What Does a Labor Attorney Do?
A labor attorney assists clients with legal issues stemming from the relationship between employers and employees. They interpret and advise clients on wage and hour laws, workplace safety, laws regarding rest and breaks, disability and leave requirements, workplace harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination.
Labor attorneys can work for private firms, government agencies, labor unions, or on staff for companies, and can represent either employers or workers or both. Some labor attorneys litigate labor and employment cases in court, while others draft, consult on, and review company policies and employee handbooks. Labor attorneys may also argue cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
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National Average Salary
Labor attorney salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.
The average U.S. salary for a Labor Attorney is:
$128,300
Labor Attorney Job Descriptions
The first step when hiring a great labor attorney is a well-crafted job description. Below are real-world examples to help give you the best chance of success on your recruiting journey.
Example 1
Labor attorneys represent clients who have legal issues with their employer or employees. They handle cases involving workplace safety, disability, employee leave, workplace harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and more. Labor attorneys should have expertise in written and verbal communication, strong knowledge of state and federal laws, and excellent research and negotiation skills. [Your Company Name] is hiring an experienced labor attorney to expand our business. If you have experience representing employers or workers in labor disputes, you might be right for this role as a labor attorney.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Advise and counsel clients on legal issues stemming from the relationship between employers and employees
- Litigate cases in court
- Litigate cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Draft and review employment agreements, contracts, company policies, and employee handbooks
Education and experience
This position requires a Juris Doctorate as well as a license to practice law in the state where the candidate will work.
Coursework in history, government, labor law, legal writing, contracts, and related subjects is preferred.
Required skills and qualifications
- Expertise in written and verbal communication
- Knowledge of state and federal laws
- Research skills
- Analytical thinking
- Negotiation skills
- Litigation experience
Preferred qualifications
- Candidates should possess 3-5 years of employment litigation experience
- Excellent analytical and writing skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to multitask
- Passion for client service and practice development
Example 2
General purpose:
Perform the general duties of an experienced labor and employment attorney by handling employment litigation and other labor/employment matters and advising clients on legal issues involving employees.
Major responsibilities:
- Handle employment litigation independently or largely independently
- Prepare legal briefs and other pleadings
- Handle various aspects of employment related litigation, such as motion hearings, mediations, and depositions
- Determine litigation strategy
- Respond to EEOC and MDCR charges
- Prepare trial material and handle or assist at pretrial, trial, and post trial proceedings
Skills, abilities, and experience:
- 10 years or more with experience in employment related litigation and client counseling
- Ability to independently or largely independently handle litigation and other client matters
- Some level of portable business
- Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
- Experience in traditional labor matters is a plus
Education and licensing:
- Must be a graduate of an accredited law school
- Admitted to the (State) State Bar, or eligible to promptly become admitted
Example 3
ABC Company is seeking experienced management-side traditional labor attorneys who are interested in working on engagement with a top global law firm or corporate legal department. Applicants must have 5+ years of experience practicing labor law. Prior experience working in the labor and employment practice group of an Am Law 200 firm, a sophisticated labor and employment boutique firm, and/or a corporate legal department is required.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience as a labor attorney
- Experience working in the labor and employment practice group of an Am Law 200 firm, a sophisticated labor and employment boutique firm, and/or a corporate legal department
- Safety and/or OSHA experience is a plus
- Excellent communication (oral and written) skills
- Licensed and in good standing in state of residence
- Outstanding references
Position details
- Type of role: Engagement
- Schedule: Flexible (full-time, part-time or anywhere in-between)
- Location: Remote
- Compensation: Highly competitive
Example 4
We are seeking a Labor & Employment Law Attorney to support a law firm in (City, State). This attorney will be joining the class action practice group focused on wage theft claims, misclassification of workers, and systemic discrimination practices. The ideal candidate will be passionate about protecting workers’ rights and providing relief to clients and class members.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct legal research and keep up to date with new employment legislation
- Draft and prepare claims, contracts, or other documentation
- Provide legal advice to clients and represent them in court
Qualifications:
- Active bar license and in good standing
- 1-2 years of experience as an attorney
- Employment law experience is highly preferred
Candidate Certifications to Look For
- Labor & Employment Law Certification. Lawyers who practice labor and employment law who have demonstrated special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in the field can sit for certification in labor and employment law. The minimum requirements for certification vary according to state but generally include at least 5 years of experience practicing law, most of which is in labor and employment law. Candidates must also prove a certain amount of continuing education in the specialty of labor and employment law. After passing a peer review and a written examination, the certification is awarded.
- Masters of Laws (LLM) in Labor Law. Various law schools offer an LLM in Labor Law that prepares lawyers to specialize in representing employers, employees, and labor unions in the area of labor law. This program proves your legal expertise in working in either the private, non-profit, and public sectors.
Sample Interview Questions
- Can you tell me about your experience with labor laws and regulations such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)?
- Is there a difficult legal issue related to labor law that you have dealt with and how did you resolve it?
- What steps do you take to stay on top of state and federal labor laws and regulations?
- Can you tell me about your experience representing employers and/or employees in labor disputes and negotiations?
- In order to build a strong case, how do you approach legal research and analysis?
- How do you communicate clear and concise legal advice and recommendations to clients?
- What experience do you have reviewing and drafting employment contracts?
- Are you familiar with investigating workplace disputes such as harassment or discrimination?
- When you negotiate with opposition counsel, how do you ensure your clients’ interests are protected?
- What are your strategies for balancing the interests of your clients with your legal and ethical responsibilities?