Targeted Job Search Tips: Labor Law

Perhaps the most important thing to understand when seeking a job on the management side of the traditional labor practice is the overlap between the traditional labor and employment practices at most management-side firms. While some firms specialize in traditional labor relations, most management firms have a combined labor and employment department in which employment matters make up the lion's share of the work. If you are interested in traditional labor work you shouldn't expect to stroll into a position and work solely on labor matters. In fact, the opposite may be true, because you will likely start working on employment matters long before you are staffed on a traditional labor project.

A summer associate or junior attorney seeking traditional labor work should therefore be flexible and expect to work on a substantial number of employment matters in order to get involved in traditional labor relations work when it arises. Expressing an interest in employment law and taking classes that cover employment discrimination and other employment issues is always a good idea when trying to get your foot in the door at a management firm.

Keep abreast of labor trends

The same general rules for getting started on the management side in employment litigation apply in the traditional labor setting. Taking a labor law course that covers the NLRA is highly recommended, and any classes covering arbitration will also prove helpful. Staying informed on labor relations in general, who the major unions are and what kinds of tactics the modern labor movement uses is also a good way to demonstrate your interest in traditional labor law.