Anaya Nolan
Employment law is a versatile field that touches on issues arising in a wide range of other legal disciplines. Employment lawyers help their clients uphold a variety of labor laws that serve as protections in the workplace. They may represent an individual employee, a group of employees, or an employer. Lawyers with a degree in employment law can choose to work in a variety of sectors and settings, including law firms, in-house at companies, non-profits, and government agencies. They can also choose to specialize in a particular area of employment law, such as labor law, which involves mediating the relationship between unionized employees, their unions, and their employers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work as a barrister or solicitor | |
| Provide legal advice and represent clients in legal proceedings | |
| Work as a judicial clerk | |
| Work in law firms in areas like business development, recruitment, finances, human resources, etc. | |
| Work as a legislative representative | |
| Work in publishing, media, or academia | |
| Work as an in-house lawyer for a company | |
| Work in Human Resources | |
| Work as a labor lawyer | |
| Work in non-profit organisations | |
| Work as a chartered legal executive |
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What You'll Learn
Become an in-house lawyer for a business or company
In-house lawyers, also known as corporate lawyers, are legal professionals employed directly by a business or company. They are responsible for providing legal advice and guidance to their employer on a variety of issues, including contracts, intellectual property, employment law, patents, taxes, and collective bargaining agreements with unions. In-house lawyers work exclusively for their employer, as opposed to lawyers in law firms who have a range of clients. This allows in-house lawyers to become part of the team and work closely with people from non-legal backgrounds on policy issues. They are often involved in strategic decision-making and may be responsible for contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, and other business transactions.
To become an in-house lawyer, you will typically need a law degree and a state license, which usually requires passing a bar examination, such as the All India Bar Examination or the bar exam in the US. In the US, most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). This typically involves completing a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as law, business, finance, or political science, followed by three years of law school. Law school prepares you to take the bar exam and provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to practice law.
In addition to a strong academic background, successful in-house lawyers should possess well-developed analytical, communication, and negotiation skills. Emotional intelligence, self-confidence, and mental acuity are also important qualities for in-house lawyers, as they need to interact with a variety of stakeholders, including executives, business partners, employees, and vendors.
In-house lawyers can find employment in a wide range of industries, including retail, marketing, travel, hospitality, insurance, technology, gaming, film, and TV. The career offers flexibility and strong salary prospects, with the opportunity to work for a single organization or as a freelance consultant on national or international projects.
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Work for a law firm specialising in employment law
Employment law is a dynamic field that covers all matters related to the workplace. Employment lawyers advise organisations, public and private sector clients, charities, and individuals. The work can be divided into two categories: employee rights and obligations, and employer rights and obligations.
Working for a law firm specialising in employment law means you could be involved in a wide range of tasks, including:
Advising and Representing Clients
Employment lawyers provide legal advice and representation to clients in various employment-related matters, such as workplace disputes, employee engagements, contracts, industrial relations, workplace safety, individual grievances, and terminations. They may also advise on more complex issues, such as disability discrimination, mental health, and neurodiversity in the workplace.
Drafting Legal Documents
Employment lawyers are often responsible for drafting letters, agreements, and litigation documents. This requires strong research skills as employment law can be legally technical. It also demands adaptability to keep up with constantly changing laws and legislation.
Working with Organisers and Unions
Labor lawyers often work directly with organisers and unions. They help solidify or expand union membership, negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, and provide legal support during organising drives and collective bargaining processes.
Business Development and Client Relations
In addition to legal skills, employment lawyers in a firm setting may also need to focus on business development and client relations. This includes establishing strong relationships with clients and winning new work through effective marketing and business development strategies.
In-house Opportunities
Some employment lawyers may choose to work 'in-house', where they are employed directly by a business or organisation. In this role, they advise their employer on a range of legal issues, including contract negotiations, managing intellectual property, and employment law matters. In-house lawyers often have a more proactive role in policy development and feel more integrated into the team.
Non-legal Roles
Law firms also offer a variety of non-legal roles for those with employment law degrees. These positions may include business development, attorney recruitment, law firm finances, human resources, or managing office workflow.
Overall, working for a law firm specialising in employment law offers a diverse range of opportunities to apply your legal knowledge and skills. It is a dynamic and rewarding career path that allows you to make a direct impact on individuals, organisations, and social issues.
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Work for a non-profit organisation
A degree in employment law can be a great asset if you want to work for a non-profit organisation. Non-profits often deal with issues relating to labour and employment law, so your expertise will be invaluable in this sector.
Non-profit organisations are often leanly staffed, with less hierarchy, so you will likely find yourself with a great deal of responsibility early on in your career. This means you can gain significant and valuable experience very quickly. You will also be involved with community advocacy and will be required to think of and pursue creative ways of promoting policy initiatives and legislation.
You could find yourself working as an in-house lawyer, providing advice and guidance on a variety of legal issues that will affect the organisation. Alternatively, you could work as a public interest lawyer, representing clients in areas such as landlord-tenant disagreements or negotiating child visitation rights.
If you are interested in international relations, you could pursue a career as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. State Department. In this role, you would research and write reports and enter into negotiations with government officials. A law degree and background knowledge of international law would be beneficial for this career path.
Many lawyers who work at foundations come from a background in public interest litigation or non-profit work. You could also consider joining a non-profit's board of directors, which could provide valuable management and fundraising experience.
