Labor Union Attorney Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where workers’ rights are in the limelight, the role of a labor union attorney has never been more crucial.

As labor relations evolve, the demand for proficient minds who can advocate, negotiate, and defend workers’ rights heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a labor union attorney?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of labor law,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable labor union attorney job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Labor Union Attorney Duties and Responsibilities

Labor Union Attorneys represent labor unions, individual workers, and groups of employees in legal matters.

They have specialized knowledge in labor law and are often involved in collective bargaining negotiations, contract disputes, and legal advocacy.

They perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Represent labor unions in court hearings and legal proceedings
• Advise labor union leaders on legal matters and potential legal risks
• Assist in drafting and negotiating collective bargaining agreements
• Handle grievances filed by union members and advocate for their rights
• Investigate allegations of unfair labor practices or violations of labor laws
• Research, interpret, and apply labor laws and regulations
• Provide legal counsel during labor disputes, strikes, or lockouts
• Educate union members about their legal rights and obligations
• Prepare and review legal documents, such as contracts, settlement agreements, and legal briefs
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations

 

Labor Union Attorney Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Labor Union Attorney to provide legal representation and advice to our labor union.

The responsibilities include handling grievances, advising on contract negotiations, representing the union in arbitration hearings, and ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of labor laws and a passion for workers’ rights.

Ultimately, the role of the Labor Union Attorney is to protect the rights and interests of union members and to ensure the union operates legally and ethically.

 

Responsibilities

• Providing legal counsel and representation to the union and its members
• Advising on labor contract negotiations
• Representing the union in arbitration hearings and other legal proceedings
• Ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations
• Researching and analyzing legal issues affecting the union
• Preparing legal documents and briefs
• Developing and presenting legal training for union leaders and members
• Working closely with union leaders to develop legal strategies

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Labor Union Attorney or similar role
• Strong understanding of labor laws and regulations
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• J.D. degree from an accredited law school
• Membership in the state bar
• Strong research and analytical skills

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Labor Union Attorney
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent travel for negotiations and hearings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Union President or designated representative.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Labor Union Attorney Do?

Labor Union Attorneys primarily work with labor unions and labor union members.

They may work directly for a union or they may be part of a law firm that specializes in labor law.

They are responsible for representing the union or its members in legal disputes, which can range from contract negotiations to unfair labor practices cases.

They help to interpret and apply labor laws, and they may also advise union leaders on legal matters related to the operation of the union.

In addition to litigation, Labor Union Attorneys often handle arbitration proceedings and collective bargaining negotiations.

They work closely with union officials to draft union contracts and help to negotiate terms and conditions of employment.

Labor Union Attorneys may also conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, and provide legal advice to union members on a wide range of issues, including employment contracts, wage disputes, discrimination cases, and workplace safety issues.

They are responsible for ensuring that the rights and interests of union members are protected, and they play a crucial role in upholding the principles of fairness and justice in the workplace.

 

Labor Union Attorney Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Labor Union Attorney should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong understanding of labor laws, collective bargaining processes, and employment contracts to provide accurate and reliable legal advice.
• Excellent negotiation skills to represent the interests of the union in discussions with employers or other parties.
• Effective communication skills to interact with union members, understand their concerns, and explain complex legal issues in a clear and understandable manner.
• Problem-solving skills to identify legal challenges and develop appropriate strategies to address them.
• Research skills to keep up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations related to labor unions and employment.
• Interpersonal skills to build trust and maintain a strong relationship with the union and its members.
• Advocacy skills to represent the union in court proceedings or in front of arbitration panels.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking abilities to manage multiple cases or issues simultaneously.

 

Labor Union Attorney Experience Requirements

To become a Labor Union Attorney, individuals must first complete an accredited law school program, where they gain a comprehensive understanding of the law, with an emphasis on labor and employment laws, collective bargaining, and workers’ rights.

Following law school, they must pass the bar exam in their respective state, which allows them to practice law.

This foundational experience establishes the basic requirements for this job role.

