Deputy General Counsel Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Deputy General Counsel roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations and regularly attract employer sponsorship at major corporations, law firms, and financial institutions. With no lottery exemption but strong employer incentive to sponsor senior legal talent, understanding how the filing process works gives you a real edge in negotiations.
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Get Access To All JobsWho We Are:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.
Who We Are as an Employer:
At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretariat (EOEEA) provides oversight of the Commonwealth’s energy and environmental agencies, namely, the Division of Energy Resources (DOER), Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Department of Fish and Game (DFG), and Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR). EOEEA also has divisions within the Secretariat, including the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE or Massachusetts Environmental Police), Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office, Coastal Zone Management (CZM) office, and Division of Conservation Services (DCS). All agencies and divisions promote the environmental or energy related goals and initiatives of the Administration and the Secretary of EOEEA.
The primary duties of this position are to serve as Deputy General Counsel for Labor Relations overseeing the Labor Relations staff. While this position reports to the General Counsel, it requires a close working relationship with the Chief Operating Officer and Secretariat Human Resources Director. In addition to these primary duties, this position includes duties relating to EOEEA’s employment law obligations including as they relate to employees who are not bargaining unit members. Additional duties relating to broader legal and compliance issues will be assigned in consultation between the successful applicant and the General Counsel.
Candidates must possess a law degree at time of hire.
Job Summary:
- Manage the Labor Relations Unit overseeing all labor relations matters for EOEEA and its agencies and divisions. This includes handling of collective bargaining disputes and grievances, and partnering with Human Resources on investigations of employee complaints excluding those matters under the jurisdiction of the Human Resources Division (HRD) Center for Excellence.
- Develop Secretariat-wide policies and procedures as related to labor matters and serve as primary liaison for EOEEA in all dealings with relevant bargaining units.
- Interpret, advise, and counsel management and supervisory staff of legal obligations under collective bargaining agreements, Civil Service Law and Human Resources Division (HRD/OER) policy and procedures, and other applicable employment or labor laws and regulations, including but not limited to Massachusetts General Laws c. 151B, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act, and other similar laws.
- Represent the appointing authority in all administrative proceedings related to labor and employment matters, including before HRD’s Office of Employment Relations (OER), labor arbitrators, the Civil Service Commission, MCAD, EEOC, the Industrial Accident Board, Division of Unemployment Assistance, US Department of Labor, EEOC, NLRB, and other similar proceedings occurring prior to civil litigation.
- Serve as a hearing officer for pre-disciplinary hearings held by the Secretariat.
- Serve as general advisor and subject matter expert on labor relations issues, including, but not limited to collective bargaining negotiations.
- Conduct just cause disciplinary hearings and processing grievances; reviewing personnel investigations to make disciplinary recommendations when assigned; partner with HR Deputy Directors when providing guidance to managers carrying out disciplinary action; and maintaining related files and records.
- Actively participate in collective bargaining of applicable bargaining units by developing comprehensive proposals for consideration by the Commonwealth’s Office of Employee Relations and participating in negotiations as a team member.
- Partner with Secretariat Human Resources Director or HR Deputy Directors on implementation of secretariat human resources strategies impacting or involving employees covered under collective bargaining agreement.
Required at time of hire:
- Candidates must possess a law degree at time of hire.
- Supervisory and/or management experience.
- Experience in the implementation, administration and/or interpretation of employment-related programs.
- Experience with the collective bargaining process.
- Knowledge of employee and labor relations practices and federal and state regulations pertaining to labor issues.
- Must have exceptional communication, both verbal and written, attention to detail and the ability to resolve issues efficiently and effectively.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in both a team/group environment, and independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to effectively resolve complex problems.
- Strong sense of accountability and sound personal judgment.