Overall, a degree in employment law can provide you with a range of transferrable skills that would be highly valuable in the non-profit sector, including problem-solving, working under pressure, conflict resolution, and persuasive reasoning.
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Work in HR
A degree in employment law can open up several career paths in the field of human resources (HR). HR professionals with a degree in employment law are well-equipped to handle a range of tasks related to employee relations, labour laws, and workplace policies. Here are some ways you can utilise your degree in employment law within the HR domain:
In-house HR Roles:
In-house HR professionals are employed directly by a company or organisation, rather than working for a law firm with multiple clients. In-house HR lawyers are responsible for providing legal advice and guidance solely to their employer. They work closely with the company's management and employees to ensure compliance with labour laws and regulations. In-house HR lawyers may also be involved in contract negotiations, managing intellectual property, and advising on employment law-related matters. This role offers a diverse range of responsibilities and allows legal professionals to combine their legal expertise with a particular industry of interest.
Labour Law Specialisation:
Labour lawyers specialise in mediating the relationship between unionised employees, their unions, and their employers. They assist in organising and expanding union membership, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and providing legal support during labour disputes. Labour lawyers often work with large unions, such as the United Steelworkers, to facilitate new organising drives and ensure the protection of employees' rights. This specialisation within HR allows lawyers to focus on the unique dynamics of unionised workplaces and advocate for employees' collective representation.
Non-Profit Organisations:
Employment lawyers working for non-profit organisations often enjoy a better work-life balance and a more streamlined organisational structure. Young attorneys in non-profits often take on significant responsibilities early in their careers, gaining valuable experience quickly. They are often involved in community advocacy and play a crucial role in promoting policy initiatives and legislation that support historically disenfranchised groups. Working for a non-profit organisation provides employment lawyers with the opportunity to directly impact social and economic advancement for underrepresented communities.
Traditional Law Firms:
Law firms, especially those specialising in employment law, offer a more traditional career path for those with a degree in employment law. Employment lawyers in law firms may represent individual employees, groups of employees, or employers in workplace disputes. They advise clients on understanding employment law, fostering a legally compliant workplace, and drafting workplace policies that align with federal, state, and local regulations. Working in a law firm allows employment lawyers to gain diverse experience across various industries and clients.
HR Roles in Education:
Educational institutions, such as universities and school districts, often have dedicated legal departments or HR teams that employ lawyers specialising in employment law. For example, the California Teachers Association (CTA) includes teachers, professors, nurses, librarians, counsellors, social workers, and psychologists among its members. The CTA's Legal Services Department litigates statutory rights, files petitions, and addresses unfair labour practices. Working in the education sector allows employment lawyers to engage with a diverse range of professionals and advocate for their rights within the educational context.
A degree in employment law provides a strong foundation for a career in HR, offering diverse opportunities to apply legal knowledge and skills in a variety of organisational settings.
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Become a barrister or solicitor
If you want a career in the courtroom, you can become a barrister or a solicitor with a degree in employment law. As a barrister, you will be a specialist in advocacy who presents a case in court. You will provide legal advice and represent clients in various legal proceedings, such as hearings, trials, and appeals. Barristers are usually self-employed and operate collectively from organisations known as 'chambers' or 'sets'. However, some barristers work for the 'employed Bar', which includes working for government departments or agencies, such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Government Legal Profession, or in the legal departments of large companies or organisations such as charities.
To become a barrister, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Obtain a law degree or a non-law degree plus a conversion course, such as a graduate diploma in law.
- Complete the Bar Practice Course (BPC) or a Bar Professional Training Course.
- Secure a pupillage, which can be competitive, and may require several interviews and applications.
- Undertake a period of training, which may include working in a solicitor's office or gaining law-related work experience.
- Pass any required examinations and complete any necessary practical training.
As a solicitor, you will provide legal advice and guidance to clients and may represent them outside of the courtroom, depending on your specialisation. You will liaise with clients, draft legal documents, and help barristers prepare for trials. Solicitors are typically employed by a law firm and may work in a variety of settings, including small or boutique law firms, large firms with many lawyers, or in-house for a company or organisation.
To become a solicitor, you will need to take the following steps:
- Obtain a law degree or complete a solicitor apprenticeship or qualification from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX).
- Gain relevant work experience, such as through internships or other legal work.
- Complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).
- Apply for training contracts with law firms or organisations.
Both barristers and solicitors require strong legal knowledge and a range of transferable skills, such as problem-solving, working under pressure, conflict resolution, and persuasive reasoning. They may also specialise in a particular area of law, such as employment law, chancery law, or human rights law. It is important to research the specific requirements and qualifications needed for your desired career path, as well as to gain practical experience and build a strong network in the legal field.
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Frequently asked questions
Employment lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in counseling clients through labour-related issues. They help employers and employees navigate their rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Employment lawyers may represent either party and help them understand employment law to foster a safe and legally compliant workplace.
Employment lawyers help their clients uphold a variety of labour laws and protections in the workplace. They may advise on and mediate workplace disputes, draft workplace policies, and help employers and employees reach resolutions through methods like collective bargaining. Employment lawyers also help employers understand employment law to create a legally compliant workplace.
To become an employment lawyer, you will need to complete a law degree and further qualifications, such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). You should also gain practical, in-house training by joining a law firm specializing in employment law. You can also boost your career prospects by developing key legal skills through online courses designed by legal experts.
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