Top Law Schools

I'd like to know how big a firm should be in order to afford to sponsor work visa. Recently got a CB at a decent firm in a regional market. Mentioned that I'm an international student but still got the CB. My fear is that they don't even realize that they need to sponsor my visa. Any thoughts?

It really depends on the firm, to be honest, there's no specific size requirement. Pretty much any traditional Biglaw firm will be willing to do it, but below that it can be hit or miss. I don't know how uncommon it is, but at least at my current mid-size firm, I was informed that it would not be an issue and that they've sponsored many people before.

It's definitely something you should be sure to discuss prior to accepting an offer, but I probably wouldn't dwell on it too much in the Callback. Use that time to establish a connection and relationship with the attorneys at the firm, they won't be the ones dealing with any sponsorship work anyways so it makes almost no difference to them. Make them want you, without hiding the fact that sponsorship will be required should it come up, and if it all works out they'll be more than willing to take that small extra step.

above is right. Mid-size and small-size firms totally depend on the firm, but I haven't heard any biglaw said no to visa sponsorship. You can discuss this issue after you receive a summer offer and make sure you talk about it before you accept a full-time/return offer. Be very careful with answers like "case by case" or "depends" when talking about whether they will sponsor or not (but not the timing), because I definitely heard some mid or small size firms take advantage of the OPT and tell the students to leave towards the end of the OPT.

OP here. Thank you all!

I'm a little late to the party. Yeah, big firms will do this. Some will sponsor you for a green card after so many years too, particularly if you are in a high demand practice area. This happened for me.

I know for a fact that some big law are not sponsoring foreigners this year.
Big laws do sponsor visas, but some firms are hesitant to sponsor for incoming associates.

Anon above, would you mind giving an example, to however you feel comfortable with?