- Skill at influencing through strong relationships and expertise.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and other.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Candidates must possess a law degree at time of hire.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Program Manager VII
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street
Job: Legal Services
Agency: Exec Office Of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Nov 6, 2026, 10:28:23 AM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 100,839.09 - 155,529.95 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Melixza Esenyie / EEADiversity@mass.gov - 6178723270
Bargaining Unit: M99-Managers (EXE)
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
Who We Are:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.
Who We Are as an Employer:
At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretariat (EOEEA) provides oversight of the Commonwealth’s energy and environmental agencies, namely, the Division of Energy Resources (DOER), Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Department of Fish and Game (DFG), and Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR). EOEEA also has divisions within the Secretariat, including the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE or Massachusetts Environmental Police), Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office, Coastal Zone Management (CZM) office, and Division of Conservation Services (DCS). All agencies and divisions promote the environmental or energy related goals and initiatives of the Administration and the Secretary of EOEEA.
The primary duties of this position are to serve as Deputy General Counsel for Labor Relations overseeing the Labor Relations staff. While this position reports to the General Counsel, it requires a close working relationship with the Chief Operating Officer and Secretariat Human Resources Director. In addition to these primary duties, this position includes duties relating to EOEEA’s employment law obligations including as they relate to employees who are not bargaining unit members. Additional duties relating to broader legal and compliance issues will be assigned in consultation between the successful applicant and the General Counsel.
Candidates must possess a law degree at time of hire.
Job Summary:
- Manage the Labor Relations Unit overseeing all labor relations matters for EOEEA and its agencies and divisions. This includes handling of collective bargaining disputes and grievances, and partnering with Human Resources on investigations of employee complaints excluding those matters under the jurisdiction of the Human Resources Division (HRD) Center for Excellence.
- Develop Secretariat-wide policies and procedures as related to labor matters and serve as primary liaison for EOEEA in all dealings with relevant bargaining units.
- Interpret, advise, and counsel management and supervisory staff of legal obligations under collective bargaining agreements, Civil Service Law and Human Resources Division (HRD/OER) policy and procedures, and other applicable employment or labor laws and regulations, including but not limited to Massachusetts General Laws c. 151B, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act, and other similar laws.
- Represent the appointing authority in all administrative proceedings related to labor and employment matters, including before HRD’s Office of Employment Relations (OER), labor arbitrators, the Civil Service Commission, MCAD, EEOC, the Industrial Accident Board, Division of Unemployment Assistance, US Department of Labor, EEOC, NLRB, and other similar proceedings occurring prior to civil litigation.
- Serve as a hearing officer for pre-disciplinary hearings held by the Secretariat.
- Serve as general advisor and subject matter expert on labor relations issues, including, but not limited to collective bargaining negotiations.
- Conduct just cause disciplinary hearings and processing grievances; reviewing personnel investigations to make disciplinary recommendations when assigned; partner with HR Deputy Directors when providing guidance to managers carrying out disciplinary action; and maintaining related files and records.
- Actively participate in collective bargaining of applicable bargaining units by developing comprehensive proposals for consideration by the Commonwealth’s Office of Employee Relations and participating in negotiations as a team member.
- Partner with Secretariat Human Resources Director or HR Deputy Directors on implementation of secretariat human resources strategies impacting or involving employees covered under collective bargaining agreement.
Required at time of hire:
- Candidates must possess a law degree at time of hire.
- Supervisory and/or management experience.
- Experience in the implementation, administration and/or interpretation of employment-related programs.
- Experience with the collective bargaining process.
- Knowledge of employee and labor relations practices and federal and state regulations pertaining to labor issues.
- Must have exceptional communication, both verbal and written, attention to detail and the ability to resolve issues efficiently and effectively.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in both a team/group environment, and independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to effectively resolve complex problems.
- Strong sense of accountability and sound personal judgment.
