Senior Counsel​/Assistant Vice President of Legal Affairs Business Immigration Attorney Healthcare

Senior Counsel/Assistant Vice President of Legal Affairs Business Immigration Attorney Healthcare

RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey's largest integrated academic healthcare system, seeks a highly skilled and experienced Business Immigration Attorney to join our legal team. The role will provide comprehensive legal counsel and strategic guidance on all immigration-related matters affecting our complex healthcare system.

The successful candidate will ensure compliance with evolving immigration laws, complete and file sponsorship applications, facilitate the integration of international healthcare talent, educate clients on immigration law changes and I‑9 verification, and support our mission to provide high‑quality patient care.

As a strategic legal advisor, you will work with departments across the enterprise—including HR, Nursing, Research, Finance, Compliance, Business Development and the Medical Group—to ensure full compliance and risk mitigation in recruitment and retention efforts.

• Assistant General Counsel / Vice President of Legal Affairs

• License to practice law in New Jersey or eligibility for in‑house counsel licensure in NJ, with a strong understanding of federal immigration law.
• Minimum 7‑10 years of legal experience, preferably in an academic medical center, government agency, or law firm focused on business immigration for physician groups and hospital systems.
• Extensive experience completing and filing visa and J‑1 waiver applications, including CONRAD
  30 waivers.
• Comprehensive understanding of Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200, FAR, and sponsor‑specific funding regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex legal issues involving regulatory compliance and institutional risk management.
• Exceptional communication skills and organizational rigor.
• Impeccable attention to detail and ability to manage large volumes of complex arrangements.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

• Prior in‑house counsel experience at an academic medical center or healthcare system.

• Provide expert advice on immigration law and policy for physicians, nurses, medical researchers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Manage a high volume of employment‑based immigrant and non‑immigrant visa petitions (e.g., J‑1 waivers, H‑1B, O‑1, EB‑1, EB‑2, EB‑3).
• Complete and file all visa petitions, appeals, and J‑1 waiver applications.
• Develop and implement immigration strategies aligned with workforce planning, recruitment, and retention needs.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with I‑9 regulations, PERM labor certification requirements, and other federal and state laws.
• Represent the healthcare system before agencies such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of Labor, and the Department of State.
• Offer counsel on complex immigration matters, including mergers and acquisitions, change of status requests, and appeals.
• Develop and deliver training to stakeholders on immigration law and compliance.
• Monitor changes in immigration laws, regulations, and policies, providing timely updates and recommendations.
• Collaborate with HR, recruitment, and department leaders to ensure a seamless immigration process.
• Assist in developing internal policies and procedures to promote compliance.
• Support institutional stakeholders with risk exposure, legal constraints, and strengthening regulatory posture.
• Maintain accurate legal documentation and regulatory tracking systems.
• Deliver training and education to HR, Medical Group, Nursing, and Compliance on immigration obligations.

Duty coverage is not exhaustive; responsibilities may change without notice.

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Holidays, Sick Time)
• Retirement Plans
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Disability and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Planning Support
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Community and Volunteer Opportunities
• Discounts through partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, and Verizon

RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.