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Labor Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AFL-CIO

Fellowship Lawyer

Washington, DC · On-site

$81 - $99/hr

The Legal Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations ... The AFL-CIO Fellow will work with lawyers in the AFL-CIO Legal Department and with other union ...

Jobot

Employment Law Attorney

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Job Details ----- As a Employment Lawyer / Labor Lawyer on our team, we are looking for: * JD from an accredited law school * Active Maryland Bar license * Employment law experience Interested in ...

Jobot

Employment Law Attorney

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

... Labor Lawyer! Why join us? ----- As an Employment Lawyer / Associate Attorney in our firm, we are able to offer: * A competitive base salary of up to $160k! * 401k! * Medical, dental and vision ...

Jobot

Employment Law Attorney

Detroit, MI · On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

... Labor Lawyer! Why join us? ----- As an Employment Lawyer / Associate Attorney in our firm, we are able to offer: * A competitive base salary of up to $160k! * 401k! * Medical, dental and vision ...

Jobot

Employment Law Attorney

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

... Labor Lawyer! Why join us? ----- As an Employment Lawyer / Associate Attorney in our firm, we are able to offer: * A competitive base salary of up to $160k! * 401k! * Medical, dental and vision ...

AFL-CIO

Fellowship Lawyer

Washington, DC

$89K/yr

The Legal Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations ... The AFL-CIO Fellow will work with lawyers in the AFL-CIO Legal Department and with other union ...

AFL-CIO

Fellowship Lawyer

Washington, DC

$89K/yr

The Legal Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations ... The AFL-CIO Fellow will work with lawyers in the AFL-CIO Legal Department and with other union ...

Jobot

Senior Employment Law Attorney

Bethesda, MD · On-site +1

$200K - $250K/yr

Job Details ----- As a Senior Employment Lawyer / Senior Labor Lawyer on our team, we are looking for: * JD from an accredited law school * Active Maryland Bar license * Demonstrated experience ...

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Labor Lawyer information

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$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do labor lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 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 a labor lawyer?

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.

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 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 hard is it to become a labor lawyer?

Becoming a labor lawyer typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, followed by a three-year law degree (Juris Doctor), passing the bar exam, and gaining experience in employment law. Developing strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills is also important for success in this field.

What does a labor lawyer do?

A labor lawyer specializes in employment law and represents employees or employers in disputes related to workplace rights, wages, discrimination, and wrongful termination. They review contracts, negotiate settlements, and may represent clients in court or before government agencies. Strong knowledge of labor laws and negotiation skills are essential in this 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:

Labor Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Labor Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Fellowship Lawyer

American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations

Washington, DC • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

The Legal Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations ("AFL-CIO") is offering a one-year fellowship beginning in September 2027. The fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for recent law school graduates to work with experienced union-side lawyers on a wide variety of issues.
The AFL-CIO is a voluntary federation of 65 national and international unions which together represent nearly 15 million working women and men in the United States. The AFL-CIO works on a variety of fronts to improve the lives of working families, to secure social and economic justice in the United States, and to protect the interests of working people in the global economy. The AFL-CIO and its affiliates have been instrumental not only in negotiating good pay and benefits for union members, but also in the enactment and enforcement of laws that protect important rights for all workers, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
The Legal Department works on a wide range of litigation, policy, regulatory and legislative matters, and assists with organizing campaigns, corporate governance issues, and other AFL-CIO initiatives. The Legal Department also houses the Union Lawyers Alliance (ULA), a national organization of union-side attorneys, which issues various publications and holds educational conferences on a regular basis.
The AFL-CIO Fellow will work with lawyers in the AFL-CIO Legal Department and with other union lawyers around the country on a wide variety of matters. The Fellow will assist experienced lawyers working on cases and regulatory matters that affect the labor movement and the rights of workers. The AFL-CIO's litigation caseload includes cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Courts of Appeals and before the NLRB and a small number of state appellate courts. In addition, the AFL-CIO Legal Department frequently presents the views of the labor movement on federal regulatory initiatives affecting workers. Whenever possible, the Fellow will be given the opportunity to participate in meetings with union lawyers and to attend oral arguments. The AFL-CIO Fellow will also participate in Union Lawyers Alliance activities, including preparation for attorney conferences, outreach to new labor lawyers and law students, and regular opportunities to attend ULA meetings and conferences.
The fellowship salary is 89,590.88. Benefits include excellent medical and dental insurance plus paid vacation.
Recent law graduates, judicial clerks, and third-year law students are welcome to apply. Applicants should have excellent legal research and writing skills and enjoy legal research and appellate work. Applicants should also have a demonstrated commitment to workers' rights and a desire to practice union-side labor law. The AFL-CIO is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.
To Apply: Applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their interest in the fellowship, a current resume, a transcript, a short writing sample, a letter of reference, and a list of two additional references to Kasmira Pope at kpope@aflcio.org. Letters of reference may also be emailed directly by the recommender to the same email address or mailed in hard copy to: AFL-CIO Office of the General Counsel, ATTN: Fellowship Position, 815 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006. The application process is rolling, but for full consideration, an application should be complete by Friday, October 16, 2026. Telephone inquiries are discouraged.

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