From Student to Counsel: How to Become an Employment Lawyer

Do you love standing up for worker rights? Does helping employees navigate wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination sound rewarding? If so, a career as an employment lawyer may be the perfect path for you

This field is growing rapidly as labor laws evolve and workers demand fair treatment, Read on to learn the step-by-step process of breaking into this meaningful and lucrative profession,

Getting Your Foot in the Door with a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree

The journey begins by laying an educational foundation. While any major can technically qualify you for law school, choosing a relevant one like political science, business or economics makes you a more competitive candidate.

Some particularly helpful undergraduate courses include

• Business Law – Learn the legal framework governing companies.

• Labor Economics – Understand the labor force and its dynamics.

• Human Resources – Gain insight into workplace policies and culture.

• Political Science – Study systems of power, government and justice.

• Philosophy – Develop logic and debate skills.

• History – Understand historical social movements and workers’ rights evolution.

Gaining some pre-law work experience also looks great on law school applications. Possibilities include paralegal work, political internships or campus justice organizations. Any exposure to the legal field will give you a head start.

Conquering Law School

The next step is the big one: law school! To become licensed as an attorney, you must:

• Earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law program.

• Pass the bar exam in the state(s) where you plan to practice.

When researching schools, look for respected programs offering labor and employment law concentrations. Coursework will cover topics like:

• Labor Law – Union regulations, collective bargaining, etc.

• Employment Discrimination – Protected classes, adverse impacts, etc.

• Employment Litigation – Wrongful termination, non-competes, safety laws.

• Alternative Dispute Resolution – Arbitration, mediation and other non-litigation options.

Clinical experience with school labor law clinics is invaluable too. Moot court competitions, law journals and networking opportunities also boost your skills and resume.

Gaining Practical Experience as a Law Clerk

Fresh out of law school, you’ll need to log practical hours before licensure. Clerkships and internships under experienced employment law attorneys provide this hands-on training while building your reputation.

Typical activities in this role include:

• Conducting legal research and writing memos.

• Drafting basic pleadings, motions and discovery documents.

• Interacting with clients and witnesses.

• Observing depositions, settlement talks, trials and other proceedings.

• Developing litigation strategies under attorney guidance.

Choose opportunities wisely to maximize skill growth. Both plaintiff and defense-side placements provide well-rounded perspectives.

Passing the Bar Exam

Before you can officially practice law, you must pass the rigorous bar exam. Give yourself several months for intensive studying and practice tests. Some tips:

• Enroll in a bar prep course for structured study plans, materials and coaching.

• Join a study group for peer support, discussion and accountability.

• Use mnemonics, acronyms and other memory techniques.

• Time yourself closely on practice exams.

• Simulate test day conditions when possible.

• Take breaks to avoid burnout.

• Get plenty of rest, nutrition and exercise leading up.

Stay confident and keep pushing. Once you conquer the exam, your license will be well within reach!

Starting Your Employment Law Career

Finally, with bar passage on your resume, you can begin working as a bonafide employment attorney. Common career paths include:

Law Firms

• Work for a firm specializing in employment law on the plaintiff or defense side.

• Handle your own caseload under partner guidance.

• Gain well-rounded experience on diverse cases.

• Build your reputation and client base for eventual partnership.

In-House Counsel

• Work as an attorney for the legal department of a large company.

• Advise internally on employment issues and litigation risks.

• Interact frequently with HR, executives and employees.

• Provide a deeper understanding of one organization’s culture.

Government Agency

• Work for the EEOC, NLRB or similar public office.

• Litigate cases involving labor laws and employee rights.

• Help shape policy and enforcement practices.

• Fulfill a public service mission.

Weigh factors like work-life balance, income potential, travel and team dynamics when choosing your ideal route. You can’t go wrong dedicating your skills to any area protecting workers’ rights!

Growing Your Career Over the Long Term

Once your employment law career is up and running, focus on continuous skills growth and reputation building. Strategies such as:

• Publish articles in legal journals to establish thought leadership.

• Speak at legal conferences and organizations to widen your network.

• Take CLE seminars to stay current on the evolving landscape.

• Join professional groups like the ABA Labor and Employment Law Section.

• Consider an LLM master’s degree for in-depth specialization.

• Mentor newer attorneys at your firm or through bar associations.

• Give back through pro bono work and community initiatives.

With persistence and consistency, you can rise to senior partner, executive counsel or agency leadership levels over time.

Making a Difference as an Employment Law Attorney

Choosing a career in employment law means stepping up when workers’ livelihoods and dignity are on the line. By leveraging your skills to right wrongs in the workplace, you get to make a real difference while earning a great living.

Sure, the road ahead has challenges – late nights prepping cases, grueling bar exam prep and plenty of demanding clients. But for those willing to put in the work and dedication, a world of purpose and opportunity awaits.

So if a calling to advocate for employees motivates you, forge ahead boldly. With passion, grit and the above roadmap, you will undoubtedly join the ranks of successful employment law attorneys. Now get out there and start sticking up for workers’ rights!