Attorney Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Foreign-trained attorneys face a unique sponsorship landscape in the U.S. You'll need to pass a state bar exam (New York and California are the most accessible for foreign law graduates), and H-1B visa sponsorship is realistic at large international law firms, Big Law, and corporate legal departments. LL.M. programs at U.S. law schools are a common entry point that also provide OPT work authorization. The biggest caveat is that most U.S. legal practice requires a J.D. or LL.M., so your foreign credentials alone won't cut it. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Ohio Board of Nursing is seeking a qualified candidate for our available Attorney 5 position to assist in the Compliance Unit.
THIS POSITION SERVES IN THE UNCLASSIFIED SERVICE AS OUTLINED UNDER OHIO REVISED CODE (ORC) 124.11 (A)(9)
This position will work under the direction/supervision of our Chief Legal Counsel and will perform the following job duties:
- Coordinates Board investigations regarding legal violations of the Nurse Practice Act & Administrative Rules
- Supervises Board compliance agents & enforcement agents
- Acts as an expert in Nursing Board law & rules in supervision of investigatory processes
- Supervises, oversees & trains staff in regard to investigations & related legal processes
- Edits/revises investigation related documents & processes
- Answers inquiries from the public
- Reviews, prioritizes & assigns incoming complaints to Board investigators
- Oversees review & processing of investigative files
- Ensures reports are processed in accordance with federal law & internal policies
- Responds to requests from other State Agencies for investigative records
- Coordinates & oversees investigative subpoenas
- Analyzes criminal law, administrative law & case law relating to investigative processes
- Travels across the State as needed to oversee investigative processes
- Assists in administering, planning & implementing the adjudication/disciplinary program of the Board
- Analyzes alleged violations of the Nurse Practice Act & collects & reviews additional evidence as needed
- Identifies legal course of action against alleged violators of Nurse Practice Act & confers with the Supervising Board Member, Chief Legal Counsel, Assistant Attorney General, staff attorneys, compliance & enforcement agents for disciplinary matters
- Analyzes investigative files to determine if sufficient evidence exists for the Board to take disciplinary actions
- Reviews the law regulating the practice of nursing as it relates to the disciplinary process & recommends revisions as needed
- Prepares statistical analysis & reports to the Board regarding investigations & compliance
- Participates in meetings with other State Agencies as needed
- Prepares Notices of Opportunity for Hearing, exam orders & settlement agreements as directed by Chief Legal Counsel
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
Admission to Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 of Revised Code; 18 mos. exp. as licensed attorney; 6 mos. exp. in supervisory principles/techniques.
Job Skills: Attorney/Legal
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Chosen candidate must successfully complete a background investigation.
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
The Ohio Board of Nursing is seeking a qualified candidate for our available Attorney 5 position to assist in the Compliance Unit.
THIS POSITION SERVES IN THE UNCLASSIFIED SERVICE AS OUTLINED UNDER OHIO REVISED CODE (ORC) 124.11 (A)(9)
This position will work under the direction/supervision of our Chief Legal Counsel and will perform the following job duties:
- Coordinates Board investigations regarding legal violations of the Nurse Practice Act & Administrative Rules
- Supervises Board compliance agents & enforcement agents
- Acts as an expert in Nursing Board law & rules in supervision of investigatory processes
- Supervises, oversees & trains staff in regard to investigations & related legal processes
- Edits/revises investigation related documents & processes
- Answers inquiries from the public
- Reviews, prioritizes & assigns incoming complaints to Board investigators
- Oversees review & processing of investigative files
- Ensures reports are processed in accordance with federal law & internal policies
- Responds to requests from other State Agencies for investigative records
- Coordinates & oversees investigative subpoenas
- Analyzes criminal law, administrative law & case law relating to investigative processes
- Travels across the State as needed to oversee investigative processes
- Assists in administering, planning & implementing the adjudication/disciplinary program of the Board
- Analyzes alleged violations of the Nurse Practice Act & collects & reviews additional evidence as needed
- Identifies legal course of action against alleged violators of Nurse Practice Act & confers with the Supervising Board Member, Chief Legal Counsel, Assistant Attorney General, staff attorneys, compliance & enforcement agents for disciplinary matters
- Analyzes investigative files to determine if sufficient evidence exists for the Board to take disciplinary actions
- Reviews the law regulating the practice of nursing as it relates to the disciplinary process & recommends revisions as needed
- Prepares statistical analysis & reports to the Board regarding investigations & compliance
- Participates in meetings with other State Agencies as needed
- Prepares Notices of Opportunity for Hearing, exam orders & settlement agreements as directed by Chief Legal Counsel
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
Admission to Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 of Revised Code; 18 mos. exp. as licensed attorney; 6 mos. exp. in supervisory principles/techniques.
