Skills and Knowledge Needed in Labor and Employment Law


Skills and Knowledge Needed in Labor and Employment Law

An understanding of human psychology and social interactions is essential for a job as a labor or employment lawyer, since disputes between corporate owners, managers and their underlings are often highly emotional and volatile, according to experts on the field. An aptitude for and an interest in negotiation is also a must for this profession, so anyone who intends to enter this field should strongly consider taking a negotiation course in law school if it is available, experts suggest.

Future labor and employment lawyers should consider enrolling in at least one elective course that focuses on this area of law and should consider taking a class in civil rights law, which is closely connected to the practice of labor and employment law, some experts say.

Aspiring labor and employment attorneys should also look into doing an internship or externship during law school with a labor-related government agency such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, experts suggest.

Schools with employment law clinics can give an extremely helpful introduction to handling employment matters, which will stand out on a resume both for the experience and the commitment to the area of law.

An employment lawyer who typically represents employers, suggests that problem-solving abilities are necessary in order to excel as a labor and employment attorney.

Job Outlook for Labor and Employment Attorneys

There is significant demand for labor and employment attorneys currently for a variety of reasons, including the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter social movements

Employment law has really been a focus for a lot of employers in need of guidance through issues like sexual harassment and diversity and inclusion. That is and has always been, at the heart of employment law

What Is Labor and Employment Law?

The field of labor and employment law covers nearly every disagreement that may arise between business owners, managers and subordinates, including allegations of theft. This legal specialty defines the rights and responsibilities of workers, their bosses and company owners, and it sets the limits for what each party is permitted to do in the workplace.

This expansive legal discipline is divided into two major segments: 

Labor law, which focuses on collective bargaining and unions;

Employment law, which concentrates on the relationship between a worker and his or her supervisors.

It's an all-encompassing area of law with something that appeals to everyone,

You can work on either side of the fence as well, representing either plaintiffs or corporate defendants.

 Employment Law (in Plain English)® provides both employers and employees the information they need in order to understand the law as it relates to their working relationship. This helpful guide will enable readers to identify and prevent many of the issues which can and do occur in the employment context, thus saving everyone valuable time and money and establishing a stronger workforce. While this book is not intended to replace the reader’s employment lawyer, it will provide the ability to assist one’s lawyer in litigation should the need arise. Chapters discuss a variety of topics including:

  • Advertising for new positions and vacancies
  • Interviewing, hiring, and other pre-employment considerations
  • Employment contracts
  • Union shops
  • Collective bargaining agreements
  • Employee handbooks
  • First day on the job
  • Wages hours and other terms and conditions of employment
  • On-the-job rights and responsibilities
  • Employee dignity, privacy, and reputation
  • Ownership of work created by employees
  • Private employment versus public employment
  • Internet concerns
  • Virtual offices
  • Employees versus independent contractor statutes
  • Discipline and termination of the employment relationship
  • Dispute resolution
  • Fringe benefits
  • How to find a lawyer
In easy-to-understand terms and with plenty of examples, this essential handbook supplies readers with invaluable insights on the legal nature of their working relationships.

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