Entry-level Labor Union Attorneys may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or clerkships in labor law firms or unions.

They typically start their careers working under the supervision of experienced attorneys, where they assist in preparing cases, negotiations, and legal research.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are generally considered mid-level attorneys.

They may have developed their skills in a specialized area such as labor disputes, collective bargaining, or arbitration.

They are often responsible for handling cases independently and providing legal advice to unions or workers directly.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered senior-level attorneys.

They may have significant experience in handling complex labor cases, leading negotiations, and representing clients in court.

They also usually have some leadership experience, having supervised junior attorneys or paralegals.

Some labor union attorneys may also have experience working for the National Labor Relations Board or similar organizations, which can significantly enhance their understanding of labor relations and the rights of unionized workers.

 

Labor Union Attorney Education and Training Requirements

Labor Union Attorneys generally must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

The process of becoming a Labor Union Attorney begins with a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Political Science, Labor Relations, or Sociology.

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

The law school curriculum for those interested in Labor Union Law should ideally include courses in labor law, employment law, contract law, and dispute resolution.

Upon completion of law school, prospective attorneys must pass the bar exam to receive a license to practice law in their respective state.

Some states also require attorneys to pass an ethics exam.

Many Labor Union Attorneys gain practical experience and deepen their knowledge by participating in internships, clerkships, or pro bono projects related to labor law while in law school.

Continuing legal education (CLE) courses are also important to keep abreast of new laws and regulations.

Attorneys may also choose to pursue board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy or another professional organization to demonstrate expertise in their field.

While not always required, a master’s degree in Labor Relations, or a related field, may provide an additional advantage for those looking to specialize in labor union representation.

To be successful, Labor Union Attorneys need strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of labor and employment law, and an ability to handle high-stress situations effectively.

 

Labor Union Attorney Salary Expectations

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

However, this salary can vary significantly based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of cases handled, the size of the union represented, and the geographical location.

 

Labor Union Attorney Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Labor Union Attorney need?

A Labor Union Attorney should have strong negotiation and communication skills as they have to represent workers in disputes.

They need to have a thorough understanding of labor law and collective bargaining agreements.

They should also possess excellent research and analytical skills to interpret laws and rulings, and make effective strategies for their cases.

 

Do Labor Union Attorneys need a degree?

Yes, Labor Union Attorneys need a degree.

Specifically, they must have a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Before attending law school, they need to have a bachelor’s degree.

Apart from this, they need to pass the bar exam in the state where they wish to practice.

 

What should you look for in a Labor Union Attorney resume?

In a Labor Union Attorney resume, you should first look for their education and licensure information.

They should have a JD degree and be a member of their state’s bar.

Prior experience in labor law, particularly with union-related cases, is highly valuable.

Also, look for skills such as negotiation, research, analytical abilities, and strong communication.

 

What qualities make a good Labor Union Attorney?

A good Labor Union Attorney is a strong advocate for workers’ rights and is passionate about social justice.

They have to be persistent, as these cases often involve long, complicated negotiations.

They should have strong ethics and a sense of fairness.

Also, they must have excellent communication skills to effectively convey the needs and rights of the workers they represent.

 

Is it difficult to hire Labor Union Attorneys?

Hiring Labor Union Attorneys can be challenging due to the specific skillset and experience required.

Candidates should not only be well-versed in labor law but also have experience dealing with unions and collective bargaining agreements.

They should also have a strong commitment to defending workers’ rights, which can make finding the right candidate a difficult task.

 

Conclusion

And so, we’ve drawn back the veil on what it truly entails to be a Labor Union Attorney.

Surprise, surprise!

It isn’t solely about arguing cases.

It’s about shaping the future of labor rights, one legal dispute at a time.

Armed with our handy Labor Union Attorney job description template and practical examples, you’re equipped to make your next career move.

But why not go a step further?

Immerse yourself with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to excellence.

Bear in mind:

Every legal argument is a piece of a much larger narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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