The University of Minnesota Law School offers J.D. and LL.M. students a unique concentration in the dynamic field of labor and employment law. Drawing from the expertise of our nationally renowned faculty, practitioners of labor and employment law, and partnerships with other University of Minnesota programs, students can immerse themselves in interdisciplinary courses and seminars, specialized moot court and clinical programs, externships and student organizations.

Further questions should be referred to the faculty chair for the concentration in labor and employment law:

Laura Cooper
612-625-4320
lcooper@umn.edu

Program Highlights

Unique and wide variety of core and specialized courses
Interdisciplinary courses, drawing from a wealth of opportunities throughout the University of Minnesota
Externship programs at the National Labor Relations Board and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Option to participate in A Workers’ Rights Clinic, representing low-wage workers and workers with discrimination claims
Opportunities for part-time and summer employment in state and federal agencies, law firms and Fortune 500 corporations
Active Student Employment and Labor Law Association
Networking and career employment opportunities with alumni worldwide

Study Opportunities

Concentration courses range from introductory courses in labor and employment law to specialized courses on the Americans with Disabilities Act in the workplace, alternative dispute resolution, employment discrimination, and more. The Law School has recently added a comparative labor and employment law course and an advanced topical seminar in employment law.

Law students also can take advantage of interdisciplinary graduate study opportunities available throughout the University of Minnesota, including the Carlson School of Management, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, and the departments of sociology and applied economics.

Practical Opportunities

Second- and third-year students can focus their legal research, advocacy writing, and oral argument skills in a specialized labor and employment moot court program. Second-year students present oral arguments before professors and attorneys, and third-year students compete in the Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition in New York City.

Students participate in a Workers’ Rights Clinic, representing low-wage workers and workers with discrimination claims. Student advocates address individual and systemic workplace problems through legal representation and alternative actions.

Students earn course credit for externships with the National Labor Relations Board and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Working under the supervision of law professors and government attorneys, students learn legal doctrine and practice skills while handling unfair labor practices and employment discrimination cases.

Employment Opportunities

The Twin Cities legal community offers students abundant opportunities for part-time work during the school year or full-time work during the summer in labor and employment law.

Prospective employers from around the country come to the Law School to interview students for summer and permanent positions. Our graduates work in law and business schools, and state and federal agencies. They work as in-house counsel in corporations and unions, in large and small private law firms, and serve as arbitrators and mediators.

Student-Led Opportunities

The Student Employment and Labor Law Association (SELLA), one of the most active student organizations at the Law School, presents monthly meetings with speakers who address controversial issues in the field. SELLA also hosts networking events.