Becoming An Employment Law Attorney: Key Steps

Employment law is a complex and ever-changing field that requires expertise in a wide range of legal areas. To become an employment law attorney, there are several steps you need to take, from obtaining a law degree to gaining practical experience and staying up-to-date with legal changes.

Firstly, you'll need to obtain a Bachelor's Degree, which is a prerequisite for enrolling in law school. Although there is no required undergraduate field of study, choosing a major that involves extensive reading, writing and factual analysis can be advantageous.

Next, you'll need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is a crucial factor in your law school application. This test assesses your reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning abilities.

Once you've gained admission to law school, you'll want to focus on employment law-related courses such as Employment Discrimination, Labor Law, and Employment Relations. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or externships with law firms or government agencies can provide valuable insights into employment law issues.

After graduating from law school, you must pass the bar exam to obtain your license to practice law. This is a challenging process, and you may need to dedicate a significant amount of time to prepare for the exam.

Lastly, staying informed about legal changes and developments in employment law is essential. Employment law is constantly evolving, and attorneys in this field need to be proactive in updating their knowledge to effectively advocate for their clients' rights.

Becoming an employment law attorney requires dedication, a strong educational foundation, and a commitment to staying abreast of legal changes. It is a rewarding career where you can defend people's rights, ensure fair working conditions, and hold employers accountable for unlawful actions.

Get a law degree

To become an employment attorney, you will need to obtain a law degree. This involves graduating from college and then attending law school.

Although there is no required undergraduate course of study to become an employment attorney, choosing a major that involves extensive reading, writing, and factual analysis can be very helpful in law school. For example, you might consider a major like business to give you some background knowledge of how businesses are run. It is also a good idea to get involved in extracurricular activities to help pad your law school application.

When it comes to choosing a law school, it is important to research the schools' admissions requirements, timelines, courses offered, and geographic location. Certain schools offer early deadlines that give you a higher chance of getting in, and it is a good idea to start researching 1-2 years in advance. You should also consider whether the school offers hands-on training, internships, or other extracurriculars that may help you get some experience in employment law.

Once you are in law school, you will take mandatory courses in your first year, such as constitutional law, torts, contracts, civil procedure, property, and criminal law. In your second and third years, you will be able to take elective courses, and it is a good idea to seek out employment law-related topics such as "Labor Law," "Employment Discrimination," and "Employment Relations." You can also take courses on negotiation, trial advocacy, administrative law, and civil litigation to round out your studies.

During law school, you should also focus on building a network and gaining practical experience. Join a study group, find employment-related extracurricular activities, and seek out internships or externships. These steps will not only help you build your resume and expand your professional network but may also lead to job offers upon graduation.

Pass the bar exam

Passing the bar exam is the final step to becoming a licensed attorney in the United States. It is a difficult exam that serves as a hurdle towards becoming a licensed attorney. The bar exam is administered by each state or territory's bar association and tests a candidate's ability to think like a lawyer and prove they have the "minimum competency" to practice law in that state. While the format and content of the exam vary across states, there is a growing trend toward adopting the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). The UBE is a 2-day exam, held twice a year, and is composed of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE).

To pass the bar exam, it is important to understand its format and the subjects that will be tested. The MPT focuses on fundamental lawyering skills and involves producing lawyer-like work products such as memos or briefs. The MEE tests your ability to identify legal issues, separate relevant and irrelevant facts, and demonstrate an understanding of legal principles through essay questions. The MBE, on the other hand, is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of various areas of law, including Constitutional Law, Contracts/Sales, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, Federal Civil Procedure, and Real Property.

Preparing for the bar exam usually takes at least two to three months of dedicated study. There are various commercial bar preparation courses available, such as Barbri and Kaplan, that provide books, instruction, interactive online content, and individual grading of your writing. These courses are designed to help you develop the necessary knowledge and skills to pass the exam. Additionally, building a strong foundation in legal concepts during law school and gaining practical experience through internships or externships can also contribute to your preparation for the bar exam.

While the bar exam is challenging, it is important to remember that it is a pass/fail, minimum competency exam. The key to passing is to perform well in a sufficient number of areas to land on the passing side of the bar exam curve. This means that you don't need to be great in any one area but instead aim to build a broad base of knowledge. With hard work and dedication, you can increase your chances of passing the bar exam and taking the next step towards becoming a licensed attorney.

Develop a specialism

Employment law is a broad field, so it's a good idea to develop a specialism. This will help you stand out from other employment lawyers and give you a niche area of expertise. You could, for example, focus on racial discrimination laws or child labor laws.

