Law Librarian Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Law librarian positions at law firms, corporate legal departments, and law schools regularly sponsor H-1B and other work visas. These roles require specialized knowledge of legal research systems, database management, and information science that qualifies as a specialty occupation under immigration law. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
See All Law Librarian JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 8+ law librarian jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 8+ Law Librarian jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Law Librarian roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Dickinson Law invites applications for an innovative and collaborative Law Librarian to join the library team at the Law School’s University Park location. This is a tenure-track faculty appointment, with tenure administered through the Penn State University Libraries. Founded in 1834, Penn State Dickinson Law is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s first law school and one of the oldest in the nation. Fully accredited by the ABA and a member of the AALS since 1912, Dickinson Law’s mission is to educate and train lawyers equipped to excel in an evolving legal profession. The Law School is guided by core values of teaching, scholarship, service, and community, which define our mission and culture.
Position Overview
The successful candidate will provide expert legal research support, teach legal research to first-year law students, and collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and students to advance the Law School’s academic mission. This position offers the opportunity to engage meaningfully in the Law School’s clinics, outreach programs, and faculty governance.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Provide reference and research assistance to law students, faculty, administrators, and the public (in person, via email, and phone).
- Serve as library liaison to various law school clinics and programs.
- Develop and implement outreach efforts to students, faculty, and the broader community.
- Teach introductory legal research in the required first-year curriculum and contribute to other instructional opportunities.
- Participate in collection development and resource curation.
- Create and maintain research guides (LibGuides) and other digital resources.
- Contribute to creating a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered library environment.
- Collaborate on library communications, including social media and website content.
- Participate fully as a member of the law faculty, including service on faculty committees.
Qualifications
- Required: J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school (or equivalent non-U.S. law degree).
- Preferred: M.L.S. (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution. Substantial experience in legal research may substitute for this requirement.
- Demonstrated knowledge of legal research databases and resources.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced academic setting.
Faculty Rank and Tenure
This tenure-track position will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Librarian with tenure within the Penn State University Libraries. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in librarianship, an established record of scholarly research and publication, and significant service to the profession and institution. More information about faculty appointments and University Library tenure criteria is available here: UL-ACG07 Promotion and Tenure Criteria.
As part of The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Dickinson Law is committed to and is accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. Penn State’s Values can be found here.
This position is based in University Park, PA. The University prioritizes regular on-site presence to support full engagement in the campus community. Full-time, tenure-line faculty are expected to work on-site. Questions about work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
All candidate materials must be submitted via the Penn State Career website. Interested candidates should upload a cover letter and a resume or CV, with a brief statement indicating how they would contribute to creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all. A candidate’s application materials are expected to provide clear evidence supporting Penn State values and accessibility throughout their librarianship, teaching, research, and/or service. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide the names, titles, and contact information (telephone, email, and mailing address) of three (3) professional references. Candidates who advance in the search will be notified to confirm that their references may be contacted. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including a candidate’s qualifications, education, experience, and rank. In addition to a competitive salary, full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits program, generous paid time off, and an undergraduate tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Benefits
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Dickinson Law invites applications for an innovative and collaborative Law Librarian to join the library team at the Law School’s University Park location. This is a tenure-track faculty appointment, with tenure administered through the Penn State University Libraries. Founded in 1834, Penn State Dickinson Law is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s first law school and one of the oldest in the nation. Fully accredited by the ABA and a member of the AALS since 1912, Dickinson Law’s mission is to educate and train lawyers equipped to excel in an evolving legal profession. The Law School is guided by core values of teaching, scholarship, service, and community, which define our mission and culture.
Position Overview
The successful candidate will provide expert legal research support, teach legal research to first-year law students, and collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and students to advance the Law School’s academic mission. This position offers the opportunity to engage meaningfully in the Law School’s clinics, outreach programs, and faculty governance.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Provide reference and research assistance to law students, faculty, administrators, and the public (in person, via email, and phone).
- Serve as library liaison to various law school clinics and programs.
