What Does a Labor Attorney Do?
A labor attorney specializes in employment and labor law, providing legal counsel and representation on matters involving employer-employee relationships. They work to ensure compliance with labor regulations, represent clients in disputes, and provide guidance on workplace policies and practices. Their scope often includes wage and hour laws, discrimination claims, wrongful termination suits, union negotiations, and workplace safety regulations.
These legal professionals may work for law firms, corporate legal departments, labor unions, or government agencies. Whether defending management against lawsuits or helping unions navigate collective bargaining, labor attorneys are pivotal in shaping fair, legal workplace environments and resolving disputes efficiently.
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Labor Attorney Core Responsibilities
- Represent clients in employment-related litigation and administrative hearings
- Advise employers on compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws
- Draft and review employment policies, contracts, handbooks, and non-compete agreements
- Conduct workplace investigations and risk assessments
- Represent management or unions in collective bargaining negotiations
- Respond to EEOC complaints, wage claims, and regulatory audits
- Counsel on layoffs, terminations, and disciplinary actions to mitigate legal risk
- Negotiate settlements and alternative dispute resolutions
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Expert knowledge of employment and labor laws (FMLA, ADA, NLRA, FLSA, Title VII, etc.)
- Legal research, writing, and litigation skills
- Drafting and negotiating employment-related agreements
- Knowledge of administrative procedures and hearings (e.g., NLRB, EEOC, DOL)
- Arbitration, mediation, and settlement negotiation experience
Soft skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Discretion and professional judgment
- Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
- Ability to collaborate across departments (HR, executive, legal)
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Bachelor’s degree in pre-law, political science, or a related field
Certifications
- Admission to the state bar where practicing (required)
- SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP may be helpful for attorneys working closely with HR teams
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of labor and employment law experience
- Experience handling both litigation and counseling work
- Familiarity with union environments or collective bargaining
- Knowledge of international labor law (for multinational employers)
- Experience advising HR teams or working in-house
National Average Salary
Labor attorney salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Labor Attorney is:
$110,402
Sample Job Description Templates for Labor Attorneys
Associate Labor Attorney
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated Associate Labor Attorney to support our growing labor and employment practice. This entry- to mid-level role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional looking to develop litigation experience and provide advisory services in labor law. The successful candidate will work closely with senior attorneys to support client matters related to employment disputes, labor negotiations, and compliance with workplace laws.
Responsibilities
- Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on employment law topics
- Assist with litigation preparation, including discovery, pleadings, and case management
- Support attorneys in collective bargaining, arbitrations, and administrative hearings
- Draft employment agreements, separation agreements, and policy documents
- Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on client policies
- Participate in client meetings and provide input under supervision
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong understanding of employment law, including FLSA, ADA, FMLA, and Title VII
- Legal research and drafting skills
- Experience or coursework in litigation or administrative law
- Proficiency with legal research platforms (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw)
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented and highly organized
- Clear and concise communicator
- Strong desire to learn and grow within labor law
- Ability to work collaboratively and take feedback constructively
Education
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Admission to the state bar (required)
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in labor and employment law
- Prior internship or clerkship with labor/employment focus
- Familiarity with unionized environments
Senior Labor Counsel
Position Overview
We are looking for an experienced Senior Labor Counsel to lead high-stakes employment litigation, provide strategic advice to clients, and mentor junior attorneys. This role requires deep legal expertise and the ability to manage complex matters independently, from advising executives to representing clients before administrative bodies.
