If you are interested in labor law, there are different opportunities throughout the United States. Here are some examples from the AFL-CIO:

CALIFORNIA

Davis Cowell & Bowe's San Francisco office seeks an associate with 0-8 years experience to work primarily on litigation in California state and federal courts, including prevailing-wage issues, traditional labor litigation, construction-industry labor law and defense of labor standards ordinances. NLRB and arbitration work also possible.  Strong writing and analytic skills are needed.  The firm has large, active union clients throughout California, Arizona and Nevada, and also do employment law class action work.  For more information, go to http://www.daviscowellandbowe.com.  The firm allows associates substantial responsibility and client contact without oppressive work hours. While candidates with a prior interest in labor and with prior litigation experience are preferred, they will also consider others with progressive movement experience.  Please send cover letter, resume, writing sample and transcript to Andrew Kahn, 595 Market St. #1400, San Francisco CA 94105, or via email to ajk@dcbsf.com and/or jjdavis@dcbsf.com.

Davis Cowell & Bowe's San Francisco office seeks an associate with 0-8 years experience to work primarily on assisting Taft-Hartley trust funds on ERISA matters.  The largest of these trust funds are in California, Hawaii, and Nevada, and are in the hospitality and grocery industries, but they also represent building trades funds. This associate can work on some non-ERISA matters as well. For more information, go to www.daviscowellandbowe.com.  Candidates should have some prior exposure to ERISA.  Please send cover letter, resume, writing sample and transcript to Lori Culp, 595 Market St. #1400, San Francisco CA 94105 or via email to lculp@dcbsf.com.

Davis, Cowell & Bowe, LLP in San Francisco is seeking law clerks for next summer. the firm has expanded beyond traditional labor and employee benefits law in their work for unions, to include First Amendment, corporations and securities, consumer, environmental, election, immigration, antitrust and other areas of the law. They are looking for people who are committed to social and economic justice, who are prepared to work hard and with innovation to achieve it and who are not afraid to venture into the unknown. Please send resume, writing sample and transcript to: Andrew Kahn, Davis, Cowell and Bowe, 595 Market Street, Suite 1400, San Francisco, CA 94105, ajk@dcbsf.com.

Beeson, Tayer & Beeson seeks 2009 Summer Law Clerks for their Oakland and Sacramento offices.  They prefer that applicants be in their second year of law school and have completed or be enrolled in labor and employment law courses.  In addition to a strong academic background and superior writing skills, applicants must share our commitment to the labor movement and have a demonstrated interest in working for progressive organizations.  The firm represents labor unions, their members and multiemployer benefit plans, as well as select individuals in wage and hour litigation.  Clerks will primarily work on research assignments with attorneys, but may be asked for assistance on other projects as needed. This position is non-exempt $20.00-$24.00 per hour DOE and location.  Please send your cover letter, resume, transcript & references by email to employment@beesontayer.com.  Please specify 'Oakland Summer Law Clerk' or 'Sacramento Summer Law Clerk' in the subject line, as appropriate.  No phone calls or in-person applicants please.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The AFL-CIO's Legal Department seeks summer law clerks to assist on a variety of legal and public policy issues involving the Federation's affiliated unions and the national labor movement.  The law clerks' duties include legal research and writing in a wide range of areas, including NLRA, FLSA, and a host of legislative, regulatory and public matters, including immigrant worker rights.  Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to the labor movement and to issues affecting working families.  2Ls are preferred.  To apply, email aavendan@aflcio.org.

KANSAS

Kansas City firm specializing in union-side labor and employee benefits seeks an associate with 0-2 years experience.  This position will include all aspects of traditional labor law (such as collective bargaining agreement interpretation/negotiation, federal litigation, and practice before the NLRB), as well as employee benefit litigation.  Applicants must be committed to the cause of organized labor.  Please email a resume, cover letter and transcript to attorney Martin Walter at mww@blake-uhlig.com.

NEW YORK

New York City Labor Firm Seeks Entry Level Associate - Spivak Lipton LLP represents labor unions and benefit funds with offices in New York City and Los Angeles.  The firm seeks an entry level associate (0-4 years) with demonstrated commitment to unions for its New York City Office.  Strong research and writing skills required.  Responsibilities would include labor (public and private sector) and benefits law.  Send cover letter, resume and writing sample to Sara Corello, Spivak Lipton LLP, 1700 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.  Email: scorello@spivaklipton.com. No telephone inquiries.

LEGAL INTERNSHIP WITH PROGRESSIVE UNION - The in-house Legal Department of New York’s Transport Workers Union Local 100 welcomes applications from second and third-year law students for internships/externships commencing immediately.  Candidates should possess strong interest in social justice and worker advocacy, and should be developing rigorous research and writing skills.  Legal Interns will assist with litigation, disciplinary and contract arbitrations, accompany attorneys to administrative hearings and court, and perform legal research, among other responsibilities.   Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until November 30, 2008.  Please send a resume and letter of interest to:  Retu Singla, Legal Department, TWU Local 100, 80 West End Avenue, New York, New York 10023, fax no. (212) 362-4305, or via email at rsingla@twulocal100.org.

