Staff Attorney Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Staff attorney roles at law firms, corporations, and nonprofits do sponsor visas, but the path depends on whether the position qualifies as a specialty occupation and which visa your nationality unlocks. H-1B visa, E-3 visa, and TN visa are the most common routes, each with different timelines, caps, and employer filing requirements.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Under the direction of the Director of the Water Justice Clinic, advise clients on potential governance structures, regulatory and corporate compliance, funding options, and rate policies for their water systems; draft and negotiate local government consolidation agreements, land and water rights contracts, corporate bylaws, and asset transfer agreements; provide legal assistance to communities that seek funding for capital improvement projects for drinking water; supervise Clinic students; design and present community education trainings; research and draft comment letters to administrative agencies and local governments on issues affecting drinking water; and develop and implement media strategies to raise awareness.
Apply By Date
November 23, 2026 at 11:59pm
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
- JD from ABA-accredited law school; admission and good standing in the California Bar.
- Experience with environmental or land use law, transactional law, or with federal, state or municipal government law.
- Experience interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing legal statutes, regulations, case law, documents, policies, and procedures; proficiency using legal research tools and services (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
- Experience supervising and managing junior lawyers or law students.
- Commitment to working and teaching in a multicultural environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to serve clients from a wide variety of cultures and experiences.
- Commitment to public interest law and to the strategic and creative use of law for social change.
- Strong work ethic, attention to detail, initiative, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in community-based advocacy, community organizing, teaching, or rural legal services.
- Spanish language proficiency.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
- 85% - Research, Analyses & Legal Representation
- 15% - Outreach and Campus Activities
Department Overview
UC DAVIS SCHOOL OF LAW The UC Davis School of Law is consistently ranked among the premier law schools in the United States overall and in terms of faculty and student quality and diversity. The school has nearly 600 Juris Doctor (JD) students enrolled in the full-time 3-year program, as well as a LL.M Program, certificates in Public Service Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Immigration Law, Intellectual Property Law and Tax Law, and Joint Degree programs, including JD/MBA, and JD/MA. The Water Justice Clinic partners with community organizations and drinking water systems to address current failures in providing safe drinking water throughout rural California. The Clinic utilizes transactional legal tools as well as administrative and policy advocacy to remove the structural and financial barriers that limit low-income communities' access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr.
- Salary Frequency: Annual
- Salary Grade: Grade 25
- UC Job Title: STDT LEGAL SVC ADVISOR 3
- UC Job Code: 000558
- Appointment Type: Staff: Contract - 1 year contract with possibility of extension or conversion to career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday – Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Location: Davis, CA
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Travel required - A valid California driver’s license is needed to visit off-site events and meetings.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role - or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
INTRODUCTION
Under the direction of the Director of the Water Justice Clinic, advise clients on potential governance structures, regulatory and corporate compliance, funding options, and rate policies for their water systems; draft and negotiate local government consolidation agreements, land and water rights contracts, corporate bylaws, and asset transfer agreements; provide legal assistance to communities that seek funding for capital improvement projects for drinking water; supervise Clinic students; design and present community education trainings; research and draft comment letters to administrative agencies and local governments on issues affecting drinking water; and develop and implement media strategies to raise awareness.
Apply By Date
November 23, 2026 at 11:59pm
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
- JD from ABA-accredited law school; admission and good standing in the California Bar.
- Experience with environmental or land use law, transactional law, or with federal, state or municipal government law.
- Experience interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing legal statutes, regulations, case law, documents, policies, and procedures; proficiency using legal research tools and services (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
- Experience supervising and managing junior lawyers or law students.
- Commitment to working and teaching in a multicultural environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to serve clients from a wide variety of cultures and experiences.
- Commitment to public interest law and to the strategic and creative use of law for social change.
- Strong work ethic, attention to detail, initiative, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in community-based advocacy, community organizing, teaching, or rural legal services.
- Spanish language proficiency.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
- 85% - Research, Analyses & Legal Representation
- 15% - Outreach and Campus Activities
Department Overview
UC DAVIS SCHOOL OF LAW The UC Davis School of Law is consistently ranked among the premier law schools in the United States overall and in terms of faculty and student quality and diversity. The school has nearly 600 Juris Doctor (JD) students enrolled in the full-time 3-year program, as well as a LL.M Program, certificates in Public Service Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Immigration Law, Intellectual Property Law and Tax Law, and Joint Degree programs, including JD/MBA, and JD/MA. The Water Justice Clinic partners with community organizations and drinking water systems to address current failures in providing safe drinking water throughout rural California. The Clinic utilizes transactional legal tools as well as administrative and policy advocacy to remove the structural and financial barriers that limit low-income communities' access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr.
- Salary Frequency: Annual
- Salary Grade: Grade 25
- UC Job Title: STDT LEGAL SVC ADVISOR 3
- UC Job Code: 000558
- Appointment Type: Staff: Contract - 1 year contract with possibility of extension or conversion to career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday – Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Location: Davis, CA
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Travel required - A valid California driver’s license is needed to visit off-site events and meetings.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role - or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
See all 235+ Staff Attorney Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Staff Attorney roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Staff Attorney
Frame your law degree for specialty occupation
A J.D. or LL.M. satisfies the bachelor's-equivalent threshold USCIS uses for specialty occupation, but your application should explicitly tie your degree field to the staff attorney duties in the offer letter. Vague job descriptions trigger Requests for Evidence.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to identify law firms, corporations, and nonprofits that have filed Labor Condition Applications for legal roles. Employers with recent LCA activity have already cleared the internal approval process and are more likely to sponsor again.
Check bar admission requirements before applying
Many staff attorney postings require active bar admission in a specific U.S. state. If you're on OPT or H-1B transfer, confirm whether the employer will accept a pending bar result or requires admission before the start date, since timing mismatches can derail offers.
Distinguish TN eligibility for Canadian and Mexican attorneys
Canadian and Mexican nationals can pursue TN status under the USMCA profession list, which includes lawyers. TN requires a job offer involving purely legal work and doesn't allow immigrant intent, so it suits roles without an immediate green card track.
Verify prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
The employer's LCA must certify wages at or above the prevailing wage for the legal occupation in your work location. Run the OFLC Wage Search using the correct metropolitan area to confirm the offer meets DOL Level I through Level IV thresholds before signing.
Prepare for PERM if the role is permanent
Staff attorney positions at corporations often lead to EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM labor certification. Ask during negotiations whether the employer has a standard timeline for initiating PERM and whether they cover attorney fees for that stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a staff attorney role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS treats legal positions requiring a J.D. or LL.M. as specialty occupations because the work is directly tied to a specific degree field. The job description must reflect duties that require legal training, not general business functions. Roles with broad, non-legal responsibilities can face scrutiny, so a tightly drafted offer letter matters.
Can a foreign-trained lawyer get visa sponsorship as a staff attorney in the U.S.?
Yes, but bar admission is the key variable. Most employers require the candidate to hold or be eligible for a U.S. state bar license. Foreign law graduates who passed the bar in a reciprocity state, such as New York, are eligible. The visa petition itself depends on degree equivalency, which USCIS evaluates based on the foreign credential combined with any U.S. LL.M.
Which visa types do employers typically use to sponsor staff attorneys?
H-1B is the most common for non-treaty nationals, covering initial status of up to three years, extendable to six. Australian nationals can use the E-3, which has a separate cap and no lottery. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under TN. All three require the employer to certify prevailing wage compliance through a Labor Condition Application filed with DOL.
How do I find law firms and corporations that actively sponsor staff attorney visas?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA filing history for legal roles, so you can browse staff attorney opportunities from sponsors who have already gone through the DOL certification process. This is a faster signal than cold-applying to firms with no documented sponsorship track record.
Does the type of employer, law firm versus in-house versus nonprofit, affect sponsorship likelihood?
It affects the process, not necessarily the likelihood. Large law firms often have immigration counsel on retainer and can move quickly. In-house legal departments at corporations may require additional internal approvals before HR initiates the LCA. Nonprofits that qualify as cap-exempt institutions can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery window, which removes a significant timing risk for candidates.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Staff Attorney 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.