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Union Attorney Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Union Attorney information

See Michigan salary details

$35.3K

$85.7K

$167.3K

How much do union attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for union attorney in Michigan is $85,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,100.00 and $104,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union attorney?

Union attorneys are lawyers who represent labor unions and their members in legal matters. They provide legal advice on labor laws, negotiate and draft collective bargaining agreements, and represent unions in disputes with employers or in court. Their work often involves advocating for workers’ rights, handling grievances, and ensuring compliance with labor regulations. Union attorneys play a key role in protecting the interests of unionized employees and helping unions navigate complex legal issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a union attorney?

To thrive as a Union Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid license to practice law, and strong expertise in labor and employment law. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and collective bargaining frameworks is typically required. Excellent negotiation, advocacy, and interpersonal communication skills help you effectively represent unions and their members. These competencies ensure the protection of workers' rights and successful navigation of complex labor disputes.

How does a union attorney typically collaborate with union representatives and members during contract negotiations?

A Union Attorney works closely with union representatives by providing legal guidance, drafting contract language, and advising on negotiation strategies. They often attend bargaining sessions to ensure proposals comply with labor laws and protect the interests of union members. Effective communication with both leadership and the broader membership is essential, as the attorney may explain legal implications of proposed agreements and help address any concerns that arise during negotiations. This collaborative approach helps ensure that the union’s objectives are met while minimizing legal risks.

What is the difference between Union Attorney vs Labor Lawyer?

AspectUnion AttorneyLabor Lawyer
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, union offices, courtsLegal firms, government agencies, courts
Employer & IndustryUnions, labor organizationsEmployers, government agencies, unions
Common Search IntentLegal representation for unionsEmployment disputes, labor law issues

Both Union Attorneys and Labor Lawyers require similar credentials and often work within the same environments. However, Union Attorneys primarily represent unions and their members, focusing on union-specific legal matters. Labor Lawyers may work on broader employment law issues, representing either employers or employees. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right legal expert for your employment-related needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Union Attorney jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Union Attorney job openings:

Union Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Attorney job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,704 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Entry Level Staff Attorney

Neighborhood Defender Service Inc

Detroit, MI • On-site

$78K/mo

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Entry Level Staff Attorney 

Department: Criminal Defense 

Location: Detroit 

Reports To: Supervising Attorney 

Position Type: Full-Time 

Union Status: Union 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Hiring Timeline: We are currently recruiting for a position with an anticipated start date in Fall 2027. 

About NDS: 

Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge the traditional public defense model by centering clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. Today, NDS operates community-based offices in Harlem; the Bronx; Detroit; and Hays County, Texas, supported by a unified national infrastructure that allows local teams to deliver high-quality, responsive representation rooted in the communities they serve. 

Across all locations, NDS provides client-centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams composed of attorneys, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. Our approach emphasizes early and ongoing engagement with clients—before arrest where possible, throughout the life of a case, and beyond case resolution—while addressing the legal, social, and systemic challenges that impact long-term stability. NDS is committed to treating every client with dignity and respect and to advancing justice for individuals and communities that have been historically marginalized and over-policed. 

Core Purpose of the Role: 
The ideal Entry-Level Staff Attorney is someone who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities, preferably with a proven commitment to public defense, or demonstrated experience serving marginalized communities in a social justice organization. At NDS Detroit, how we represent our clients is as important as individual case outcomes and our attorneys approach the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment. 


  1. Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence by providing vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to the residents of Wayne County. 
  2. Engage in frequent court appearances and litigation, including arraignments, preliminary examinations, evidentiary hearings, oral arguments, trials, and sentencings. 
  3. Interview clients and their families in the office or local jails, conduct legal research and write pre-pleading letters, motions and pre-sentencing memoranda on behalf of clients. 
  4. Coordinate work performed by team members (investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators). 
  5. Work with cross-practice colleagues (immigration defense/civil defense/family defense) to obtain comprehensive legal outcomes for clients. 
  6. Provide effective oral advocacy in negotiations, hearings, and trials in criminal cases. 
  7. Work primarily at NDS’ main office when not in Court. 

Required 

  • A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity and social justice issues and the Wayne County communities. 
  • A track record of strategically guiding casework, projects and/or relationships; applying good and practiced judgment; and routinely pushing through roadblocks to achieve your goals. 
  • A growth mindset. 
  • Doggedness and resilience combined with people and situation smarts. 
  • An ability to quickly build relationships across varying identities, income levels, races and ethnicities. 
  • A high level of organizational and administrative skills to handle a high caseload. 
  • Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing. 
  • Enrollment in an accredited law school with a graduation date not later than May 2027, with the ability to take the July 2027 Michigan Bar Examination; OR 
  • A license to practice law in Michigan or in another state; and/or the capability of becoming licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan within six months. Experience in the criminal courts of Wayne County (and Michigan generally) are encouraged to apply. 
  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Word and OneDrive. 

Preferred 

  • Bi-lingual (Spanish or Arabic) attorneys are encouraged to apply. 

Apply