Responsibilities
- Represent clients in employment litigation, arbitration, and regulatory investigations
- Lead internal workplace investigations and policy reviews
- Advise on terminations, workforce reductions, and other risk-sensitive actions
- Draft high-level contracts and employee handbooks
- Serve as point of contact for external regulators (EEOC, NLRB, DOL)
- Train HR and management teams on legal compliance
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level knowledge of federal and state labor laws
- Litigation, arbitration, and mediation experience
- Strong legal drafting and policy development skills
- Ability to manage multiple high-profile cases simultaneously
Soft skills
- Strategic thinker with sound legal judgment
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills
- Excellent communication with executive stakeholders
- High degree of professionalism and discretion
Education
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Admission to the state bar (required)
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in labor and employment law
- Prior experience supervising legal staff or litigation teams
- Experience working in both private practice and in-house settings
In-House Labor Attorney
Position Overview
We are hiring an In-House Labor Attorney to join our corporate legal team. This role supports internal HR, compliance, and leadership functions by providing guidance on labor law matters and helping prevent legal disputes. It requires a practical legal mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to operate as a strategic business advisor.
Responsibilities
- Counsel business leaders and HR on employment law and best practices
- Draft and maintain employment-related documents and policies
- Assist with internal investigations and employee relations issues
- Monitor changes in labor laws and translate them into corporate policy
- Coordinate with outside counsel on litigation and dispute resolution
- Provide legal support on hiring, performance management, and separations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong understanding of labor and employment regulations (Title VII, FMLA, FLSA, etc.)
- Contract drafting and policy development experience
- Experience handling regulatory compliance and risk assessment
- Familiarity with HR operations and processes
Soft skills
- Collaborative, business-oriented mindset
- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Ability to provide practical, solution-oriented advice
- Proactive and resourceful problem-solver
Education
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Admission to the state bar (required)
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience practicing labor and employment law
- Experience working in an in-house legal or compliance role
- Knowledge of international labor laws (for global organizations)
Labor and Employment Law Partner
Position Overview
Our firm is seeking a Labor and Employment Law Partner to lead and grow our employment law practice. This role combines high-level client engagement, strategic litigation management, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will bring a portable book of business, proven trial experience, and a history of delivering exceptional results in employment matters.
Responsibilities
- Lead employment litigation and manage high-value client relationships
- Oversee a team of associates and provide strategic mentorship
- Drive business development and cross-practice collaboration
- Guide clients through complex labor issues, including union negotiations
- Develop and maintain firm-wide labor compliance strategies and templates
- Represent the firm in speaking engagements, publications, and panels
Requirements
Hard skills
- Trial experience in employment litigation, arbitration, and administrative proceedings
- Deep knowledge of labor and employment law, including class action defense
- Contract negotiation, collective bargaining, and policy oversight experience
- Financial acumen to manage budgets and firm resources
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and team-building ability
- Client-focused with excellent relationship management skills
- Visionary mindset with a drive for business growth
- High ethical standards and professional integrity
Education
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Admission to the state bar (required)
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in labor and employment law
- Established book of business
- Participation in legal associations or labor law panels
General Counsel – Labor & Employment Focus
Position Overview
We are seeking a General Counsel with a specialization in labor and employment law to serve as the senior-most legal advisor to our organization. This executive-level role involves leading the legal function, managing risk, and aligning legal strategies with business goals. Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of the legal complexities of labor relations, especially in regulated or unionized environments.
Responsibilities
- Advise executive leadership on all labor and employment legal matters
- Lead internal legal team and oversee external counsel partnerships
- Manage enterprise-level risk and ensure compliance with employment regulations
- Lead investigations and corporate ethics initiatives
- Draft and enforce company-wide HR policies and employment agreements
- Represent the organization in regulatory matters and high-level negotiations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of labor, employment, corporate governance, and compliance law
- Executive-level legal advisory and contract negotiation experience
- Experience working with board members and regulatory bodies
- Ability to manage a legal department, budgets, and outside counsel
Soft skills
- High-level business acumen and strategic thinking
- Exceptional leadership and cross-functional collaboration
- Strong communicator with boardroom presence
- Discretion, judgment, and executive decision-making skills
Education
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Admission to the state bar (required)
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of senior-level legal experience, with focus on labor and employment
- Experience in a publicly traded or highly regulated company
- Background in unionized or multi-jurisdictional operations