Health and Safety Lawyer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increasing regulations, the role of health and safety lawyers has never been more crucial.
As our world progresses, the need for proficient individuals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our health and safety regulations grows stronger.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a health and safety lawyer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager determining the ideal candidate,
- Or simply interested in the intricacies of health and safety law,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable health and safety lawyer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s get started.
Health and Safety Lawyer Duties and Responsibilities
Health and Safety Lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in laws and regulations related to occupational safety and health.
They are responsible for protecting workers’ rights, advising on compliance issues, and representing clients in legal proceedings involving workplace health and safety matters.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Providing legal advice to clients on issues related to occupational health and safety regulations
- Representing clients in court cases and other legal proceedings involving health and safety violations or disputes
- Reviewing and interpreting health and safety laws and guidelines, and advising clients accordingly
- Conducting legal research to stay updated on changes and developments in health and safety laws
- Preparation of legal documents, such as contracts, compliance agreements, and court pleadings
- Working with corporate clients to develop health and safety policies and procedures in compliance with law
- Assisting in the investigation of workplace accidents and injuries
- Advising clients on how to minimize legal risks related to health and safety issues
- Conducting training sessions on health and safety law for clients and their employees
Health and Safety Lawyer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Health and Safety Lawyer to join our legal team.
In this role, you will be responsible for advising clients on a broad range of health and safety matters, including regulations, standards, and compliance.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of local, state, and federal health and safety laws and a proven track record in a similar role.
They should be highly skilled in research, negotiation, and presenting cases in court.
Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice on health and safety regulations, policies, and procedures
- Represent clients in court proceedings related to health and safety violations
- Review and draft health and safety policies and procedures
- Conduct research on health and safety laws and regulations
- Advise clients on risk management and compliance issues
- Negotiate settlements in health and safety disputes
- Keep up to date with changes in health and safety laws and regulations
- Provide training and guidance on health and safety laws and regulations
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a Health and Safety Lawyer or similar role
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal health and safety laws and regulations
- Excellent research, negotiation, and presentation skills
- Ability to handle multiple cases simultaneously
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Juris Doctor degree and a valid license to practice law
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Continuing education opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Health and Safety Lawyer
- Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for court appearances and client meetings
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Attorney or Legal Department Manager
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations
- Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and a list of references to [email address or application portal]
What Does a Health and Safety Lawyer Do?
Health and Safety Lawyers specialize in laws and regulations related to health and safety, often in the workplace.
They may work for law firms, corporations, government agencies, or as self-employed individuals.
Their primary role is to advise and represent clients on legal issues pertaining to health and safety regulations.
This can include businesses seeking guidance on compliance with health and safety laws, or individuals who have been affected by a failure to comply with these laws.
Health and Safety Lawyers are responsible for interpreting and applying the law in a variety of situations.
This may involve researching relevant case law, drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements, or presenting cases in court.
In addition to their legal duties, they may also be involved in developing health and safety policies for organizations, providing training on legal responsibilities, and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with regulations.
They also work with businesses to reduce the risk of legal action by ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and promoting a safe working environment.
When representing a client who has been affected by a breach of health and safety regulations, their role is to seek compensation and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.
Health and Safety Lawyer Qualifications and Skills
A Health and Safety Lawyer should possess a wide range of legal knowledge, technical expertise, and interpersonal skills, including:
- Strong knowledge of health and safety laws and regulations, as well as a comprehensive understanding of environmental laws and industrial safety standards.
- Excellent research and analytical skills to interpret legal documents, identify legal risks and provide accurate advice on legal matters related to health and safety.
- Exceptional negotiation and advocacy skills to represent clients in court, during negotiations with other parties, and in discussions with regulatory bodies.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills to explain complex legal matters in a clear and concise manner to clients, as well as create persuasive legal documents.
- Attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple cases simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines are met and that all necessary documents are properly filed and recorded.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities to provide the best legal strategy for clients facing health and safety issues.
- Interpersonal and customer service skills to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and ensuring their satisfaction.
Health and Safety Lawyer Experience Requirements
To become a Health and Safety Lawyer, candidates typically need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
This educational journey involves a substantial amount of theoretical learning and practical applications in the field of law.
