Legal Counsel Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Legal counsel professionals are sponsored through H-1B visa at AmLaw 100 firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and Skadden, and through L-1 transfers at multinational firms like Baker McKenzie and DLA Piper. Practicing U.S. law requires bar admission, which for foreign-trained lawyers typically means completing an LL.M. and passing a state bar exam.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Alstom, we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day, 80,000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.
Could you be the full-time onsite Senior Legal Counsel in New York, NY, US we’re looking for? (The successful candidate may also be located in the Mid Atlantic states - Philadelphia to Boston)
Your future role
Take on a new challenge and apply your legal expertise in a new cutting-edge field. You’ll work alongside collaborative and forward-thinking teammates.
You'll play a pivotal role in safeguarding Alstom's business interests by providing legal support and expertise on matters related to suppliers and subcontractors. Day-to-day, you’ll work closely with teams across the business, including the procurement community and senior management, to draft and review contracts, manage claims and disputes, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. You’ll also lead negotiations, provide training to the Procurement team, and promote the Alstom Code of Ethics—and much more.
We’ll look to you for:
- Reviewing, preparing, and drafting contracts or other legal documents with a level of risk that protects the company and complies with current legislation.
- Advising the company on all legal and contractual matters, including topics that relate to the business, Procurement activities, products, or services.
- Providing accurate, relevant, and timely advice to stakeholders.
- Managing claims, including advice on the nature of legal actions to be taken, pre-litigation, and resolution of arbitration or other disputes.
- Advising management on risks associated with strategic business issues and developing and implementing strategies in close collaboration with stakeholders.
- Escalating issues to appropriate levels of management when necessary.
- Ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations that apply to the business.
- Communicating with and managing third-party bodies such as external counsel or auditors.
- Managing and mitigating legal risks by implementing company policies and procedures.
- Leading special specific negotiations as requested by the VP Legal IP & Legal Procurement.
All about you
We value passion and attitude over experience. That’s why we don’t expect you to have every single skill. Instead, we’ve listed some that we think will help you succeed and grow in this role:
- JD degree is required.
- Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in an international business environment or law firm.
- Preferably licensed to practice law in more than one jurisdiction (civil law and common law country).
- Familiar with international contracts.
- Very good knowledge of the law and of contract law.
- Procurement activities knowledge.
- Previous exposure to international practice through studies or work experience.
- Excellent English written and oral language skills.
- Knowledgeable of intellectual property.
- Knowledge and expertise in the railway and/or infrastructure industries is preferred.
Things you’ll enjoy
Join us on a life-long transformative journey – the rail industry is here to stay, so you can grow and develop new skills and experiences throughout your career. You’ll also:
- Work with a dynamic legal team and cross-functional stakeholders, including procurement and management teams, to address complex legal and contractual matters.
- Progress towards becoming a trusted legal advisor with expertise in procurement and international contract law, while contributing to the strategic goals of the company.
- Collaborate with transverse teams and helpful colleagues.
- Contribute to innovative projects.
- Utilise our inclusive, innovative, and ethics-driven working environment.
- Steer your career in whatever direction you choose across functions and countries.
- Salary Range is 180-200K.
You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family, you’ll be proud. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!
Important to note
As a global business, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates diversity across the 63 countries we operate in. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone.
As a global business, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates diversity across the 70+ countries we operate in. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. An agile, inclusive and responsible culture is the foundation of our company where diverse people are offered excellent opportunities to grow, learn and advance in their careers. We are committed to encouraging our employees to reach their full potential, while valuing and respecting them as individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage women, people with disability and other minority groups to apply. We recognise that embracing flexibility & inclusivity is the smarter way of working. Please speak with us about your individual needs or if any workplace adjustments are required. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process please email:
Nearest Major Market: Manhattan
Nearest Secondary Market: New York City
Job Segment: Procurement, Operations
At Alstom, we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day, 80,000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.
Could you be the full-time onsite Senior Legal Counsel in New York, NY, US we’re looking for? (The successful candidate may also be located in the Mid Atlantic states - Philadelphia to Boston)
Your future role
Take on a new challenge and apply your legal expertise in a new cutting-edge field. You’ll work alongside collaborative and forward-thinking teammates.
