Labor and Employment Law Attorney Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of labor and employment law, the role of a labor and employment attorney has never been more crucial.

As workplaces evolve, the demand for skilled legal professionals capable of interpreting, applying, and defending labor and employment laws grows stronger.

But let’s examine this role more closely: What’s truly expected from a labor and employment law attorney?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this profession,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of labor and employment law,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable labor and employment law attorney job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Labor and Employment Law Attorney Duties and Responsibilities

Labor and Employment Law Attorneys specialize in helping employers and employees resolve legal disputes related to the workplace, including issues of discrimination, harassment, wages and benefits, and employee rights.

They provide legal counsel and representation in court, and may also provide training to employers on legal compliance.

Here are their primary duties and responsibilities:

• Provide advice and consultation on a variety of labor and employment law issues
• Represent clients in court and before government agencies
• Prepare and draft legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, and legal memorandums
• Conduct legal research and analysis on labor and employment law issues
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance
• Conduct negotiations on behalf of clients for settlements and agreements
• Handle labor disputes, including labor strikes and collective bargaining agreement issues
• Provide training to clients on labor laws and preventive labor relations
• Communicate with clients to understand their legal needs and represent their interests effectively
• Stay current with changes in labor and employment law

 

Labor and Employment Law Attorney Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Labor and Employment Law Attorney with a strong background in labor laws and employment regulations.

The duties will include advising on legal rights, obligations, and privileges of employers and employees, drafting and reviewing employment policies, and representing clients in labor disputes.

A successful candidate should be able to understand and simplify complex legal regulations, have excellent negotiation skills and a deep understanding of labor and employment laws.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and legal representation to clients on labor and employment law matters.
• Draft and review employment contracts, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on labor and employment law issues.
• Represent clients before courts, arbitration panels, and regulatory agencies.
• Keep updated with changes in labor and employment laws and regulations.
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsels, and court personnel in a professional manner.
• Manage legal documentation and correspondence in strict confidence.
• Develop and implement effective litigation strategies.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Labor and Employment Law Attorney.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to the state bar.
• Excellent knowledge of labor and employment laws and regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Labor and Employment Law Attorney
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for court appearances or client meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Partner or Managing Attorney.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 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 outlining your qualifications and experience, and a writing sample to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Labor and Employment Law Attorney Do?

Labor and Employment Law Attorneys represent employees, employers, or labor unions in matters related to workplace rights, responsibilities, and obligations.

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

They are experts in laws and regulations that govern the employer-employee relationships, including but not limited to, discrimination, sexual harassment, wage and hour disputes, disability accommodation, employee benefits, and wrongful termination.

Labor and Employment Law Attorneys also engage in preventive work, advising clients on the creation of policies and practices that conform to federal, state, and local laws.

They often conduct training sessions for employers and employees to prevent future legal issues.

When disputes arise, these attorneys try to resolve them through negotiation or mediation.

However, if these methods fail, they will represent their clients in court proceedings, arbitration, or before agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

They also review and draft employment contracts and agreements, ensuring that they are fair and comply with all applicable labor and employment laws.

Furthermore, they are involved in collective bargaining processes and labor union disputes.

 

Labor and Employment Law Attorney Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Labor and Employment Law Attorney should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and license to practice law in the respective state.
• Strong knowledge of labor and employment laws at the federal, state, and local levels to provide accurate advice and counsel.
• Excellent analytical skills to interpret laws, rulings, and regulations in legal matters, and apply them to support the client’s case.
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively interact with clients, opposing counsel, court officials, and other stakeholders, both orally and in writing.
• Outstanding negotiation skills to resolve disputes and reach favorable settlements for clients.
• Profound litigation skills to represent clients in court proceedings, administrative hearings, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Ability to conduct thorough and effective legal research using various resources.
• Strong organizational and time management skills for managing multiple cases simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
• High level of professionalism and adherence to ethical standards of the legal profession.

 

Labor and Employment Law Attorney Experience Requirements

To qualify as a Labor and Employment Law Attorney, candidates typically need a significant amount of both theoretical and practical experience.