Entry-level Health and Safety Lawyers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through legal internships or part-time roles during their law school years.
These roles often involve dealing with health and safety regulations, environmental law, and corporate compliance.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a solid background in health and safety laws and regulations, and have had exposure to court cases and client consultations related to this field.
Those with more than 5 years of experience in this specialty are often considered experts in the field of health and safety laws.
They may have conducted multiple trials or hearings, have extensive experience in legal research and litigation, and may be ready to take on a more senior role or lead a team of other lawyers.
Additionally, to practice law, Health and Safety Lawyers must pass their state’s bar examination.
Having additional certifications or qualifications in health and safety regulations can also increase job prospects and credibility in this field.
Health and Safety Lawyer Education and Training Requirements
To become a Health and Safety Lawyer, a candidate typically needs a minimum of a bachelor’s degree followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
The bachelor’s degree does not need to be in a specific field, however, courses in English, public speaking, government, history, economics, and mathematics can be useful.
Law school generally requires three years of full-time study, and it includes courses such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, civil procedure, and legal writing.
Students also study health and safety regulations and laws.
All states require lawyers to pass the bar examination to practice.
The bar exam varies by state, but it generally tests knowledge in the areas of legal ethics and law.
Health and Safety Lawyers may also choose to gain certification from the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys, which requires certain levels of experience, the passing of an examination, and the recommendation of peers.
Continuous legal education is important for this role as it helps to stay updated with changes in health and safety laws and regulations.
Gaining practical experience through internships, externships, or mentorships can be particularly beneficial in this field.
Health and Safety Lawyer Salary Expectations
A Health and Safety Lawyer can expect to earn an average salary of $120,910 (USD) per year.
This figure can fluctuate based on factors such as the lawyer’s experience, educational background, geographical location, and the size of the employing organization.
Health and Safety Lawyer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Health and Safety Lawyer need?
A Health and Safety Lawyer should have a deep understanding of health and safety law regulations.
They must be able to interpret and apply these regulations to various situations.
They also need strong research and analytical skills, excellent communication and negotiation abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
What qualifications are required for a Health and Safety Lawyer?
A Health and Safety Lawyer typically requires a law degree and must have passed the bar examination in their jurisdiction.
They also need specialized knowledge in health and safety law, which can be gained through additional education, on-the-job training, or both.
Many employers also prefer candidates with several years of experience in the field.
What does a Health and Safety Lawyer’s work involve?
A Health and Safety Lawyer’s work involves advising and representing clients on matters related to health and safety law.
They may work on behalf of businesses to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, or represent individuals who have been injured due to non-compliance.
Their tasks may include preparing legal documents, conducting research, negotiating settlements, and presenting cases in court.
What qualities make a good Health and Safety Lawyer?
A good Health and Safety Lawyer is thorough, diligent, and has a keen eye for detail, as this field requires a deep understanding of complex regulations.
They should be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, and should be able to handle pressure and meet tight deadlines.
They should also have strong ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining the highest levels of professional conduct.
What should you look for in a Health and Safety Lawyer’s resume?
When reviewing a Health and Safety Lawyer’s resume, look for a law degree from a reputable institution, a valid license to practice law in your jurisdiction, and any additional qualifications in health and safety law.
Experience in the field is crucial, so look for evidence of previous work in this area.
It can also be beneficial if the candidate has represented clients in court, negotiated settlements, and demonstrated a thorough understanding of health and safety regulations.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve lifted the veil on what it truly means to be a Health and Safety Lawyer.
Intriguing, isn’t it?
It’s not just about interpreting laws.
It’s about safeguarding lives, one law at a time.
With our comprehensive health and safety lawyer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.
But why end here?
Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ally in creating laser-focused listings or honing your resume to absolute perfection.
Remember:
Every law interpreted is a life potentially saved.
Let’s create safer environments. Together.
How to Become a Health and Safety Lawyer (Complete Guide)
Free-Range Careers: The Most Flexible Jobs for Independent Souls
Employment Heatmap: The Hottest Jobs Available Today
Where Danger Meets Paycheck: The Reality of Hazardous Jobs
From Rags to Riches: How These High-Paying Jobs Can Transform Your Life!