You'll play a pivotal role in safeguarding Alstom's business interests by providing legal support and expertise on matters related to suppliers and subcontractors. Day-to-day, you’ll work closely with teams across the business, including the procurement community and senior management, to draft and review contracts, manage claims and disputes, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. You’ll also lead negotiations, provide training to the Procurement team, and promote the Alstom Code of Ethics—and much more.
We’ll look to you for:
- Reviewing, preparing, and drafting contracts or other legal documents with a level of risk that protects the company and complies with current legislation.
- Advising the company on all legal and contractual matters, including topics that relate to the business, Procurement activities, products, or services.
- Providing accurate, relevant, and timely advice to stakeholders.
- Managing claims, including advice on the nature of legal actions to be taken, pre-litigation, and resolution of arbitration or other disputes.
- Advising management on risks associated with strategic business issues and developing and implementing strategies in close collaboration with stakeholders.
- Escalating issues to appropriate levels of management when necessary.
- Ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations that apply to the business.
- Communicating with and managing third-party bodies such as external counsel or auditors.
- Managing and mitigating legal risks by implementing company policies and procedures.
- Leading special specific negotiations as requested by the VP Legal IP & Legal Procurement.
All about you
We value passion and attitude over experience. That’s why we don’t expect you to have every single skill. Instead, we’ve listed some that we think will help you succeed and grow in this role:
- JD degree is required.
- Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in an international business environment or law firm.
- Preferably licensed to practice law in more than one jurisdiction (civil law and common law country).
- Familiar with international contracts.
- Very good knowledge of the law and of contract law.
- Procurement activities knowledge.
- Previous exposure to international practice through studies or work experience.
- Excellent English written and oral language skills.
- Knowledgeable of intellectual property.
- Knowledge and expertise in the railway and/or infrastructure industries is preferred.
Things you’ll enjoy
Join us on a life-long transformative journey – the rail industry is here to stay, so you can grow and develop new skills and experiences throughout your career. You’ll also:
- Work with a dynamic legal team and cross-functional stakeholders, including procurement and management teams, to address complex legal and contractual matters.
- Progress towards becoming a trusted legal advisor with expertise in procurement and international contract law, while contributing to the strategic goals of the company.
- Collaborate with transverse teams and helpful colleagues.
- Contribute to innovative projects.
- Utilise our inclusive, innovative, and ethics-driven working environment.
- Steer your career in whatever direction you choose across functions and countries.
- Salary Range is 180-200K.
You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family, you’ll be proud. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!
Important to note
As a global business, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates diversity across the 63 countries we operate in. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone.
As a global business, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates diversity across the 70+ countries we operate in. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. An agile, inclusive and responsible culture is the foundation of our company where diverse people are offered excellent opportunities to grow, learn and advance in their careers. We are committed to encouraging our employees to reach their full potential, while valuing and respecting them as individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage women, people with disability and other minority groups to apply. We recognise that embracing flexibility & inclusivity is the smarter way of working. Please speak with us about your individual needs or if any workplace adjustments are required. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process please email:
Nearest Major Market: Manhattan
Nearest Secondary Market: New York City
Job Segment: Procurement, Operations
See all 7,172+ Legal Counsel jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Legal Counsel roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Legal Counsel Jobs
Complete an LL.M. at a Top U.S. Law School
An LL.M. from NYU, Columbia, Harvard, Georgetown, or Berkeley opens the pathway to bar admission and provides access to law firm recruiting pipelines that lead to H-1B sponsorship. These programs have established relationships with AmLaw 100 firms that recruit LL.M. graduates for associate positions.
Target International Practice Groups at Large Firms
AmLaw 100 firms with cross-border M&A, international arbitration, and trade practices actively seek attorneys with foreign legal training and language skills. Baker McKenzie, White & Case, Freshfields, and Cleary Gottlieb specifically recruit LL.M. graduates with dual-jurisdiction expertise. Your foreign law knowledge is a competitive advantage in these groups.
