Labor Attorney Career Guide

What is a labor attorney?

A labor attorney is a lawyer who deals with job-related issues between employees and employers. They work hard to keep things fair at work. These lawyers can represent employees, fighting for their rights and fair treatment, or they might help employers understand and follow job laws. Whether working for a big company or a small shop, their main goal is to keep the job world fair and respectful.

Duties and responsibilities

What a labor attorney does can change depending on if they’re helping an employer or an employee. If they work for an employer, they might write job contracts, help with agreements with unions, or defend the company in court. If they represent employees, they help them understand their rights, fight for them in court, or work with unions to negotiate better job conditions. Essentially, they’re all about making sure laws are followed and workers are treated right.

Work environment

Labor attorneys usually work in offices, law firms, or company legal departments, but they’re not just stuck behind a desk. They might go to court, negotiate in meetings, or even work from home. Their job locations can vary widely—from small local businesses to big international companies or government offices.

Typical work hours

Labor attorneys often work long hours that go past the typical nine-to-five. They might work evenings, weekends, or be on-call to deal with urgent issues. This job needs a lot of dedication and isn’t the best fit for someone who wants a predictable schedule. It’s more than just a 40-hour workweek; it demands flexibility and a lot of hard work.

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How to become a labor attorney

Becoming a labor attorney involves a few important steps, from studying hard in college to passing some big tests and gaining real-world experience. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Step 1: Get a bachelor’s degree

First up, you need to finish college with a bachelor’s degree. You can major in anything, but subjects like political science, philosophy, or English are helpful. It’s important to get good grades to help you get into law school later.

Step 2: Pass the LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a big test you need to take to get into law school. It checks how well you understand and think about complex problems. Doing well on this test can really help you get into a good law school, so you might want to study a lot or take special classes to prepare.

Step 3: Earn a JD degree

Once you’re in law school, you need to work toward earning a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which usually takes about three years. Focus on taking classes about labor law since that’s the area you want to specialize in.

Step 4: Pass the bar exam

After law school, you have to pass the bar exam to officially become a lawyer. This tough test covers a lot of different law areas and is necessary to practice law in the U.S.

Step 5: Gain real-world experience

Experience matters a lot in law. Try to get internships, work as a law clerk, or help out in a legal clinic during law school. These opportunities give you a chance to see how law works outside of textbooks and can make it easier to find a job later.

Step 6: Find a job

With your degree and experience, you can start looking for jobs as a labor attorney. Working in a law firm that focuses on labor law is a great start. Also, meeting people in the field and networking can open up job opportunities.

Step 7: Keep learning

Laws change all the time, so keep learning even after you start working. You might also need to take some courses each year to keep your lawyer’s license active, depending on where you live.

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How much do labor attorneys make?

Labor attorney salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. In particular, the type of clientele, be it private entities, government bodies, or non-profits, can significantly impact their compensation. The level or complexity of the labor law cases could also play a critical role in their pay.

Highest paying industries

• Legal Services: $144,230
• Federal Executive Branch: $144,100
• Securities and Commodity Exchanges: $143,320
• Software Publishers: $138,210
• Broadcasting: $137,600

Browse labor attorney salary data by market

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Types of labor attorneys

Labor attorneys can specialize in different areas depending on what kind of issues they want to help with. Here are some common types:

Employment law specialist

These lawyers focus on job-related issues like discrimination, pay, workers’ rights, and firing. They help companies understand the law and defend them in court if there’s a problem with how they treat employees.

Union representative lawyer

This type of lawyer works for labor unions. They handle everything unions need legally, like negotiating contracts, helping form unions, or dealing with legal issues for workers who are in unions. They know a lot about union laws and help unions get the best deals.

Worker’s compensation attorney

These attorneys help workers who get hurt or sick because of their jobs. They guide them through getting money to cover their medical bills or lost wages. Since workers’ comp laws are complicated, these lawyers make sure workers get what they deserve.

Workplace safety law specialist

If a job is unsafe, this kind of lawyer steps in. They know all about laws that keep workplaces safe. They work to make sure workers aren’t in dangerous conditions and push for safer work environments.

Labor relations manager attorney

These lawyers work in big companies or government places where they help manage the relationship between the bosses and the workers. They deal with disagreements, help negotiate contracts, and make sure policies are fair and legal.

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Top skills for labor attorneys

To succeed as a labor attorney, you’ll need a mix of technical skills and personal abilities. Here are the main ones you should work on:

Analytical skills

Labor attorneys need to be great at analyzing information. This means being able to understand and break down complex legal documents and laws. You’ll have to take in a lot of information and explain it in a simple way that others can understand.

