Working for the Government in Labor/Employment Law

When considering a career in labor or employment law, don't forget about the public sector. Law firms, unions and large corporations aren't the only places to practice labor and employment law. The two federal agencies charged with enforcing federal employment and labor laws also maintain a substantial stable of attorneys. You might also look into employment opportunities at state agencies, like the Department of Fair Housing and Employment in California or the New York State Division of Human Rights.

The EEOC: a passion for civil rights

Those interested in enforcing employment laws might consider working for the EEOC. The hiring process at the EEOC begins at each individual office with the regional attorney in charge of the office. Although the regional attorneys' hands may be tied if agency officials in Washington haven't approved any vacancies, the EEOC always welcomes inquiries from qualified candidates. So don't let a temporary government hiring freeze (if one is in effect) deter you from contacting the agency. The steps you can take to make yourself a more attractive candidate to the EEOC are the same steps that make attorneys attractive to plaintiffs' side firms, because the EEOC is essentially looking for plaintiff-oriented lawyers. One caveat is that the EEOC generally hires lawyers with a few years of experience on the plaintiffs' side of the bar.

According to Katherine Bissell, the regional attorney in the EEOC's New York district office, the EEOC "looks for candidates who have demonstrated a passion for civil rights or employee rights to ensure that the candidate is committed to the EEOC's mission of eradicating discrimination in the workplace." One clear way to show an interest in working at the EEOC is do an internship at one of the regional offices. Almost every EEOC office has some sort of internship opportunity. Interested law students should contact each EEOC office directly; there is no need to go through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The EEOC's web site (www.eeoc.gov) provides extensive contact information and information on available job opportunities.

The NLRB: straddling the labor-management line

The NLRB has over 750 lawyers working for it in offices all across the country. About one-third of these attorneys work in the agency's main office in Washington, D.C. The NLRB is a great place to get started in traditional labor practice and offers valuable experience to new attorneys. In addition to the substantive work, the NLRB's role as referee between labor and management means that a position with the agency leaves open the doors on either side of the union-management divide should you decide to leave the NLRB for private practice.

As for getting hired at the NLRB, the same strategies for landing a management or union position apply. Showing interest in traditional labor and taking classes in this area is always one of the best things you can do. While the hiring process at the NLRB is erratic because of the ebbs and flows of the general budget, the NLRB is always interested in well-qualified law school graduates. The NLRB usually hires attorneys directly and, like the EEOC, does not need to go through the Office of Personnel Management. If you are interested in a position at the NLRB or would like to learn more about starting your career there, you should contact the NLRB directly. The NLRB has a comprehensive web site (www.nlrb.gov) with contact information, job opportunities and additional information on becoming an NLRB lawyer.