Job Skills: Attorney/Legal
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Chosen candidate must successfully complete a background investigation.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Attorney
Complete an LL.M. at an ABA-approved law school
An LL.M. from an ABA-approved U.S. law school is required to sit for the bar in most states and provides 12 months of OPT work authorization. Top LL.M. programs at schools like NYU, Columbia, Harvard, Georgetown, and Berkeley have strong law firm placement rates for international students. Choose a program known for supporting LL.M. candidates through the bar exam and job placement process.
Strategize your bar exam jurisdiction carefully
New York is the most popular bar jurisdiction for foreign-educated attorneys because its eligibility rules are well-established and predictable for LL.M. graduates. California allows foreign lawyers to sit for the bar but has a notoriously low pass rate. Research which jurisdictions align with your target employers and practice area - if you want to practice elsewhere, check whether those states accept your credentials directly.
Leverage your home jurisdiction expertise as a practice area asset
Foreign attorneys bring knowledge of their home country's legal system, which is highly valuable for international practices - cross-border M&A, international arbitration, trade compliance, anti-corruption (FCPA), and international tax. Position your foreign legal training as specialized expertise rather than a limitation. Firms with offices in your home country or clients in your region will particularly value this knowledge.
Participate in LL.M. on-campus recruiting and networking events
Major law firms recruit directly from LL.M. programs through on-campus interviews, networking receptions, and diversity initiatives. Attend every event, prepare for U.S.-style behavioral and technical interviews, and work closely with your career services office. The hiring timeline moves quickly - firms often extend offers in the fall for positions starting the following year.
Understand how bar admission and H-1B timing interact
The H-1B and bar exam timelines must align precisely. Most LL.M. graduates take the July bar exam, receive results in the fall, and aim for H-1B status starting October 1. If you do not pass the bar on the first attempt, your employment status may be affected, so discuss contingency plans with your firm early. Some firms allow new associates to start on OPT and transition to H-1B once approved.
Consider in-house legal roles at multinational corporations
Multinational companies need in-house attorneys who understand international legal frameworks, regulatory compliance across jurisdictions, and cross-border transactions. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, JPMorgan, and Pfizer have large legal departments that sponsor H-1B attorneys. In-house roles may offer better work-life balance and equivalent sponsorship support compared to large law firms.
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Find Attorney JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can foreign-trained lawyers practice law in the U.S. with a work visa?
Foreign-trained lawyers can practice in the U.S. but must pass a state bar exam, and bar admission requirements for foreign-educated attorneys vary significantly by state. An LL.M. degree from a U.S. law school is required in most states that allow foreign lawyers to sit for the bar (including New York and California). The H-1B visa is the most common work authorization path for foreign attorneys practicing in the U.S.
Which states allow foreign-educated attorneys to take the bar exam?
New York and California are the most accessible states for foreign-educated attorneys, both allowing LL.M. graduates from ABA-approved programs to sit for the bar. Other states that may allow foreign attorneys to sit for the bar include Massachusetts and New Hampshire, though rules frequently change. Check the specific state bar's most current rules, as requirements for foreign-educated applicants can be updated without much notice.
How to find Attorney jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Attorney jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting legal professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus on large law firms, multinational corporations, and government agencies that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1, and EB-2 visas for attorneys. These employers often need lawyers for corporate law, immigration law, international transactions, and regulatory compliance roles.
Do large law firms sponsor H-1B visas for associate attorneys?
Yes, BigLaw firms (AmLaw 100/200) routinely sponsor H-1B visas for associate attorneys. These firms have dedicated immigration teams and budget for sponsorship as a standard business practice. However, the offer is contingent on bar admission - you must pass the bar exam and be admitted to practice. Firms typically begin the H-1B process during or shortly after your LL.M. year.
What is the LL.M. to H-1B timeline for foreign attorneys?
Most foreign attorneys complete a one-year LL.M. program, use OPT (12 months) to start working, and then transition to H-1B status. The typical timeline is: LL.M. from August to May, OPT starting between June and September, H-1B registration in March, bar exam in July with results in the fall, and H-1B start on October 1. Firms plan this sequencing carefully to avoid gaps in work authorization.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Attorney jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a attorney in New York will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.
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