General Counsel Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
General Counsel positions commonly qualify for H-1B, O-1, and EB-2 visa sponsorship due to their specialized legal expertise and advanced degree requirements. Most roles require a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school plus significant legal experience, making them strong candidates for employment-based immigration petitions. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Utah State University seeks a University General Counsel to oversee the university’s legal affairs and provide strategic legal counsel to the Board of Trustees, President, and senior leaders. The General Counsel oversees all legal affairs of the University and ensures institutional compliance with federal and state law, Utah System of Higher Education policies, and University regulations. This role provides legal guidance on matters including governance, employment, student affairs, contracts, civil rights, regulatory compliance, public records, and institutional risk management. The General Counsel leads the Office of Legal Affairs, manages the coordination of legal services for the University, works with the Utah Attorney General’s Office on litigation and formal legal matters, and represents the University in interactions with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and external partners. The position plays a central role in helping the institution navigate complex legal and policy matters while advancing the mission of Utah State University as a public land grant research institution.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic legal counsel to the Board of Trustees, President, and senior leadership on governance, regulatory compliance, institutional policy, and legal risk.
- Oversee and coordinate the University’s legal affairs ensuring consistent interpretation and application of laws, regulations, and policies affecting the University.
- Lead and manage the Office of Legal Counsel, including assigning workload, establishing priorities, and ensuring effective legal support for university divisions and units.
- Provide legal review and guidance on significant University contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding.
- Provide legal guidance on employment, student affairs, civil rights compliance, public records, and other institutional matters.
- Advise University leadership on compliance with applicable federal and state law and Utah System of Higher Education policies governing public institutions of higher education.
- Coordinate with the Utah Attorney General’s Office and university leadership on legal matters related to disputes, claims, investigations, and litigation involving the University.
- Manage relationships with outside counsel and oversee the engagement of external legal services when appropriate.
- Serve as a liaison with the Utah System of Higher Education, government agencies, and legal counsel at peer institutions.
- Support the Board of Trustees on governance and compliance matters.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Eleven years of progressively responsible legal and leadership experience, including experience advising complex organizations, public institutions, or higher education entities as a leader of people and a manager of complex legal operations.
- Membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar, or the ability to obtain admission within six months of hire.
- Demonstrated experience providing legal counsel on governance, regulatory compliance, employment law, contracts, and institutional policy.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and provide clear, practical legal advice to executive leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience serving as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or Associate General Counsel in a higher education institution.
- Familiarity with legal issues affecting public universities, including academic affairs, student affairs, civil rights compliance, and public records.
- Experience advising governing boards and senior executive leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to lead legal teams and manage legal operations.
- Experience managing outside counsel and complex legal matters.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate complex legal issues to diverse audiences.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and ethical judgment.
Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:
- Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
- Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
- Letters of Recommendation to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-5”
Document size may not exceed 10 MB.
Advertised Salary
Minimum $250,000; Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
ADA
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact. USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state. Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement. Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law. Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law. Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities. In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The Following Individuals Have Been Designated To Handle Inquiries Regarding The Application Of Title IX And Its Implementing Regulations And/or USU’s Non-discrimination Policies
Matthew Pinner
Executive Director Civil Rights & Title IX Office
matthew.pinner@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
Cody Carmichael
Title IX Coordinator
cody.carmichael@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695 | OCR.Denver@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov
Overview
Utah State University seeks a University General Counsel to oversee the university’s legal affairs and provide strategic legal counsel to the Board of Trustees, President, and senior leaders. The General Counsel oversees all legal affairs of the University and ensures institutional compliance with federal and state law, Utah System of Higher Education policies, and University regulations. This role provides legal guidance on matters including governance, employment, student affairs, contracts, civil rights, regulatory compliance, public records, and institutional risk management. The General Counsel leads the Office of Legal Affairs, manages the coordination of legal services for the University, works with the Utah Attorney General’s Office on litigation and formal legal matters, and represents the University in interactions with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and external partners. The position plays a central role in helping the institution navigate complex legal and policy matters while advancing the mission of Utah State University as a public land grant research institution.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic legal counsel to the Board of Trustees, President, and senior leadership on governance, regulatory compliance, institutional policy, and legal risk.
- Oversee and coordinate the University’s legal affairs ensuring consistent interpretation and application of laws, regulations, and policies affecting the University.
