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Labor Union Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AFL-CIO

Associate General Counsel

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$181K - $198K/yr

We are looking for a lawyer with significant experience working in-house for a union, in a union-side labor law firm, and/or with relevant government or nonprofit experience. Applicants should have ...

Department of Transportation

Attorney III

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$10K - $15K/mo

Attorneys may receive promotions in place based on available funds, successful performance, and compliance with labor union requirements. PARF# 42-27-0013 / JC-524934 Eligibility for hire may be ...

New

AFL-CIO

Associate General Counsel

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$181K - $198K/yr

We are looking for a lawyer with significant experience working in-house for a union, in a union-side labor law firm, and/or with relevant government or nonprofit experience. Applicants should have ...

NextEra Energy

Sr Labor Attorney

Juno Beach, FL · On-site

Position Specific Description Florida Power & Light Company is seeking a Senior Labor Attorney to ... Manage union campaigns and representation matters from strategy through execution * Review and ...

NxT Level

Partner, Employment - Detroit

Detroit, MI · On-site

$94K - $127K/yr

Labor union issues and NLRB proceedings * Collaborate across practice areas (Corporate, M&A, ... Contribute to thought leadership, mentor junior attorneys, and support practice development ...

NxT Level

Partner, Employment - Detroit

Detroit, MI · On-site

$94K - $127K/yr

Labor union issues and NLRB proceedings * Collaborate across practice areas (Corporate, M&A, ... Contribute to thought leadership, mentor junior attorneys, and support practice development ...

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Labor Union Attorney information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do labor union attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor union attorney 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Labor Union Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Labor Union Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, active state bar membership, and a strong foundation in labor law, collective bargaining, and employment regulations. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and proficiency in drafting legal documents are typically required. Outstanding negotiation, advocacy, and communication skills help build trust with union members and effectively represent their interests. These competencies are vital for ensuring fair labor practices, protecting workers' rights, and achieving successful outcomes in disputes and negotiations.

What is the difference between Labor Union Attorney vs Labor Relations Specialist?

AspectLabor Union Attorney
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, union offices, courts
Employer & IndustryLegal representation for unions, labor law firms
Primary FocusLegal advice, litigation, contract negotiations

Labor Union Attorneys primarily provide legal services related to labor law, representing unions in legal disputes and negotiations. In contrast, Labor Relations Specialists focus on managing employee relations, developing policies, and ensuring compliance within organizations. While both roles work within the labor industry, attorneys handle legal matters, and specialists focus on HR and organizational strategies.

What are labor union attorneys?

Labor union attorneys are lawyers who specialize in representing labor unions and their members in legal matters related to employment and labor law. They assist with collective bargaining negotiations, handle grievances, ensure compliance with labor regulations, and represent unions in disputes with employers or government agencies. Their goal is to protect workers’ rights and advocate for fair labor practices on behalf of the union.

What are some common challenges faced by labor union attorneys in their daily work?

Labor union attorneys frequently encounter challenges such as navigating complex labor laws, managing negotiations between unions and employers, and handling grievances or arbitration cases. Balancing the interests of union members while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations can be demanding. Additionally, they often work under tight deadlines and must be prepared to respond quickly to legal disputes, strikes, or contract issues, requiring strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
More about Labor Union Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Labor Union Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Labor Union Attorney job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Labor Union Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Labor Union Attorney jobs are:
Labor Union Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Labor Union Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.
Associate General Counsel

Associate General Counsel

AFL-CIO

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$181K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Are you a lawyer who is passionate about economic fairness and social justice? Do you seek to foster and support creative, broad movement building on behalf of workers? Are you interested in working on legal and policy issues that impact millions of working people nationwide? If you answered, “Yes!” then the AFL-CIO Office of the General Counsel may be the right place for you.

We are currently welcoming applications for an Associate General Counsel to join our department of nine lawyers, one legal fellow, and three professional support staff who together work on a broad range of legal issues in many different programmatic areas on behalf of the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions.

The AFL-CIO is a federation of 65 national and international unions who together represent over 15 million working people across the United States. The AFL-CIO is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and this position is based in Washington, D.C. As in-house counsel to the largest federation of labor unions in the United States, our team joins with the Federation’s staff of dynamic professionals to grow worker power and fight to give every working person a voice on the job. When you work at the AFL-CIO, you’re more than just an individual employee—you’re helping to lead a movement with a proud history and a bright future ahead.

The Office of the General Counsel engages in litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court, courts of appeals, National Labor Relations Board, and other bodies in cases of broad importance to the labor movement. We assist in the development of, advocacy for, and defense of, federal, state, and local legislative and executive branch initiatives to advance workers' rights. We staff the AFL-CIO Union Lawyers Alliance (ULA) (an organization of 2,000 lawyers representing affiliates of the AFL-CIO and their local unions) and assist with the development and implementation of the ULA's educational programming for union-side labor lawyers across the country. We provide advice and assistance to all the departments of the AFL-CIO, including organizing, legislation, and campaigns. We advise the executive officers and senior staff on a wide range of policy and governance issues and we ensure the Federation's compliance with governing laws.

Although the exact scope of work for this position will vary depending on experience, expertise, employee interest, and the Office’s needs, the successful applicant must have the skills,

experience, and desire to engage in a wide range of litigation, policy development, legal education, client advice, and governance and compliance matters on behalf of the Federation. 

We are looking for a lawyer with significant experience working in-house for a union, in a union-side labor law firm, and/or with relevant government or nonprofit experience. Applicants should have strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, a demonstrated commitment to the labor movement, and a willingness to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. Please be sure to include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references with your application.

The AFL-CIO is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages women, people of color, and LGBTQ candidates to apply. Please apply by Friday, June 5, 2026.

Salary: $181,981 - $198,780 based on years of experience.

The AFL-CIO offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer-paid medical insurance, a defined-benefit retirement plan, a 401k plan, and generous paid time off. Telework is available in accordance with AFL-CIO policy, which currently allows up to two days of telework per week.