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Union Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation

$113K/yr

New York Civil Liberties Union, 125 Broad Street, NY, NY 10004 Salary: Subject to the NYCLUs attorney salary scale, which is based on years of legal experience (current full-time starting salary for ...

Lookout Credit Union

Resolutions Manager

Pocatello, ID · On-site

... Union lawyers concerning delinquent accounts and legal action. (5%) * Informs management of trends in loan underwriting contributing to delinquent/charged-off loans. (5%) * Performs other job-related ...

City of Plant City

$125 - $150/hr

... Attorney ... The firm represents labor unions in the public and private sectors, including AFT-affiliated ...

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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.

Associate General Counsel

AFL-CIO

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$181K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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