- Lead and manage the Office of Legal Counsel, including assigning workload, establishing priorities, and ensuring effective legal support for university divisions and units.
- Provide legal review and guidance on significant University contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding.
- Provide legal guidance on employment, student affairs, civil rights compliance, public records, and other institutional matters.
- Advise University leadership on compliance with applicable federal and state law and Utah System of Higher Education policies governing public institutions of higher education.
- Coordinate with the Utah Attorney General’s Office and university leadership on legal matters related to disputes, claims, investigations, and litigation involving the University.
- Manage relationships with outside counsel and oversee the engagement of external legal services when appropriate.
- Serve as a liaison with the Utah System of Higher Education, government agencies, and legal counsel at peer institutions.
- Support the Board of Trustees on governance and compliance matters.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Eleven years of progressively responsible legal and leadership experience, including experience advising complex organizations, public institutions, or higher education entities as a leader of people and a manager of complex legal operations.
- Membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar, or the ability to obtain admission within six months of hire.
- Demonstrated experience providing legal counsel on governance, regulatory compliance, employment law, contracts, and institutional policy.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and provide clear, practical legal advice to executive leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience serving as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, or Associate General Counsel in a higher education institution.
- Familiarity with legal issues affecting public universities, including academic affairs, student affairs, civil rights compliance, and public records.
- Experience advising governing boards and senior executive leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to lead legal teams and manage legal operations.
- Experience managing outside counsel and complex legal matters.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate complex legal issues to diverse audiences.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and ethical judgment.
Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:
- Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
- Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
- Letters of Recommendation to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-5”
Document size may not exceed 10 MB.
Advertised Salary
Minimum $250,000; Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
ADA
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact. USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state. Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement. Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law. Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law. Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities. In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The Following Individuals Have Been Designated To Handle Inquiries Regarding The Application Of Title IX And Its Implementing Regulations And/or USU’s Non-discrimination Policies
Matthew Pinner
Executive Director Civil Rights & Title IX Office
matthew.pinner@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
Cody Carmichael
Title IX Coordinator
cody.carmichael@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695 | OCR.Denver@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in General Counsel
Emphasize specialized legal expertise
Highlight specific practice areas like securities law, corporate governance, or regulatory compliance. USCIS values specialized legal knowledge that requires advanced training beyond general business management.
Document bar admission requirements
Most General Counsel roles require active bar membership in relevant jurisdictions. Include bar admission dates and any specialized certifications that demonstrate your legal qualifications.
Focus on J.D. degree necessity
General Counsel positions typically require a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school, making them strong specialty occupation candidates. The role's legal nature supports H-1B qualification arguments.
Consider O-1 for extraordinary ability
Senior General Counsel with major legal victories, published articles, or industry recognition may qualify for O-1 visas, which offer more flexibility than H-1B caps.
Target companies with legal complexity
Regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and technology often need General Counsel for compliance matters, making them more likely to sponsor qualified international legal professionals.
Prepare for nonimmigrant intent scrutiny
General Counsel roles are senior positions that may trigger immigrant intent concerns. Be ready to explain your temporary work plans and ties to your home country.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do General Counsel positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, General Counsel positions typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship because they require specialized legal knowledge and a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school. The role's legal complexity and advanced degree requirement make it a strong specialty occupation candidate under USCIS criteria.
What degree requirements do employers expect for General Counsel visa sponsorship?
Most employers require a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school plus active bar admission in relevant jurisdictions. Some positions may accept foreign law degrees with credential evaluation, but U.S. legal education is strongly preferred for regulatory compliance roles.
Can foreign lawyers get General Counsel positions with visa sponsorship?
Foreign lawyers can qualify, but typically need additional U.S. legal credentials. Many employers prefer candidates with U.S. J.D. degrees and bar admission. Foreign-qualified lawyers may need to complete LLM programs or bar examinations to meet employer requirements.
How do General Counsel roles affect green card applications?
General Counsel positions often strengthen EB-2 green card applications due to their advanced degree requirements and specialized expertise. However, the senior nature of these roles may create immigrant intent concerns that need careful handling during nonimmigrant visa renewals.
What makes General Counsel sponsorship cases challenging?
The main challenge is demonstrating that the role requires specialized legal knowledge beyond general business management. USCIS may question whether duties are primarily legal or executive. Strong job descriptions emphasizing legal analysis, regulatory compliance, and specialized legal expertise help address these concerns.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored 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.
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