Your Guide to a Legal Career

Labour law attorneys are essential in the world of unions and labour regulations, and individuals considering this career are often met with a very fulfilling and interesting job. It takes many years of study to become a labour attorney, which is why it’s important to learn all you can about this job before embarking on the route to becoming a labour lawyer. Our guide gives you more information on what a labour attorney does, how to become a labour attorney and other essential labour attorney information.

What Does a Labour Attorney Do?

A labour attorney is a lawyer who practices employment law but specializes in the rules and regulations that surround labour unions and specific labour practices. This is what sets labour attorneys apart from employment lawyers, and labour attorneys will be well-versed with both state and federal regulations surrounding the formation of labour unions, collective bargaining, termination of unionized employees, and negotiation with unionized employees.

Both employers and employees may benefit from the expertise of a labour attorney at various points throughout their careers, and it’s important to consult with a labour attorney who has experience dealing with specific labour law matters for the best resolution to any legal issues.

How Do I Become a Labour Attorney?

If you’re interested in becoming a labour attorney, you will need to attend law school to learn the necessary information to complete this job. Virtually every labour attorney job will require that you have at least a Juris Doctor degree under your belt, and you will need to pass the bar exam in the state you’ve chosen to practice to legally be eligible to work as a labour attorney.

To attend law school and eventually become a labour attorney, you will need to complete an undergraduate degree, take an LSAT prep course, prepare your law school applications, complete your three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, pass the bar exam, secure employment as a labour attorney. While selecting a law school to attend, you will want to look at employment outcomes and course offerings to choose a law school that has a history of producing stellar labour attorneys.

Do I Need a Law Degree to Be a Labour Attorney?

Yes, you will need a law degree to be a labour attorney. Labour attorneys are lawyers who specialize in the specific legal matters surrounding employment law and labour unions, and you will need to attend a law school to obtain a Juris Doctor degree. While in law school, you will need to focus on class work that covers the basics of law in addition to employment law, labour law, and contracts. You will also need to interview with firms or government organizations that specialize in labour law so you can build up experience through internships and make connections that will land you a labour law job after graduation.

How Much Does a Labour Attorney Make?

Exactly how much you can make as a labour attorney depends on the geographical area that you are working in, your experience level, and whether or not you are working for a private firm or a government organization. All of those factors determine your starting salary and the level of growth that you might be able to achieve with your salary.

On average, a labour attorney will make between about $50,000 annually to around $150,000 annually. Over the years, your salary as a labour attorney has the potential to grow, and if you start your firm, you may expect to make on the higher end of the average salary range for this legal career.

Where Can I Learn More About Working as a Labour Attorney?

If you are interested in learning more about working as a labour attorney and you are already in law school, you can speak to your advisor or professors who specialize in labour law. You may also be able to secure internships or externships throughout your time in law school that give you hands-on experience in this field.

If you haven’t entered law school but you are still interested in working as a labour attorney, you can reach out to a local labour lawyer or their office and ask to speak with them about their job duties. You might also be able to pick up a part-time job doing administrative tasks in a labour attorney’s office to gain familiarity in this field. 

Your Career as a Labour Attorney

Working as a labour attorney is an interesting career, and though it may be a rigorous process to obtain the qualifications needed, many individuals find that labour law is a fulfilling pursuit. If you are interested in a career as a labour attorney, take note of the steps you need to complete to achieve this goal and learn more about the nuances of this job before applying for law school and getting the process started.