WASHINGTON

Schwerin Campbell Barnard & Iglitzin, LLP, a Seattle-based union side labor and employment firm, seeks an associate level attorney with 0-5 years experience, ERISA and trust fund experience desirable. Looking for a highly motivated and academically talented candidate interested in a dynamic litigation practice that includes significant wage and hour and class action work.  Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to the labor movement and social justice.  Our clients range from hotel, hospital and homecare workers to educators, machinists, teamsters, longshore and building trades.  If you are passionate about representing working people and labor organizations, please submit detailed cover letter, resume, transcript and three references, to helfer@workerlaw.com.

Florida Opportunities

MATTHEWS & HAWKINS, P.A., an 11-attorney firm located in Destin, Florida, is seeking a first-year litigation associate. Internship and real estate experience a plus. Excellent salary & benefits package. Send resume an inquires to hr@destinlaw.com. 

HOUSING ATTORNEY: With non-profit legal services law firm in Central Florida. Bilingual (Spanish-English) preferred. Florida Bar membership is required. Excellent benefits including student loan repayment program; free health, dental, disability and life insurance; law firm funded retirement plan; generous paid time off. Salary D.O.E. Send resume, writing samples and references to Stephanie Schultz at stephanies@clsmf.org or fax to (386) 323-5762. E.O.E. 

THE BLEAKLEY Law Firm has an opening for an associate attorney with 0-3 years of experience. The firm is seeking attorneys with excellent academic credentials, solid courtroom presence, and strong research and writing skills. The firm offers an excellent benefit package including full health insurance coverage and matching contribution for a retirement account. The firm also typically provides excellent bonus compensation at year end. The salary offered will be commensurate with the attorney’s level of experience and qualifications. Qualified applicants can submit resume to contactus@thebleakleylawfirm.com or via fax to (813) 221-3198 and Attn: Jayme Bluffstone. 

City of Gainesville, Asst. City Attorney I; Starting Salary Negotiable Between $57,072 - $69,913. City of Gainesville is seeking an attorney with excellent work and law school credentials - top 20% of the class preferred. The position will involve both civil litigation and transactional practice. Preference will be given to candidates with litigation and/or real property, land use, planning and zoning experience. Min. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college of law and active membership in The Florida Bar at time of application. Note: At time of interview, applicants will take a written technical skills test. Competitive compensation and a great benefits package! Apply on-line at www.cityofgainesville.org. Applicants should submit a resume, GPA and two writing samples at the time of on-line application to Monique Hatt, P.O. Box 490, Sta. 46, Gainesville, FL 32601.

internship and clerkship Opportunities for STUDENTS

The North Carolina Government Internship Program

The prestigious and competitive North Carolina State Government Internship Program is again offering 100 paid summer internship opportunities in state government agencies, for undergraduate and graduate students of many disciplines. Applications are now being accepted for the Summer 2009 North Carolina State Government Internship Program.

A variety of professional internship opportunities are located across the state and are available to North Carolina residents studying at the undergraduate or graduate level, or in law school. Summer interns work full-time (40 hours per week) for a 10-week period at a wage of $8.25/hour. Applications must be postmarked by January 21, 2009, for consideration. Student applicants must meet the following criteria:

* Permanent resident of North Carolina,

* Currently enrolled at a college/university and continuing education in Fall 2009,

* Carrying a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale,

* Completed high school and at least one year of college at the time the internship begins in May,

* And have not participated in the State Government Internship Program or an N.C. General Assembly paid internship in the past.

The 2009 N.C. State Government Internship Program booklet and an application form can be downloaded from the website at www.ncyaio.com (select Internships, Information for Students, then Summer Projects). The booklet contains all program details, including available internship positions and application instructions.

Internships With The International Labour Organization ("ILO")

OBJECTIVES

Internships with the International Labour Organization ("ILO") provide an opportunity for selected undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students who are pursuing a course of study or work in fields related to the ILO's mandate and activities to:

(a) increase their understanding of relevant issues at the international level by involving them directly in the work of the Office and the application of ILO principles, programmes and strategies;

(b) gain practical work experience related to their academic background or future work in the field related to ILO's mission.

Interns gain an understanding of how the ILO operates and enhance their educational experience by working under the supervision of a senior staff member.

The backgrounds of interns are matched with the needs of the Office. Interns provide the Office with the assistance of young talent for a limited period and offer the most recent thinking and research experience in their area of academic study.

