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Union Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AFL-CIO

Fellowship Lawyer

Washington, DC · On-site

$81 - $99/hr

... lawyers on a wide variety of issues ... The AFL-CIO is a voluntary federation of 65 national and international unions which together ...

AFL-CIO

Fellowship Lawyer

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K/yr

... lawyers on a wide variety of issues ... The AFL-CIO is a voluntary federation of 65 national and international unions which together ...

Stange Law Firm

Attorney/Lawyer (Union, MO)

Union, MO · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Union, Missouri Build a Meaningful, Long-Term Career in Family Law Stange Law Firm, PC has an immediate opening for a motivated attorney to join our team in Union, Missouri. At ...

Stange Law Firm

Attorney/Lawyer

Union, MO · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Union, Missouri Build a Meaningful, Long-Term Career in Family Law Stange Law Firm, PC has an immediate opening for a motivated attorney to join our team in Union, Missouri. At ...

City of New York

HR Compliance Attorney

Queens, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... union attorneys regarding Step I Hearings - Send out Step I Hearing reminders to members of service and union representatives - Sending out discovery documents to Members of Service and Union ...

New

City of New York

HR Compliance Attorney

Queens, NY · On-site

... union attorneys regarding Step I Hearings - Send out Step I Hearing reminders to members of service and union representatives - Sending out discovery documents to Members of Service and Union ...

New

City of New York

HR Compliance Attorney

Queens, NY

... union attorneys regarding Step I Hearings - Send out Step I Hearing reminders to members of service and union representatives - Sending out discovery documents to Members of Service and Union ...

New

Munro Footwear Group

WI · On-site

$60 - $86/hr

The attorneys in our Office of Legal Affairs are essential partners providing critical legal ... Union 000 - None Posting Date Aug 28, 2026, 4:38:28 PM Closing Date (based on your computer ...

New

Drivers Union

Staff Attorney

Tukwila, WA

$100K - $130K/yr

Staff Attorney - Drivers Union Drivers Union is one of the first organizations in the nation to provide a legislative and legal framework for gig workers to have a true and legitimate voice in their ...

TEXELL CREDIT UNION

Staff Attorney

Temple, TX · On-site

Top Central Texas Credit Union is seeking a Staff Attorney at our Temple, Texas, headquarters! Texell was named one of the Best Credit Unions to Work for in the nation by the Credit Union Journal.

AFL-CIO

Associate General Counsel

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$181K - $198K/yr

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 ...

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Union Lawyer information

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$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do union lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for union 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 union lawyer?

Union lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in representing labor unions and their members. They provide legal advice on employment issues, help negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and represent unions in disputes with employers or in court. Their work often involves interpreting labor laws, advocating for workers' rights, and ensuring compliance with union contracts. Union lawyers play a crucial role in protecting the interests of workers and promoting fair workplace practices.

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

To thrive as a Union Lawyer, you need a solid background in labor law, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution, usually supported by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and employment law regulations is essential. Strong negotiation, advocacy, and interpersonal skills help build trust with union members and facilitate effective representation. These competencies are crucial for protecting workers' rights, successfully navigating legal challenges, and achieving favorable outcomes in labor disputes.

What are the main challenges a union lawyer faces when negotiating collective bargaining agreements?

Union Lawyers often encounter challenges in balancing the needs and expectations of union members with the realities of employer negotiations. They must navigate complex labor laws, manage sometimes tense relations between management and workers, and ensure that agreements are both legally sound and beneficial for members. Effective communication, patience, and strategic thinking are crucial, as negotiations can be lengthy and require compromise. Collaborating closely with union leaders and staying up to date with changes in labor regulations are ongoing aspects of the role.

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

AspectUnion LawyerLabor Relations Specialist
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionBachelor's degree, often in HR, Business, or Law
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, union offices, courtsCorporate HR departments, government agencies
Industry UsageLegal representation, union negotiationsEmployee relations, contract negotiations
Common Search/ComparisonLegal expertise in union issuesWorkplace negotiations and compliance

While both Union Lawyers and Labor Relations Specialists work within the realm of employment and union issues, Union Lawyers primarily provide legal representation and advice related to union law, often working in legal settings. Labor Relations Specialists focus on managing employee relations, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance within organizations. Understanding these differences helps employers and employees identify the right professional for their specific needs.

Are there unions for lawyers?

Yes, some lawyers can join professional associations or unions that advocate for legal professionals' rights and working conditions. These organizations may offer resources, networking, and collective bargaining, but unionization among lawyers is less common than in other industries. Participation often depends on the legal sector, employer policies, and regional regulations.

What cities are hiring for Union Lawyer jobs?

Cities with the most Union Lawyer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Lawyer jobs?

The most popular types of Lawyer jobs are:

What states have the most Union Lawyer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Union Lawyer jobs include:

Union Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Fellowship Lawyer

AFL-CIO

Washington, DC • On-site

$81 - $99/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 29 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.

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