u/Head-Wolf-8070

Recently, I received an interview for a role at a global enterprise in Los Angeles. The job description matched my past experience closely, and it was a company I’d known about for a long time and always wanted to join. I was thrilled and truly hoped to land the position, but I ended up failing the very first interview round.

Since I had explicitly answered that I am on a one-year OPT, I wondered if my visa status was the reason. After asking an insider, I was told that this company indeed does not offer sponsorship.

To be honest, I’m not even asking for future sponsorship or immigration; I just genuinely want the work experience. But from a company’s perspective, they likely think: what’s the point of hiring someone who only has a single year of work authorization?

I used to think that even if visa policies tightened, as long as I didn't require sponsorship, I could at least make use of that one-year work permit. Now I realize what is the value of a one-year OPT if companies won't hire you in the first place?

If I had been rejected because my experience or skills weren’t a good fit, I might still have chance to make my case. But being turned down over a visa status leaves me with nowhere to stand.

I used to feel that Trump's harmful policies were far removed from ordinary people, but in reality, they have already impacted everyone. At this moment, I truly feel like a victim of those policies.

Given that most U.S. university programs offer only a one-year OPT, studying abroad in the United States really feels like it has lost its purpose.

I am an F1 graduated student. I hold my country’s bar license and years of work experience in compliance and then study law in a Law school in L.A. I am looking for some compliance position in relevant areas.

Recently, I received an interview for a role at a global enterprise. The job description matched my past experience closely, and it was a company I’d known about for a long time and always wanted to join. I was thrilled and truly hoped to land the position, but I ended up failing the very first interview round.

Since I had explicitly answered that I am on a one-year OPT, I wondered if my visa status was the reason. After asking an insider, I was told that this company indeed does not offer sponsorship.

To be honest, I’m not even asking for future sponsorship or immigration; I just genuinely want the work experience. But from a company’s perspective, they likely think: what’s the point of hiring someone who only has a single year of work authorization?

I used to think that even if visa policies tightened, as long as I didn't require sponsorship, I could at least make use of that one-year work permit. Now I realize what is the value of a one-year OPT if companies won't hire you in the first place?

If I had been rejected because my experience or skills weren’t a good fit, I might still have chance to make my case. But being turned down over a visa status leaves me with nowhere to stand.

Recently, I received an interview for a role at a global enterprise in Los Angeles. The job description matched my past experience closely, and it was a company I’d known about for a long time and always wanted to join. I was thrilled and truly hoped to land the position, but I ended up failing the very first interview round.

Since I had explicitly answered that I am on a one-year OPT, I wondered if my visa status was the reason. After asking an insider, I was told that this company indeed does not offer sponsorship.

To be honest, I’m not even asking for future sponsorship or immigration; I just genuinely want the work experience. But from a company’s perspective, they likely think: what’s the point of hiring someone who only has a single year of work authorization?

I used to think that even if visa policies tightened, as long as I didn't require sponsorship, I could at least make use of that one-year work permit. Now I realize what is the value of a one-year OPT if companies won't hire you in the first place?

If I had been rejected because my experience or skills weren’t a good fit, I might still have chance to make my case. But being turned down over a visa status leaves me with nowhere to stand.

I used to feel that Trump's harmful policies were far removed from ordinary people, but in reality, they have already impacted everyone. At this moment, I truly feel like a victim of those policies.

Given that most U.S. university programs offer only a one-year OPT, studying abroad in the United States really feels like it has lost its purpose.

Mary Basick's book suggests 12 issues in an essay, meaning 5 min for one issue? That's no way I can do it.

I can’t do that

I'm hoping to get some advice from people who know the legal job market in Los Angeles.

I recently graduated with an LL.M. from a Law school in LA and am currently studying full-time for the California Bar Exam. I've been applying for jobs on and off, but haven't had much luck so far.

About a month ago, through networking, I happened to meet a Chinese attorney who was kind enough to introduce me to the recruiting director at his firm. I had a Zoom interview with her in June.

For some background, I'm a licensed attorney in China with several years of experience, mostly in commercial law. I've also handled litigation and arbitration in China. I speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien. My primary goal is to do international transactions legal work since I have both nation’s legal experience and knowledge. However, it seems really hard for me to get a job like that. Have to start with positions of paralegal or claw clerk.

The recruiting director told me that their firm primarily handles real estate litigation and that I would need to start from the ground up. I told her I was completely fine with that and expected to start in an entry-level role.

We never discussed compensation during the interview. I simply said that I expected to be paid whatever the market rate was. Looking back, that was probably my mistake. Since this opportunity came through networking rather than a traditional application, I didn't want to come across as aggressive in salary negotiations. As long as the pay was reasonable, I was happy.

After the interview, she told me they expected me to start after I completed the Bar Exam.

I had previously seen their Indeed posting for the same paralegal position, which listed the pay range as $28-$45/hour. Based on that, I assumed the offer would be at least around $30/hour.

Today I received the official offer.

The hourly rate is $23/hour, which honestly surprised me because it's even below the advertised range.