Use Multinational Firm L-1 Transfers
If you practice at Baker McKenzie, DLA Piper, Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, or Linklaters, transferring to the U.S. office on L-1 avoids the H-1B lottery and leverages your existing firm relationships. Build at least one year of strong performance in a practice area with U.S. client overlap before requesting the transfer.
New York and California Allow Foreign-Educated Bar Applicants
New York permits foreign-educated lawyers with an LL.M. to sit for the bar exam without a J.D. California has similar provisions. Washington D.C. allows admission based on reciprocity in certain circumstances. Choose your LL.M. program and bar jurisdiction strategically based on which state's admission rules best fit your educational background.
In-House Tech Roles Offer Higher Total Compensation
Corporate legal departments at Google, Amazon, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft sponsor in-house counsel for commercial contracts, product counsel, privacy, and IP roles. Total compensation at these companies ($180,000 to $350,000) often exceeds law firm pay when equity is included. Target in-house roles after gaining 3 to 5 years of law firm experience and bar admission.
IP and Patent Law Commands a Premium for Technical Degrees
If you hold both a law degree and a technical degree in engineering, computer science, or life sciences, patent prosecution and IP litigation roles are among the highest-paid and most sponsorship-friendly legal positions. The USPTO patent bar requires a technical degree, which creates a natural barrier that limits domestic competition and strengthens employer motivation to sponsor.
Legal Counsel jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Legal Counsel JobsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for sponsored Legal Counsel roles in the U.S.?
First-year associates at top law firms (AmLaw 100) earn $225,000 in base salary with bonuses pushing total compensation to $250,000 to $300,000. Mid-level associates earn $300,000 to $420,000. In-house counsel at technology companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta earn $180,000 to $350,000 in total compensation. General counsel and deputy GC roles at large companies pay $300,000 to $600,000 or more. Smaller firms and regional practices pay significantly less, with associates starting at $80,000 to $150,000.
Which visa types do Legal Counsel professionals typically use?
H-1B is the primary pathway for attorneys with J.D. or LL.M. degrees and U.S. bar admission, with strong specialty occupation classification. L-1 intracompany transfers are common at multinational law firms like Baker McKenzie, DLA Piper, and Clifford Chance that move lawyers between international offices. O-1 is used for attorneys with extraordinary ability in their practice area. E-3 is available for Australian nationals with bar admission. TN availability is limited because Lawyer is not a standard USMCA profession.
What types of employers sponsor Legal Counsel?
AmLaw 100 law firms are the most frequent sponsors, including Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Skadden, Davis Polk, and Sullivan & Cromwell. Multinational firms like Baker McKenzie, DLA Piper, and Clifford Chance sponsor through both H-1B and L-1. Corporate legal departments at Google, Amazon, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and Fortune 500 companies sponsor in-house counsel. Big Four firms sponsor for tax law and legal advisory roles. Boutique firms specializing in international trade, IP, or immigration law also sponsor.
How to find Legal Counsel jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Legal Counsel jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international legal professionals with employers offering H-1B, O-1, and other work visas. Focus on multinational corporations, tech companies, financial institutions, and large law firms that regularly sponsor foreign attorneys. These employers typically have established immigration processes and actively recruit international legal talent for corporate counsel, compliance, and specialized legal advisory roles.
Do I need U.S. bar admission to be sponsored as Legal Counsel?
For roles involving the practice of U.S. law, yes. Most attorney positions require admission to a state bar, which for foreign-trained lawyers typically means completing an LL.M. at a U.S. law school and passing a state bar exam. New York and California are the most common states for foreign-educated attorneys to seek admission. Some legal advisory roles that do not involve practicing U.S. law (international arbitration, foreign law advisory) may not require bar admission.
What is the most common pathway for foreign-trained lawyers to work in the U.S.?
The established pathway is completing an LL.M. at a U.S. law school (typically one year), sitting for the bar exam in a state that permits foreign-educated lawyers (New York, California, D.C.), obtaining bar admission, and then securing H-1B sponsorship from a law firm or corporate legal department. Many LL.M. graduates work on OPT during their first year after the program while studying for and passing the bar exam. Top LL.M. programs at NYU, Columbia, Harvard, Georgetown, and Berkeley have the strongest placement rates at sponsoring firms.
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