This starts with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

While still in law school, aspiring Labor and Employment Law Attorneys can gain experience through internships or part-time positions in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments.

These experiences often involve research, drafting briefs, or assisting in trial preparation, thereby providing a practical understanding of labor and employment law.

After obtaining their JD, candidates must pass the bar exam in the state where they wish to practice.

Some states also require attorneys to pass an ethics exam.

Attorneys with 1 to 3 years of experience may serve as associates in law firms, where they support more senior attorneys and gain experience in a wide range of labor and employment law matters.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often develop specializations in specific areas such as labor relations, employee benefits, or workplace safety.

They may handle more complex cases and may play lead roles in litigation or negotiation processes.

Attorneys with more than 5 years of experience are often considered experts in their field and may take on high-profile cases, manage junior attorneys, or even become partners in their law firms.

They may also choose to serve as in-house counsel for corporations, advising on labor and employment law issues and strategies.

 

Labor and Employment Law Attorney Education and Training Requirements

Labor and Employment Law Attorneys must first earn a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

The specific field of study for the bachelor’s degree can vary, however, often students will choose related fields such as political science, criminal justice, or pre-law.

After the completion of the bachelor’s degree, candidates must pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) to gain admission into law school.

They must then complete a three-year Juris Doctor (JD) program from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

Within the JD program, students typically study constitutional law, contracts, property law, civil procedure, and legal writing.

In their second and third years, they can choose specialized courses in labor and employment law, including employment discrimination, labor relations, and workplace safety.

After graduation, they must pass a bar examination to become licensed to practice law in their respective state.

Although not mandatory, many Labor and Employment Law Attorneys further their knowledge by earning a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in labor law or a related field.

Also, relevant work experience can be beneficial, which can be gained through internships at law firms or in corporate legal departments.

Continuing legal education (CLE) courses are also recommended to stay updated with the latest laws and regulations.

In addition, board certification in labor and employment law can be pursued through organizations such as The National Board of Trial Advocacy, which demonstrates the attorney’s proficiency and expertise in this specific field of law.

 

Labor and Employment Law Attorney Salary Expectations

A Labor and Employment Law Attorney can expect to earn an average salary of $120,910 (USD) per year.

However, this can significantly vary based on years of experience, the complexity of cases handled, the stature of the employing firm, and geographical location.

 

Labor and Employment Law Attorney Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Labor and Employment Law Attorney need?

Labor and Employment Law Attorneys should possess excellent legal research and analytical skills to interpret laws, rulings, and regulations in employment cases.

Strong communication skills are needed to present facts, argue cases, and advise clients effectively.

They should also have good negotiation skills, as they are often involved in resolving disputes between employers and employees.

 

Do Labor and Employment Law Attorneys need a degree?

Yes, Labor and Employment Law Attorneys need a degree.

They must have a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

After that, they must pass the bar exam to become licensed to practice law.

 

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

Look for evidence of a strong educational background, including a Juris Doctor degree and a license to practice law in your state.

Previous experience in labor and employment law, including specific cases and their outcomes, is also crucial.

Other key factors to consider include membership in professional organizations, relevant internships, and any additional certifications or specializations.

 

What qualities make a good Labor and Employment Law Attorney?

A good Labor and Employment Law Attorney is detail-oriented, as they must meticulously review and analyze substantial amounts of legal documents.

They should also be empathetic and compassionate to understand and advocate for their clients’ perspectives.

They need to be proactive, able to anticipate potential legal issues and take appropriate action.

Finally, they should have a high level of integrity and maintain confidentiality at all times.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Labor and Employment Law Attorney?

Finding a Labor and Employment Law Attorney with the right experience, skills, and knowledge can be challenging.

The hiring process can be lengthy due to the need for rigorous background checks and the assessment of legal knowledge and skills.

Offering competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment can attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the reality of being a Labor and Employment Law Attorney.

Surprised?

It’s not just about arguing in court.

It’s about shaping the workplace of the future, one case at a time.

Armed with our precise Labor and Employment Law Attorney job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to meticulously-crafted job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Each case you handle contributes to the larger narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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