- Develop and implement outreach efforts to students, faculty, and the broader community.
- Teach introductory legal research in the required first-year curriculum and contribute to other instructional opportunities.
- Participate in collection development and resource curation.
- Create and maintain research guides (LibGuides) and other digital resources.
- Contribute to creating a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered library environment.
- Collaborate on library communications, including social media and website content.
- Participate fully as a member of the law faculty, including service on faculty committees.
Qualifications
- Required: J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school (or equivalent non-U.S. law degree).
- Preferred: M.L.S. (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution. Substantial experience in legal research may substitute for this requirement.
- Demonstrated knowledge of legal research databases and resources.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced academic setting.
Faculty Rank and Tenure
This tenure-track position will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Librarian with tenure within the Penn State University Libraries. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in librarianship, an established record of scholarly research and publication, and significant service to the profession and institution. More information about faculty appointments and University Library tenure criteria is available here: UL-ACG07 Promotion and Tenure Criteria.
As part of The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Dickinson Law is committed to and is accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. Penn State’s Values can be found here.
This position is based in University Park, PA. The University prioritizes regular on-site presence to support full engagement in the campus community. Full-time, tenure-line faculty are expected to work on-site. Questions about work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
All candidate materials must be submitted via the Penn State Career website. Interested candidates should upload a cover letter and a resume or CV, with a brief statement indicating how they would contribute to creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all. A candidate’s application materials are expected to provide clear evidence supporting Penn State values and accessibility throughout their librarianship, teaching, research, and/or service. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide the names, titles, and contact information (telephone, email, and mailing address) of three (3) professional references. Candidates who advance in the search will be notified to confirm that their references may be contacted. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including a candidate’s qualifications, education, experience, and rank. In addition to a competitive salary, full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits program, generous paid time off, and an undergraduate tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Benefits
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Law Librarian
Emphasize specialized legal database expertise
Highlight proficiency with Westlaw, LexisNexis, Bloomberg Law, and specialized legal research platforms. These technical skills demonstrate the specialized knowledge requirement for visa sponsorship approval.
Target law firms with international practices
Large law firms handling cross-border transactions and international litigation often need librarians familiar with foreign legal systems and multilingual research capabilities.
Consider academic law libraries first
Law schools frequently sponsor visas for librarian positions and may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B filing, avoiding the annual lottery entirely.
Highlight your Master of Library Science degree
Most law librarian positions require an MLS or MLIS degree, which clearly establishes the specialty occupation requirement for visa petition approval.
Focus on knowledge management roles
Corporate legal departments increasingly need librarians for knowledge management systems, competitive intelligence, and legal technology implementation, all strong sponsorship candidates.
Network through legal associations
Join the American Association of Law Libraries and attend local chapter meetings to connect with hiring managers who understand visa sponsorship processes.
Law Librarian jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Law Librarian JobsSee all 8+ Law Librarian jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Law Librarian roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do law librarian positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, law librarian positions typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship because they require specialized knowledge of legal research systems, information science, and often a Master of Library Science degree. The role meets the specialty occupation requirement under immigration law.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as a law librarian?
Most employers require a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree for law librarian positions. Some positions also prefer or require a law degree (JD). The advanced degree requirement strengthens your visa petition.
Are law schools better for visa sponsorship than law firms?
Law schools often have advantages for visa sponsorship, including potential cap-exempt H-1B filing that avoids the annual lottery. They also typically have more experience with immigration processes and may offer more job security during the visa process.
Can foreign law degrees help with law librarian visa sponsorship?
Foreign law degrees can be valuable, especially for positions requiring knowledge of international legal systems or foreign language legal research. However, you'll still need the required MLS degree and may need credential evaluation for foreign degrees.
What's the approval rate for law librarian H-1B petitions?
Law librarian H-1B petitions generally have strong approval rates because the role clearly requires specialized knowledge and advanced education. The combination of technical database skills and legal research expertise makes these positions solid candidates for visa approval.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Law Librarian 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.
See which Law Librarian employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Law Librarian Jobs