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Labor Attorney Chicago Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chicago, IL Overview: A well-established labor and employment practice is seeking an experienced Partner to join their Chicago office. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly skilled attorney ...

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Labor Attorney Chicago information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do labor attorney chicago jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor attorney chicago in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Labor Attorney Chicago vs Employment Lawyer Chicago?

AspectLabor Attorney ChicagoEmployment Lawyer Chicago
CredentialsJuris Doctor, State Bar Admission, specialized in labor lawJuris Doctor, State Bar Admission, focus on employment law
Work EnvironmentLitigation, negotiations, advising employers or employeesLegal consultations, contract review, dispute resolution
Industry UsageUsed by unions, employers, and employees in labor disputesUsed by individuals and companies for employment issues
Search & ComparisonOften compared for labor disputes and union issuesCompared for workplace rights and employment contracts

Both Labor Attorneys and Employment Lawyers in Chicago hold similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments. Labor Attorneys typically focus on union-related issues and labor disputes, while Employment Lawyers handle a broader range of workplace employment matters. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right legal support for their specific needs.

What types of cases and clients can a Labor Attorney in Chicago expect to handle regularly?

As a Labor Attorney in Chicago, you can anticipate working on a wide range of cases involving union negotiations, collective bargaining agreements, workplace disputes, and employment law compliance. Your clients may include both employers and labor unions across various industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and public sector organizations. The role typically involves frequent collaboration with HR professionals, management teams, and sometimes direct representation in administrative hearings or court. This diversity of work provides attorneys with exposure to complex legal issues and opportunities to build specialized expertise in labor relations.

How much do labor lawyers make?

Labor lawyers in Chicago typically earn an annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $150,000, depending on experience, employer, and specialization. Senior attorneys or those working in large firms may earn higher salaries, and many labor lawyers also receive benefits such as bonuses and health insurance.

What does a labor attorney in Chicago do?

A labor attorney in Chicago specializes in legal issues related to employment and labor law. They represent clients in matters such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour disputes, wrongful termination, union negotiations, and compliance with state and federal labor regulations. These attorneys can work on behalf of either employees or employers, providing legal advice, handling negotiations, and representing clients in court or before government agencies. Their expertise ensures that both workers' rights and employer responsibilities are upheld under the law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Labor Attorney in Chicago, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Labor Attorney in Chicago, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid Illinois state bar license, and in-depth knowledge of labor and employment laws. Familiarity with legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as experience with case management software, is important. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and communication skills help build trust with clients and effectively represent them in disputes. These skills ensure accurate legal advice, successful advocacy, and compliance with complex labor regulations in a dynamic legal environment.
What cities are hiring for Labor Attorney Chicago jobs? Cities with the most Labor Attorney Chicago job openings:
What states have the most Labor Attorney Chicago jobs? States with the most job openings for Labor Attorney Chicago jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Labor Attorney Chicago jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Labor Attorney Chicago jobs are:
Infographic showing various Labor Attorney Chicago job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.

Labor & Employment Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Jacksonville, FL โ€ข On-site

$260K - $310K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate Attorney to join a highly respected national law firm.

Locations: Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Jacksonville, Madison, Milwaukee, New York, Orlando, San Diego, Tampa

Practice Area: Labor & Employment Litigation & Counseling

Overview:
This is an opportunity for a 3rdโ€“4th year associate to join a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice group within a leading Am Law firm. The role offers exposure to a broad range of complex employment litigation, counseling matters, and expedited injunctive proceedings in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Position Overview:
The successful candidate will have hands-on experience across a wide spectrum of labor and employment matters, including injunction and restraining order proceedings, restrictive covenant and trade secret litigation, wage and hour class actions, union-related matters, and single-plaintiff employment disputes. The role also includes advisory and counseling work, providing a well-rounded litigation and client-service experience.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Handle temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction proceedings
  • Litigate trade secret misappropriation and noncompete matters
  • Assist with wage and hour class and collective actions
  • Support union negotiations, OSHA matters, and employment counseling work
  • Manage discovery, motion practice, and drafting of pleadings and court filings
  • Participate in trial preparation, hearings, settlement conferences, and negotiations
  • Collaborate closely with partners and clients on active matters

Qualifications:

  • 3โ€“4 years of labor & employment litigation experience
  • Experience with expedited injunctive relief, employment litigation, and discovery/motion practice required
  • Strong legal writing and research skills
  • Trial preparation and courtroom exposure preferred
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, team orientation, and strong work ethic
  • Top academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Active bar membership in good standing; admission in the relevant jurisdiction required or to be obtained promptly

Compensation:
Expected salary range: $260,000 โ€“ $310,000, commensurate with experience

This role offers the opportunity to join a high-performing and collegial Labor & Employment group with significant courtroom exposure and a broad, sophisticated national practice.