- Skill at influencing through strong relationships and expertise.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and other.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Candidates must possess a law degree at time of hire.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Program Manager VII
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street
Job: Legal Services
Agency: Exec Office Of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Nov 6, 2026, 10:28:23 AM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 100,839.09 - 155,529.95 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Melixza Esenyie / EEADiversity@mass.gov - 6178723270
Bargaining Unit: M99-Managers (EXE)
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
See all Deputy General Counsel Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Deputy General Counsel Jobs
Document your bar admissions strategically
Compile active bar admissions across multiple U.S. jurisdictions before applying. Employers sponsoring a Deputy GC expect multi-state licensure, and gaps in your admissions record can slow USCIS adjudication by triggering Requests for Evidence.
Target companies with in-house legal teams
Focus on publicly traded corporations, financial services firms, and technology companies with established legal departments. These employers file H-1B petitions routinely and have immigration counsel on retainer, making sponsorship a process rather than a negotiation.
Verify prevailing wage tier before accepting offers
Use the OFLC Wage Search to confirm the wage level your role falls under before you sign. Deputy GC positions typically qualify at Level III or IV, and an offer pegged below the certified wage will fail the Labor Condition Application stage.
Find sponsors using Migrate Mate's verified filing data
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers with confirmed LCA sponsorship history for senior legal roles. Focusing on employers who've already navigated H-1B filings for lawyers cuts negotiation time and reduces the risk of a first-time sponsor backing out mid-process.
Anticipate the specialty occupation RFE for legal roles
USCIS sometimes challenges whether a Deputy GC role requires a specific degree field rather than any law degree. Work with your employer's immigration counsel to build a detailed position description that maps JD requirements to core duties before the I-129 is filed.
Align your start date with LCA certification windows
An employer can't file your I-129 petition until DOL certifies the LCA, which typically takes seven business days. Negotiating a start date without factoring in this window is one of the most common reasons senior legal hires get delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Deputy General Counsel role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. A Deputy GC role requires a Juris Doctor as a minimum, which satisfies the USCIS specialty occupation standard of a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field. The JD is a professional degree tied specifically to legal practice, so USCIS treats the degree-to-role relationship as direct. Employers still need to document this clearly in the LCA and I-129 petition to avoid a Request for Evidence.
Which visa types do employers typically use to sponsor a Deputy GC?
H-1B is the primary path for most nationalities. Australian lawyers can use the E-3 visa, which carries a 10,500 annual cap that has never been exhausted and doesn't require a lottery. Chilean and Singaporean nationals may qualify for H-1B1 visa. TN visa is not available for general counsel or legal roles because they don't appear on the USMCA profession list. For candidates already on H-1B with an approved I-140, EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship is a common parallel path.
Will employers sponsor a Deputy GC role for someone currently on OPT or STEM OPT?
It's uncommon but possible. Most Deputy GC candidates are senior practitioners, not recent graduates. If you're a foreign-educated lawyer who completed an LLM in the U.S. and are on OPT, an employer can sponsor H-1B while your OPT is active. STEM OPT doesn't apply to law degrees, which aren't STEM-designated. The practical constraint is that few employers expect a Deputy GC to be in their first post-degree work authorization period.
How do I find employers actively sponsoring Deputy General Counsel roles?
Search Migrate Mate to browse employers with verified sponsorship history for senior legal positions. Because Deputy GC openings are rarely posted broadly, targeting companies by their LCA filing history is more reliable than searching job titles alone. Migrate Mate's data reflects actual DOL filings, so you're looking at employers who have already committed to the sponsorship process rather than those who might be open to it.
Does a foreign law degree qualify you for H-1B sponsorship as a Deputy GC?
A foreign law degree can qualify, but the employer and USCIS will scrutinize equivalency. You'll typically need a credential evaluation confirming your degree is equivalent to a U.S. JD or LLB, plus evidence that you're authorized to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction. If you hold an active U.S. bar admission supported by a foreign degree plus an LLM, that combination strengthens the specialty occupation argument considerably. O*NET confirms the occupational classification for this role if the employer needs to establish the degree requirement.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Deputy General 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.