Negotiation skills

A big part of your job will involve negotiating—like helping employers and employees reach agreements that work for everyone. You need to be good at understanding what each side wants and finding a fair middle ground.

Communication skills

Being able to talk and write clearly is super important. You’ll need to explain complicated legal stuff in a way that makes sense to everyone, from your clients to judges. Good communication helps you argue better and makes your written work, like legal documents, more effective.

Knowledge of labor law

Obviously, knowing all about labor law is a must. This includes staying up-to-date with new court rulings and changes in the laws. The better you understand the laws, the better you can help your clients.

Interpersonal skills

Since you’ll meet lots of different people in this job—from union reps to company bosses—being able to get along with people is crucial. Good interpersonal skills help you build trust, understand where others are coming from, and keep your professional relationships strong.

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Labor attorney career path options

As a labor attorney, there are several exciting directions your career can take depending on what you’re interested in and where you want to go. Here’s a look at some options:

Specializing in certain areas

One way to advance in your career is to become a specialist. You might focus on specific issues like employee benefits, discrimination cases, or labor relations within certain industries like technology or healthcare. Becoming an expert in a particular area can really boost your reputation and opportunities.

Moving into management

If you’re interested in leading others, you could move into management within a law firm or a company’s legal department. Positions like senior associate, partner, or even chief legal officer are possible. These roles involve more than just legal work; you’d also manage teams and make big-picture decisions.

Working in academia or public service

Your skills could also take you into teaching, research, or policy-making in the academic world. Or, you might decide to work in public service, where you could help shape labor policies and regulations at government agencies. These paths allow you to use your knowledge to help a lot of people on a larger scale.

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Similar job titles

• Corporate Counsel
• Contract Attorney
• Intellectual Property Attorney
• Estate Planning Attorney
• Medical Malpractice Attorney
• Personal Injury Attorney
• Bankruptcy Attorney
• Family Law Attorney
• Tax Attorney
• Real Estate Attorney

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Position trends and outlook for labor attorneys

The role of labor attorneys is rapidly evolving, influenced by several key trends and changes in the workplace:

• Rise of remote work and digitization: As more businesses move online, the need for attorneys skilled in navigating employment laws in a virtual setting is increasing. They are increasingly needed to handle the legal nuances that come with remote work environments.
• Increased focus on negotiation and mediation: There’s a growing preference for resolving disputes through negotiation and mediation rather than traditional courtroom battles. This shift means they must be adept at these methods, focusing on resolving issues in ways that are efficient and less confrontational.
• Emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and equality: With a stronger societal push toward workplace diversity and equality, firms are seeking lawyers who are knowledgeable about these issues. Attorneys certified in diversity and inclusion management are particularly in demand, as businesses strive to align their practices with current standards for workplace equality.
• Impact of the gig economy: The rise of the gig economy has complicated traditional employment relationships, blurring the lines of typical labor laws. This has led to a greater need for attorneys who understand how these changes affect workers and employers alike.

Employment projections

The overall employment for lawyers is expected to grow by 10 percent through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While this figure encompasses all areas of law, the specific demand for labor attorneys is likely to remain strong. The evolving nature of work and continuous changes in employment law suggest a strong outlook for these pros.

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Labor attorney career tips

Expand your legal knowledge

Stay updated with the latest in local, state, and federal labor laws by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences. Participating in webinars and reading industry publications can also provide deep insights and keep you ahead in your field.

Engage in pro bono work

Pro bono work isn’t just good for the community—it’s also great for your career. It exposes you to a variety of cases, broadening your experience and improving your problem-solving skills.

Become board certified

Getting board-certified in labor and employment law shows a deep commitment to your field. This certification can lead to better job prospects, higher pay, and greater recognition. Organizations like the American Bar Association offer certifications that can boost your credentials.

Network, network, network

Networking is crucial in law. Attend industry events, join local legal groups, and connect online to increase your visibility. Being active in professional associations can open doors to new opportunities. Consider:

• American Bar Association
• National Employment Lawyers Association
• American Trial Lawyers Association
• International Bar Association
• State Bar Associations

Never stop learning

Continue learning to stay competitive. Attend programs and workshops offered by institutions like the American Bar Association and the National Employment Law Institute. Keeping up with new legislation and court rulings through continuing education and legal publications is key.

Stay organized

Managing multiple cases and clients requires excellent organizational skills. Use case management tools and keep your workspaces, both physical and digital, organized. This will help you meet deadlines and manage your workload effectively.

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FAQs