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be considered for an internship at the ILO, applicants should meet the following requirements and qualifications:

Education:

·                                 Applicants should have completed graduate and/or postgraduate studies or be in the final year of undergraduate studies;

·                                 Applicants should hold degrees in disciplines considered relevant to the ILO's work, e.g. international law, economics, industrial relations, political science and the social sciences.

Nationality:

·                                 Applicants can be of any nationality.

Languages:

·                                 Applicants should have a working (both oral and written) knowledge of at least one of the ILO's official languages (English, French or Spanish).

Skills:

·                                 Applicants should be able to adapt to an international, multicultural, multilingual environment;

·                                 Good communication skills;

·                                 Ability to work fairly independently or as part of a team;

·                                 Initiative and flexibility;

Other:

·                                 Any past work experience and knowledge of IT-related work would be an advantage;

DURATION

The length of an internship should not normally be less than three months nor exceed six months.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

Where an intern is not supported by an institution (university, government or otherwise), a stipend to cover basic subsistence costs will be paid. In ILO field locations, the amount of the stipend to be paid to interns will be established in line with other similar organizations engaging interns at local level and taking account of local circumstances.

CONDITIONS OF INTERNSHIPS

·                                 The cost of travel, insurance and accommodation, as well as living expenses, are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions.

·                                 Interns are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and for obtaining the necessary passport and visa or other documents for entering any other duty station.

·                                 Interns are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

·                                 ILO does not accept responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during an internship.

·                                 Interns are responsible for procuring and maintaining their own insurance coverage for illness and accidents while they are working at the ILO and a copy of documentation attesting to such insurance coverage should be provided to HRD by each intern on their first day of internship.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The selection of candidates for internships is completely decentralized to individual departments. The ILO does not have specific vacancies for interns. There is no list of internship vacancies. Internships are awarded by individual departments based on their needs and whether or not a candidate's profile meets those needs.

Candidates are therefore advised to consult the ILO's website to familiarize themselves with the work of the various sectors and departments and to submit a CV and cover letter directly to those departments which interest them most. Should there be a need for an intern in that department, the candidate will be contacted directly. For an internship in an ILO field office, please send your applications directly to the relevant office.

U.S. Department of State 2009 Student Internship Program

Law Student Union Summer - sponsored by the American federation of labor and congress of industrial organizations ("AFL-CIO")

Check Out

Law Student Union Summer

Sponsored by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations

Law Student Union Summer ("LSUS") is a unique and exciting 10-week internship for law students that combines front-line legal work with grass-roots organizing in real, on-going campaigns by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations ("AFL-CIO") affiliated unions in various regions of the country.

 In addition to legal research and writing, LSUS interns are involved in community out-reach, member mobilization, corporate and other non-legal research, legislative campaigns and general litigation.  Responsibilities may include interviewing workers and drafting memoranda with factual and legal analysis in connection with presenting evidence to the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") in unfair labor practice investigations and administrative hearings.  Similar work may be performed in connection with wage and hour violations, discrimination claims, immigration issues, environmental regulations, and consumer protection, and workers’ compensation and/or other issues that may arise during organizing or contract campaigns.  Organizing activities, including canvassing, planning and implementing solidarity-building activities, and participating in meetings and home visits, are another primary component of the program.  Travel may be required; work will vary from placement to placement.  

Interns work on-site, at locations throughout the country [NOT in Washington, D.C.].  The weekly stipend is $600 and transportation and housing are provided.  Interns are supervised by attorneys and union organizers.  The program starts on June 1, 2009 and runs through August 7, 2009.  

ELIGIBILITY:          

• First or second year student at an accredited law school.
• Demonstrated interest in labor law.
• Preferred:  Successful completion of labor law courses; experience in organizing and activism, with community, political, campus or other social justice organizations. 

• Available for placement at the location assigned* and able to complete the entire 10-week program, from June 1, 2009 through August 7, 2009.

LSUS EXPECTS INTERNS TO:

• Work with the union at the location assigned by the LSUS program.  
• Perform work as directed by the sponsoring union.
• Complete the entire 10-week program.
• Attend a three-day orientation and training at the beginning of the program (expenses paid).
• Post weekly on-line journal entries.
• Complete a final LSUS evaluation summarizing the LSUS experience and offering constructive criticism for LSUS 2010.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Application, cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript (unofficial), and references with complete and current contact information. Applications may be accessed online and are also available in the CDO office.

• Submit by mail, e-mail, facsimile, or online to: 

AFL-CIO Law Student Union Summer

Nancy Schiffer, Associate General Counsel, AFL-CIO

815 16th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006  Phone: 202/637-5336  

Online: http://www.aflcio.org/aboutus/lsus

Email:  nschiffer@aflcio.org; Fax:  202/637-5323

Application deadline:  January 26, 2009 for 1Ls