1

Labor Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SourcePro Search has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Labor Attorney to join the Newark office of a prestigious large law firm. The successful candidate will have: * 4-7 years of experience ...

Labor Attorney

New York, NY ยท On-site

$127K - $166K/yr

Labor Attorneys at the Port Authority advise on a wide range of labor and employment law matters and play an active role in supporting and participating in labor negotiations. In addition to ...

Labor Attorney

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$205K - $300K/yr

Position Summary Our Portland, OR office has an opportunity for an experienced attorney to join the Firm's expanding practice in the exciting area of traditional labor law. The ideal candidate will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Labor Lawyer information

See salary details

$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do labor lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Labor Lawyer vs Employment Lawyer?

AspectLabor LawyerEmployment Lawyer
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, unions, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate HR departments, government agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on labor disputes, union negotiations, workplace rightsHandles employment contracts, discrimination, workplace policies
Common Search IntentLabor law issues, union rights, workplace disputesEmployment contracts, workplace discrimination, employee rights

Labor Lawyers primarily focus on issues related to labor unions, collective bargaining, and workplace disputes involving employee rights and union activities. Employment Lawyers handle individual employment matters such as contracts, discrimination claims, and workplace policies. While both roles require similar legal credentials and often work in related environments, their focus areas differ, making them distinct specialties within employment law.

How do you become a labor lawyer?

To become a labor lawyer, you need to earn a bachelor's degree, complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, and pass the state bar exam. Specializing in labor law often involves gaining experience through internships or clerkships in employment or labor law firms and obtaining relevant certifications or memberships in professional organizations.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Labor lawyers, like other legal professionals, typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, location, and employer. While some top earners in large firms or specialized fields can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, most labor lawyers earn between $60,000 and $150,000 per year. High earnings are usually associated with senior positions, private practice, or extensive expertise.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

Labor lawyers can earn $500,000 or more annually by gaining extensive experience, specializing in high-demand areas such as employment litigation or arbitration, and working for large firms or corporate clients. Building a strong reputation, developing negotiation skills, and obtaining relevant certifications can also increase earning potential.

What does a labor law attorney do?

A labor law attorney advises and represents clients on employment-related legal issues, including workplace rights, discrimination, wage disputes, and collective bargaining. They interpret labor laws, draft contracts, and may represent clients in negotiations or court proceedings to ensure compliance and protect employee or employer rights.

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

To thrive as a Labor Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of labor and employment laws. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis and experience drafting legal documents are essential. Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and interpersonal skills set top labor lawyers apart in managing disputes and advising clients. These competencies are crucial for effectively representing clients, ensuring compliance, and resolving complex workplace issues.

What are labor lawyers?

Labor lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in laws and regulations governing the relationship between employers and employees. They handle cases involving workplace disputes, employee rights, collective bargaining, discrimination, wrongful termination, and compliance with labor laws. Labor lawyers may represent either employees or employers and often work on negotiations, litigation, and providing advice on legal obligations in the workplace.

What types of cases and clients does a labor lawyer typically handle, and how does this influence their daily responsibilities?

Labor lawyers often represent either employees, employers, or labor unions in matters involving workplace rights, collective bargaining, wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes. This diversity means their daily work can range from drafting contracts and negotiating agreements to preparing legal briefs and representing clients in hearings or court. Collaboration with HR professionals, union representatives, and other attorneys is common, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. The dynamic nature of labor law means lawyers must stay updated on evolving regulations and case law, making research and continuous learning a key part of the role.
More about Labor Lawyer jobs
What cities are hiring for Labor Lawyer jobs? Cities with the most Labor Lawyer job openings:
What states have the most Labor Lawyer jobs? States with the most job openings for Labor Lawyer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Labor Lawyer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 73% Physical, 13% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
General Attorney (Labor) (Attorney)

General Attorney (Labor) (Attorney)

