Labor and Employment Attorney Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern workforce, the focus on Labor and Employment Attorneys has never been more significant.

As workplace regulations evolve and labor disputes become more complex, the demand for skilled legal minds who can navigate, enhance, and protect our employment laws grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Labor and Employment Attorney?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of labor and employment law,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Labor and Employment Attorney job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Labor and Employment Attorney Duties and Responsibilities

Labor and Employment Attorneys specialize in labor laws related to the employer and employee relationships.

They ensure that businesses meet federal and state labor laws, and represent workers who are victims of labor law violations.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Advise and represent clients in court, before government agencies, and in private legal matters
• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case
• Conduct research and analysis of legal problems
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses
• Present facts in writing and verbally to their clients or others, and argue on behalf of their clients
• Prepare and file legal documents, such as lawsuits, appeals, wills, contracts, and deeds
• Assist businesses in labor law compliance and dispute resolution
• Represent employees in labor law violation cases
• Conduct or participate in collective bargaining
• Provide advice on employment rights and obligations
• Investigate complaints and evidence to determine grounds for legal action
• Develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases

 

Labor and Employment Attorney Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Labor and Employment Attorney to join our legal team.

In this position, you will defend employee rights and help our organization navigate labor and employment laws.

Your role will include drafting policies, handling employment disputes, and providing legal advice on matters like workplace safety, wage issues, and discrimination cases.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to ethical practice.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and legal counsel on labor and employment related matters.
• Represent the organization in litigation including matters related to employment discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage and hour disputes.
• Draft and review labor and employment policies and procedures.
• Conduct and coordinate internal investigations of complaints.
• Provide training and guidance to human resources and management on labor and employment issues.
• Interpret and advise on the impact of new and existing employment laws.
• Prepare legal documents and pleadings, such as discovery responses, affidavits, position statements and trial briefs.

 

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the state bar.
• Proven work experience as a Labor and Employment Attorney.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Strong analytical, research and negotiation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Labor and Employment Attorney
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for court appearances and client meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Legal or General Counsel.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $200,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Labor and Employment Attorney Do?

Labor and Employment Attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in labor laws and employment-related issues.

They can work for law firms, corporations, government agencies, or operate as independent practitioners.

They provide legal advice to employers about laws related to the workplace, including wage and hour laws, workplace safety regulations, family and medical leave rights, and anti-discrimination laws.

Their job also involves representing employers in litigation involving claims of wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination, and wage and hour violations.

They may be required to argue cases in court, negotiate settlements, or represent clients in mediation or arbitration proceedings.

In some cases, Labor and Employment Attorneys may also help employers design and implement policies and procedures that comply with federal, state, and local employment laws.

They might also be tasked with crafting employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and employee handbooks.

On the other hand, some Labor and Employment Attorneys represent employees, providing counsel and representation to individuals who believe their rights have been violated in the workplace.

They may assist these clients in filing lawsuits or claims against their employers and strive to protect workers’ rights.

 

Labor and Employment Attorney Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Labor and Employment Attorney should possess the skills and qualifications to effectively represent, advise and defend their clients, such as:

• Thorough understanding and knowledge of labor and employment laws to provide accurate advice and representation to clients.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex legal documents, regulations, and court decisions related to labor and employment law.
• Excellent negotiation skills to represent clients in negotiations with opposing parties, and to effectively advocate for client interests in dispute resolution scenarios.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for drafting legal documents, presenting arguments in court, and effectively communicating with clients and other legal professionals.
• Strong research skills to gather, analyze, and utilize relevant information to build strong cases and keep up-to-date with changes in labor and employment laws.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain relationships with clients and to work collaboratively with other legal professionals.
• Ethical judgment and integrity to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and act in the best interest of clients.
• Problem-solving skills to identify legal issues in cases and develop effective strategies to address them.

 

Labor and Employment Attorney Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of a Labor and Employment Attorney are typically required to have completed their Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Candidates may also need to have participated in moot court competitions or law review during their tenure at law school.

Work experience in the form of internships or part-time roles at a law firm, preferably in the labor and employment law department, would strengthen a candidate’s standing.

