The Vital Role of a Labor and Employment Attorney: Protecting the Workplace from Both Sides of the Table

Why Labor and Employment Law Matters

Labor and employment law governs one of the most important relationships in society: the one between employer and employee. Whether advising corporate HR departments, representing labor unions, defending against wrongful termination claims, or ensuring compliance with workplace regulations, labor and employment attorneys serve as trusted legal advisors at the intersection of business operations and human capital.

This article explores the daily duties, core skills, legal frameworks, compensation benchmarks, and evolving trends shaping the careers of labor and employment attorneys—especially in the dynamic legal landscape of the Midwest.

What Does a Labor and Employment Attorney Do?

Labor and employment attorneys counsel employers, employees, and unions on rights, responsibilities, and risk mitigation in the workplace. Their scope of work includes:

• Advising on hiring, termination, and disciplinary practices

• Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, handbooks, and severance agreements

• Defending against discrimination, harassment, and wage-hour claims

• Litigating wrongful termination, retaliation, or class action lawsuits

• Conducting internal investigations

• Advising on compliance with the FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, NLRA, and state-specific labor laws

• Representing clients before the EEOC, NLRB, or state labor boards

Their work blends proactive counseling, dispute resolution, and litigation—often in high-stakes and emotionally charged environments.

A Day in the Life of a Labor and Employment Attorney

Morning: Risk Assessment and Client Counseling

• Respond to employer inquiries on employee discipline or termination decisions

• Review company handbooks or offer letters for compliance

• Draft cease-and-desist letters related to non-compete or confidentiality agreements

Midday: Litigation and Regulatory Work

• Prepare for or attend administrative hearings before the EEOC or Department of Labor

• Defend or pursue motions in employment litigation cases

• Work with HR teams to revise internal policies in response to regulatory changes

Afternoon: Strategic Advising and Training

• Conduct workplace investigations into harassment or misconduct claims

• Host anti-discrimination or wage compliance training for management teams

• Meet with union reps or employers to negotiate collective bargaining agreements

Evening: Legal Research and Continuing Education

• Analyze recent federal and state employment rulings

• Attend bar association events or CLEs focused on workplace law developments

Qualifications and Skills Required

Educational Path

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school

• State bar admission

Relevant Experience

• Law school coursework in employment law, labor law, administrative law

• Internships with labor boards, government agencies, or HR legal departments

Key Skills

• Exceptional writing and negotiation skills

• Strong emotional intelligence and professionalism

• Litigation and advocacy abilities

• Comfort handling sensitive workplace dynamics

• Familiarity with HR operations and compliance issues

Career Path and Progression

Entry-Level (1–3 Years)

• Draft employment policies, assist with litigation prep, support investigations

• Work under senior attorneys on advisory and regulatory matters

Mid-Level (4–7 Years)

• Handle client relationships, conduct trainings, lead investigations

• Appear before administrative agencies and court proceedings

Senior-Level/Partner

• Advise large employers or unions on complex compliance and litigation issues

• Develop books of business and mentor junior attorneys

Some labor attorneys specialize in either traditional labor (union relations) or employment law (non-union workforce), while others handle both. Many also move in-house into HR counsel roles.

Compensation Benchmarks

• Entry-Level Attorneys: $75,000–$105,000

• Mid-Level Attorneys: $110,000–$160,000

• Senior Attorneys/Partners: $160,000–$250,000+, with high-end compensation depending on litigation exposure and client base

In-house counsel roles in HR-heavy industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail also offer competitive compensation, often with bonus and equity incentives.

Labor & Employment Law in the Midwest

The Midwest is home to a strong manufacturing base, large healthcare systems, and regional headquarters that drive demand for employment legal counsel. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati see consistent demand in:

• Union negotiations and strikes

• FLSA/wage-hour compliance

• Workplace investigations and retaliation claims

• Class actions involving overtime or misclassification

Smaller firms and in-house teams are increasingly hiring attorneys with dual litigation and advisory experience, especially as remote work creates new compliance challenges.

Why This Role Is Critical

Labor and employment law touches every company, regardless of size or industry. Attorneys in this field:

• Prevent costly litigation through sound policies

• Protect workers from discrimination and wage violations

• Ensure compliance with rapidly evolving regulations

• Help maintain positive and lawful workplace culture

Top 5 Traits of a Successful Labor and Employment Attorney

1. Tact and Empathy – Dealing with emotionally sensitive employee situations

2. Litigation Readiness – Ability to defend or prosecute employment cases

3. Regulatory Acumen – Mastery of employment statutes and agency procedures

4. Proactive Communication – Advising clients before issues escalate

5. Crisis Management – Handling investigations, terminations, and disputes swiftly

How MB Attorney Search Can Help You Advance

At MB Attorney Search, we place labor and employment attorneys across the Midwest into roles with top law firms, Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, and union-backed organizations.

We understand:

• Which firms are growing their labor practices

• What in-house counsel roles demand from employment lawyers

• How to align your career goals with market needs

Explore our listings or schedule a confidential consultation at mbattorneysearch.com.