To make matters more stressful, my current lease ends at the end of August. My OPT application has been pending since mid-May, and based on current processing times, I may not receive my EAD card until early August. I can't apply for a SSN until I receive my EAD, and without an SSN it's been difficult to rent an apartment, cause I cannot offer effective financial documents anymore. I'm worried about whether the timing of my EAD, SSN, and finding a new place will line up, or whether I'll need to stay in short-term housing for a while.

On top of that, I'll need to get a car because I lived within walking distance of school during my LL.M., but that won't be practical once I start working.

Seeing the $23/hour offer at a time like this was honestly discouraging.

My questions are:

*Is $23/hour considered a normal starting wage in legal filed?

*Should I take this job?

*Can you give me any advice or help regarding my job situation?

I’d really appreciate any advice or insight from people familiar with the LA legal market.

I'm hoping to get some advice from people who know the legal job market in Los Angeles.

I recently graduated with an LL.M. from a Law school and am currently studying full-time for the California Bar Exam. I've been applying for jobs on and off, but haven't had much luck so far.

About a month ago, through networking, I happened to meet a Chinese attorney who was kind enough to introduce me to the recruiting director at his firm. I had a Zoom interview with her in June.

For some background, I'm a licensed attorney in China with several years of experience, mostly in commercial law. I've also handled litigation in China. I speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien. My primary goal is to do international transactions legal work since I have both nation’s legal experience and knowledge. However, it seems really hard for me to get a job like that. Have to start with positions of paralegal or claw clerk.

The recruiting director told me that their firm primarily handles real estate litigation and that I would need to start from the ground up. I told her I was completely fine with that and expected to start in an entry-level role.

We never discussed compensation during the interview. I simply said that I expected to be paid whatever the market rate was. Looking back, that was probably my mistake. Since this opportunity came through networking rather than a traditional application, I didn't want to come across as aggressive in salary negotiations. As long as the pay was reasonable, I was happy.

After the interview, she told me they expected me to start after I completed the Bar Exam.

I had previously seen their Indeed posting for the same paralegal position, which listed the pay range as $28-$45/hour. Based on that, I assumed the offer would be at least around $30/hour.

Today I received the official offer.

The hourly rate is $23/hour, which honestly surprised me because it's even below the advertised range.

To make matters more stressful, my current lease ends at the end of August. My OPT application has been pending since mid-May, and based on current processing times, I may not receive my EAD card until early August. I can't apply for a Social Security Number until I receive my EAD, and without an SSN it's been difficult to rent an apartment, cause I cannot offer effective financial documents anymore. I'm worried about whether the timing of my EAD, SSN, and finding a new place will line up, or whether I'll need to stay in short-term housing for a while.

On top of that, I'll need to get a car because I lived within walking distance of school during my LL.M., but that won't be practical once I start working.

Seeing the $23/hour offer at a time like this was honestly discouraging.

My questions are:

*Is $23/hour considered a normal starting wage in legal filed?

*should I take this job?

I’d really appreciate any advice or insight from people familiar with the LA legal market.

I'm hoping to get some advice from people who know the legal job market in Los Angeles.

I recently graduated with an LL.M. and am currently studying full-time for the California Bar Exam. I've been applying for jobs on and off, but haven't had much luck so far.

About a month ago, through networking, I happened to meet a Chinese attorney who was kind enough to introduce me to the recruiting director at his firm. I had a Zoom interview with her in June.

For some background, I'm a licensed attorney in China with several years of experience, mostly in commercial law. I've also handled litigation in China. I speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien. My primary goal is to do international transactions legal work since I have both nation’s legal experience and knowledge. However, it seems really hard for me to get a job like that. Have to start with positions of paralegal or claw clerk.

The recruiting director told me that their firm primarily handles real estate litigation and that I would need to start from the ground up. I told her I was completely fine with that and expected to start in an entry-level role.

We never discussed compensation during the interview. I simply said that I expected to be paid whatever the market rate was. Looking back, that was probably my mistake. Since this opportunity came through networking rather than a traditional application, I didn't want to come across as aggressive in salary negotiations. As long as the pay was reasonable, I was happy.

After the interview, she told me they expected me to start after I finished the Bar Exam.

I had previously seen their Indeed posting for the same paralegal position, which listed the pay range as $28-$45/hour. Based on that, I assumed the offer would be at least around $30/hour.

Today I received the official offer.

The hourly rate is $23/hour, which honestly surprised me because it's even below the advertised range.

To make matters more stressful, my current lease ends at the end of August. My OPT application has been pending since mid-May, and based on current processing times, I may not receive my EAD card until early August. I can't apply for a Social Security Number until I receive my EAD, and without an SSN it's been difficult to rent an apartment, cause I cannot offer effective financial documents anymore. I'm worried about whether the timing of my EAD, SSN, and finding a new place will line up, or whether I'll need to stay in short-term housing for a while.

On top of that, I'll need to get a car because I lived within walking distance of school during my LL.M., but that won't be practical once I start working.

Seeing the $23/hour offer at a time like this was honestly discouraging.

My questions are:

• Is $23/hour considered a normal starting wage for an LL.M. graduate?
• Should I take the job under this situation?

I'd really appreciate any advice or insight from people familiar with the LA legal market.