Experience with research and drafting legal documents is a necessary part of the skillset for this role.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are expected to have developed their skills in the practical application of labor and employment laws, and are often required to have experience representing clients before administrative agencies or in court.

These individuals typically have a deeper understanding of labor and employment law, including collective bargaining, wage and hour laws, and employment discrimination.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a thorough understanding of federal and state labor laws and should have significant courtroom experience.

They often have held leadership roles in a legal setting and are typically responsible for developing legal strategies, overseeing junior attorneys, and maintaining relationships with clients.

For all levels of experience, passing the bar examination in the state where they intend to practice is necessary to become a practicing attorney.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses are also beneficial for staying updated with changes in labor and employment laws.

 

Labor and Employment Attorney Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Labor and Employment Attorney requires a significant amount of formal education.

The first step to becoming a Labor and Employment Attorney is completing a bachelor’s degree.

While there is no specific major required, students may benefit from studying subjects such as English, history, government, public speaking, or any field that develops strong research and writing skills.

Following the completion of a bachelor’s degree, prospective Labor and Employment Attorneys must attend law school, where they should aim to focus their studies on labor and employment law topics.

A law degree typically takes three years to complete and culminates in obtaining a Juris Doctor (J.D.).

Once they have graduated from law school, they must pass the bar exam in the state in which they plan to practice.

This rigorous test, which is administered by the state’s bar association, is required to legally practice law within that jurisdiction.

Additionally, some Labor and Employment Attorneys may choose to pursue a master of laws (LL.M.) degree in labor and employment law or a related field.

This advanced degree can help professionals deepen their knowledge and improve their job prospects.

To continue developing their expertise, many attorneys participate in continuing education and professional development programs throughout their careers.

These programs often cover recent developments in labor and employment law.

Lastly, certification as a specialist in labor and employment law may be beneficial.

Various independent professional associations offer certification programs, and attorneys who meet certain experience and knowledge criteria can earn this distinction.

 

Labor and Employment Attorney Salary Expectations

A Labor and Employment Attorney earns an average salary of $94,446 (USD) per year.

However, the earnings can greatly vary depending on factors such as years of experience, specialization, geographical location, and the size and prestige of the employing firm.

 

Labor and Employment Attorney Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are required to become a Labor and Employment Attorney?

A Labor and Employment Attorney must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Prior to obtaining the JD, a bachelor’s degree in any field is required.

After law school, an attorney must also pass the bar exam in the state where they plan to practice.

 

What are the daily duties of a Labor and Employment Attorney?

The daily duties of a Labor and Employment Attorney include researching legal precedents, advising clients about their legal rights, representing clients in court or before government agencies, drafting legal documents, and negotiating settlements.

They may also conduct workplace investigations, provide compliance training, and advise companies on employment policies and practices.

 

What skills are necessary for a Labor and Employment Attorney?

Labor and Employment Attorneys should have excellent oral and written communication skills, as they need to argue cases in court and draft complex legal documents.

They should also have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to interpret laws and legal rulings.

They should be detail-oriented, organized, and have the ability to handle multiple tasks at once.

 

What should you look for in a Labor and Employment Attorney resume?

In a Labor and Employment Attorney’s resume, look for a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, bar admission in your state, and experience in labor and employment law.

Also, consider any special certifications related to labor law, experiences in handling specific types of employment cases, and any continuing education in employment law.

 

What qualities make a good Labor and Employment Attorney?

A good Labor and Employment Attorney is persistent, able to handle pressure, and has a high degree of professional ethics.

They should be able to act as both an advocate for their clients and an advisor, providing practical legal advice.

Also, they should be able to stay updated with the latest changes in labor and employment laws and regulations.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

We’ve just given you an inside look into the world of a labor and employment attorney.

And guess what?

It’s not just about arguing cases in court.

It’s about protecting the rights of employees and employers, one case at a time.

With our thorough labor and employment attorney job description template and real-world examples, you’re now ready to take the next step.

But why halt your journey here?

Go even further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating razor-sharp job listings or fine-tuning your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Every case you handle is a part of the bigger narrative of workplace fairness.

Let’s champion labor rights. Together.

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