At a Glance
Type of work | Advisory + litigation
Who you advise | Employers (companies), executives, HR departments
Pace | Mix of ongoing advisory work and reactive litigation or agency proceedings
Law school relevance | Employment Law, Administrative Law, Civil Procedure, Evidence
What Is It?
Labor and employment law governs the legal relationship between companies and their employees. It covers workplace policies, hiring and termination, discrimination and harassment, executive compensation, wage and hour laws, and union-related matters. Unlike many corporate law areas, it has both an advisory component (helping companies set policy) and a dispute resolution component (defending against employee claims).
What Will You Actually Do?
- Advise companies on workplace policies, employee handbooks, and HR compliance
- Defend employers in discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination lawsuits
- Handle agency proceedings before the EEOC, NLRB, and Department of Labor
- Draft executive employment agreements, severance agreements, and restrictive covenants
- Counsel on workforce reductions and layoff procedures
As a Junior Lawyer, Expect To…
- Research employment law issues and draft memos for client advice
- Assist in responding to EEOC charges and agency complaints
- Draft employment agreements, policies, and separation agreements
- Help prepare for mediations, arbitrations, and employment litigation
This Might Be a Good Fit If You…
- Are interested in both advising businesses and advocating in disputes
- Like work that is directly tied to how companies operate day-to-day
- Enjoy a mix of proactive counseling and reactive dispute resolution
- Are interested in the human side of business law
Key Terms to Know
Collective Bargaining Agreement: A contract between an employer and a union that sets wages, benefits, and working conditions for union employees.
EEOC: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — the federal agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws in the workplace.
Non-Compete Agreement: A contract provision restricting an employee from working for a competitor after leaving — their enforceability varies by state.
At-Will Employment: The default rule in most U.S. states: an employer or employee can end the employment relationship at any time for any lawful reason.
FLSA: Fair Labor Standards Act — the federal law governing minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards.