with regard to strengths and weaknesses of Corning’s patents in light of the overall IP landscape and competitor positions.
- Collaborates with business clients to ensure proper and comprehensive identification of Corning inventions and protection of Corning value propositions to customer.
- Drafts patent applications complying with department guidelines for relevant portfolio.
- Oversees outsourcing of drafting to ensure adequate protection of relevant Corning inventions, including adherence to quality, cost, and timing requirements.
- Secures appropriate foreign and domestic patent protection of Corning inventions.
- Identifies opportunities to innovate and improve Law Department policies and procedures, as well as relevant IP strategies regarding patent portfolio management.
- Independently leads the Patent Review Committee process for assigned portfolio(s).
- Autonomously and proactively counsels and updates clients on matters related to individual patents and patent portfolio.
- Works with other attorneys and agents as appropriate to supplement resources for the assigned businesses and oversees projects (including review of work product), and keeps the supervisor(s) of those other attorneys and agents apprised of the status and requirements of those projects, relating to the assigned businesses.
- Maintains high proficiency on current and enabling technologies related to the businesses supported as well as IP-related tools and technologies.
- Works with Intellectual Asset Manager of assigned businesses to optimize efficiencies of IP capture and processes, and value of the portfolio, including implementation of patent searching, invention mining, client training, invention disclosure preparation.
EXPERIENCES/EDUCATION - REQUIRED
- JD degree and member in good standing of state Bar.
- Registered to practice before the USPTO.
- BS and/or advanced degree in relevant technology (Materials Science, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics degrees and background preferred, but other technical backgrounds and experience that correspond well with our glass materials and chemistry-related technologies will be considered).
- 3+ years of experience as a practicing patent attorney (law firm experience preferred) largely preparing and prosecuting patents, including coordination of foreign counsel.
EXPERIENCES/EDUCATION - DESIRED
- Experience performing IP risk analyses and drafting infringement and validity opinions.
- Prior technical or patent examiner experience e.g., engineering or other role in industry.
- Exposure or experience drafting IP agreements and negotiating IP transactions.
- Experience in litigation.
- Very good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to identify and manage risks and recommend appropriate solutions consistent with the relevant risk tolerances of assigned business and Corning as a whole.
- Ability to reduce complexity to an actionable set of facts and decision points.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple simultaneous projects effectively.
- Comfortable interacting with inventors, managers, and senior leadership.
- We value diversity in our team.
- Good common sense and judgment, including how to prioritize diverse IP workload.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
COMPENSATION
- The range for this position is $156,339.00 - $214,967.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package. Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
- Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
- As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
- Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
- Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.
We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Assistant Counsel
Emphasize specialized legal expertise over general practice
Focus your application on niche areas like immigration law, securities regulation, or intellectual property rather than general corporate law to strengthen your specialty occupation case.
Target large firms with established sponsorship programs
AmLaw 100 firms and Fortune 500 legal departments have dedicated immigration teams and routinely sponsor international attorneys for H-1B and O-1 visas.
Leverage your foreign legal credentials strategically
If you're qualified to practice law in another country, highlight this as evidence of specialized knowledge that benefits U.S. legal operations.
Consider TN status if you're Canadian or Mexican
Assistant Counsel roles qualify for TN visas under the "Lawyer" category, providing a faster path than H-1B with no cap limitations.
Document your bar admission timing carefully
You can start on a sponsored visa before bar admission, but employers prefer candidates who can sit for the bar exam immediately upon hiring.
Network through legal associations and bar organizations
American Bar Association sections and local bar associations often host events where international lawyers can connect with sponsoring employers directly.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be bar-admitted before getting sponsored for an Assistant Counsel role?
No, but most employers prefer candidates who can take the bar exam immediately after starting. You can work on a sponsored visa while preparing for the bar, though some firms may make continued employment contingent on passing within a specific timeframe, typically 12-18 months.
Will my foreign law degree qualify for H-1B sponsorship as Assistant Counsel?
Yes, if your foreign law degree is equivalent to a U.S. JD from an ABA-accredited school. You'll typically need a credential evaluation from organizations like WES or ECE to establish equivalency. Some employers may also accept an LLM from a U.S. law school as qualifying education.
What's the typical approval rate for Assistant Counsel visa applications?
H-1B approval rates for legal positions are generally high, around 85-90%, because the specialty occupation requirement is clearly met with a JD requirement. O-1 approvals for attorneys vary more widely depending on your track record of extraordinary ability in legal practice or academia.
Can I get sponsored for Assistant Counsel without litigation experience?
Absolutely. Many Assistant Counsel roles focus on transactional work, regulatory compliance, contract drafting, or corporate governance rather than litigation. Emphasize your relevant experience in securities, mergers and acquisitions, employment law, or other specialized areas that match the employer's needs.
How long does visa processing typically take for legal positions?
H-1B processing takes 3-6 months through regular processing, or 15 business days with premium processing. TN visas for Canadian and Mexican lawyers can be processed at the border immediately, while O-1 applications typically take 2-4 months depending on the complexity of your extraordinary ability evidence.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Assistant Counsel jobs?
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.
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