• Workplace sexual harassment
• Withholding employee benefits
• Denying reasonable accommodations for disabled employees
• Discriminatory hiring and workplace practices
• Unsafe working conditions
• Defamation of character
• Wage and hour claims
• Whistleblower claims
• Workplace discrimination
• Disability discrimination
• Gender discrimination
• Pregnancy discrimination
• Racial discrimination
• Workers' compensation
• Family leave discrimination
• Wrongful termination
• Retaliation
• Employment contract disputes
• Fair credit reporting
• Hostile work environment
• Independent contractor misclassification
• Workplace safety

Gain experience

Gaining experience is a crucial step in becoming an employment law attorney. Here are some ways to build your expertise and knowledge in this field:

• Internships and Externships: Seek out internships and externships during law school. These opportunities allow you to gain practical experience and build your resume. You can explore options such as working for a government office, a private employment law firm, or a government agency like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Externships can also provide course credit, making them a valuable addition to your academic pursuits.
• Clinics: Participate in school-sponsored clinics that offer free or low-cost legal aid to the community. Under the supervision of law professors, you'll gain hands-on experience and make a positive impact.
• Judicial Clerkships: Working as a judicial clerk provides valuable insights into the legal system and enhances your research and writing skills.
• Practical Courses: Enrol in practical courses like mock trial, mediation, and motion practice. These courses offer a more interactive and applied learning experience.
• Competitions: Represent your law school in mock trial, moot court, or other competitions. These events allow you to put your skills to the test and develop your confidence in a competitive setting.
• Law Review: Contribute to your school's law review journal to showcase your strong writing skills and publish original legal content.
• Network and Join Organisations: Build a solid professional network by attending bar association events, joining local and national employment law organisations, and participating in on-campus interviews. These connections can open doors to future job opportunities and provide valuable mentorship.
• Volunteer Work: Don't underestimate the power of volunteer work. Even after becoming a qualified attorney, volunteering can help you stay sharp, build your resume, and create new connections.
• Create Your Own Opportunities: Remember that you are a licensed attorney, and you have the power to create your own opportunities. Collaborate with fellow attorneys, take on cases independently, and gradually build your practice.

Network and build a client base

Networking and building a client base are essential aspects of becoming a successful employment law attorney. Here are some strategies to help you achieve this:

Nurture Relationships

Building strong relationships is key to growing your client base. Focus on cultivating meaningful connections with colleagues, opposing counsel, and other professionals in your field. Ensure they view you not only as a competent lawyer but also as someone of good character worthy of referrals and introductions. Prioritize face-to-face interactions and phone conversations over emails and texts to foster deeper relationships. Remember, it's important to give as much as you receive – be proactive in referring cases to your colleagues, and they will be more inclined to reciprocate.

Provide Excellent Service

Happy clients are the best source of referrals. Always strive to deliver your best work and cultivate client satisfaction. When clients are delighted with your service, they are more likely to recommend you to others, expanding your client base.

Optimize Your Online Presence

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial. Invest in a well-optimized website that showcases your expertise and makes it easy for potential clients to find you. Incorporate relevant keywords, optimize your website for local searches, and ensure your site is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. Additionally, create valuable content, such as blog posts, videos, or infographics, that demonstrates your knowledge and engages your target audience.

Leverage Legal Directories

Online legal directories, such as Lawyers.com and Avvo, are searchable databases that can increase your visibility and credibility. These directories allow potential clients to find you more easily and learn more about your areas of expertise. A strong profile on reputable legal directories can boost your search engine rankings and attract more clients.

Engage Through Social Media

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter provide excellent opportunities to promote your law firm and interact with potential clients. Share valuable content, pose questions, and respond to comments and messages. Social media allows you to build relationships and showcase your expertise to a wider audience.

Get Involved in the Community

Sponsoring local events or organizations is a great way to get your name out there and connect with the community. Attend these events to meet community leaders and residents, and don't forget to bring business cards to hand out. This helps you establish yourself as a trusted member of the community and can lead to valuable referrals and introductions.

Conventional Marketing

While digital marketing is important, don't underestimate the power of conventional marketing tactics. Direct mail, billboard ads, and print media can still be effective in reaching your target audience. Attend trade shows and industry events to network with potential clients and showcase your expertise. Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful, so always carry business cards and be ready to introduce yourself to potential clients.

Manage Expectations

Building a solid client base takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent in your networking and marketing endeavors. Start by serving smaller clients and gradually work your way up. As your reputation grows and you consistently deliver excellent service, you will attract more clients and expand your base.

Frequently asked questions