National Labor Relations Board

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site, Remote

$85K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is located in the Division of Advice, which includes the Regional Advice and Injunction Litigation Branches. The Regional Advice Branch provides legal guidance to Regional Offices on complex or novel unfair labor practice cases, cases involving new policy creation, or other cases requiring General Counsel attention. The Injunction Litigation Branch oversees initiating and litigating temporary injunction proceedings under Sections 10(j) and 10(l) of the NLRA.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
As a General Attorney (Labor) (Attorney), GS-0905-11, your typical work assignments may include:
  • Reviewing the Regional Offices investigative files.
  • Attending meetings with Advice managers to orally present the pertinent facts and legal issues of the case and to recommend appropriate courses of action.
  • Conducting special research and analytical projects relating to recommending on disposition of cases pending on appeal.
  • Drafting memoranda and other documents on behalf of the Organization's Leadership setting forth the decisions of managers and /or Agency Leadership and memoranda to the Board requesting authorization to seek 10(j) injunctions.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • U. S. Citizenship Required.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • This is not a remote position.
  • Relocation expenses are not authorized.
  • This position is in the Excepted Service.
  • This position is part of the Bargaining Unit.
  • Applicants are subject to complete a two-year trial period.
  • Subject to a background investigation prior to appointment.
  • Active Bar license is required for verification. Bar license must reference Bar number and indicate the status of good standing. A Self-Certification Form is not acceptable verification.
  • This is a positive education position. Transcripts are required to be considered for this position.
  • Submit complete application package online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

Qualifications
All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The Ideal Candidate for this position is preferred to have knowledge of traditional labor law (the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)), demonstrated an ability to provide sound legal analysis and advice in an efficient manner on complicated matters, experience drafting legal documents for approval by superiors and excellent legal research and writing skills. Outstanding oral communications skills and attention to detail are also preferred.
BASIC REQUIREMENT
Education: Must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.). Law school transcripts must be submitted at the time of application.
Bar Membership and Certification: Must currently be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Your active Bar license must reference Bar number and indicate the status of good standing. Agency Internal Self-Certification Forms are not acceptable for verification.
In addition to the BASIC REQUIREMENT, applicants must also meet the following:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-09 grade level, which has provided them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a General Attorney (Labor) (Attorney) GS-11 grade level.
Specialized experience includes:
  • Experience analyzing factual and legal issues to determine the strength of a case; and
  • Experience conducting research to develop sound recommendations; and
  • Experience effectively communicating facts and issues relevant to case matters to fulfill ethical obligations, build a persuasive case, and managing client expectations.

This experience must be fully supported and articulated in your resume to receive consideration. Please do not cut and paste the specialized experience from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
NOTE: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This position has a basic education requirement listed under the Qualifications section of this announcement.
You must meet all qualification requirements. All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in accredited U.S. education programs; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education.
Additional information
SUPPLEMENTARY VACANCIES
Supplementary vacancies may be filled in addition to the number stated in this announcement.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/REASONABLE ACCOMODATION
The National Labor Relations Board is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition.
Applicants with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Agency's Selective Placement Coordinator by email here. NLRB offers a wide array of reasonable accommodations and programs for individuals with disabilities. (Note: For additional information for job seekers with disabilities, please click on the following website here.)
PLACEMENT POLICY
The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by Appointment and Reassignment. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
TRIAL PERIOD
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • Your performance and conduct; and
  • The needs and interests of the agency; and
  • Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
ALTERNATE APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applicants may contact the Office of Human Resources.
The National Labor Relations Board offers career opportunities that feature competitive starting salaries and the potential for performance-based increases, flexible hours, and the ability to achieve and maintain a balanced lifestyle. You will enjoy a range of comprehensive and competitive employment benefits that include Work/Life Balance Programs (Alternative Work Schedules, Telework, Employee Assistance Program, and the Child Care Subsidy Program), the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, and the Transit Benefit Program.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.