2023 Impact Report

NELA’s mission is to empower workers’ rights attorneys through legal training, promoting a fair judiciary, and advocating for laws and policies that level the playing field for workers. Together with our members, Affiliates, and partners, we are making a significant difference in the lives of working people throughout the country.

As 2023 comes to a close, we are reminded it takes a dedicated community to effect change and attain justice for workers. Thank you for your continued commitment to this work and for being part of the NELA community.

We are excited to share with you the NELA Impact Report for 2023

Amicus Curiae

A Powerful Voice in the Courts

To promote the interests of workers and assist the lawyers who represent them, NELA files amicus curiae briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Courts of Appeals in cases involving employment and civil rights-related issues. NELA relies on the generous support of our members and volunteer brief writers in order to participate as amicus curiae. Through partnerships with our Affiliates and coalition partners, NELA participated as amicus curiae in 14 cases in 2023.

U.S. Supreme Court

Groff v. DeJoy
Muldrow v. City of St. Louis

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Shipton v. B.G.E

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Harris v. FedEx

Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Fitzgerald v. Roncalli High School, Inc.
Rodgers-Rouzier v. American Queen Steamboat Operating Company

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Thomas v. JTSC

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Ali v. Regan (D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals)
Avalos v. United States (Circuit Court for the Federal Circuit)
Huang v. OSU (Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals)
Ingram v. Dunbar (Third Circuit Court of Appeals)
LaRose v. King County (Washington Court of Appeals, District II)
Mera v. S.A. Hospitality (Southern District of New York)
Scott v. Baltimore County (Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals)

Learn More About Our Amicus Program

Advocacy

Advocating for Workers’ Rights in our Nation’s Capital

For workers to attain justice, the landscape has to change. Over the last year, NELA has supported 5 key pieces of worker-friendly legislation, partnered with the DOL and the EEOC, helped expand the diversity of the federal bench by supporting several highly qualified executive and judicial nominees, and filed comments in support of 9 proposed federal rules. NELA is also involved in a robust campaign to eliminate damage caps in employment discrimination cases.

Legislation Supported

Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act (enacted June 27, 2023)

Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act of 2023

Raise the Wage Act of 2023

Paycheck Fairness Act

Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act

Comments Filed

Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees (DOL)

Proposed Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace (EEOC)

Regulations to Implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (EEOC)

Whistleblower Protection for Federal Bureau of Investigation Employees (DOJ)

Advancing Pay Equity in Governmentwide Pay Systems (OPM)

Recruitment and Selection Through Competitive Examination, and Employment in the Excepted Service (OPM)

Upholding Civil Service Protections and Merit System Principles (OPM)

Non-Compete Clause Rule (FTC)

Proposed Amendment to Federal Rule of Evidence 611

Learn More About Our Advocacy Efforts

Continuing Legal Education

Strengthening the Plaintiffs’ Bar

NELA continues to provide exceptional legal training to assist our members in being the best advocates they can be for their clients. In 2023, NELA hosted 3 signature CLE events and several virtual programs. In total, NELA trained more than 1,500 workers’ rights advocates this year.

The Changing Face of Wage & Hour Litigation
San Diego, CA

Elevating Justice
NELA 2023 Annual Convention
Chicago, IL

Defeating Summary Judgment
in the Face of Evolving Defense Tactics
Atlanta, GA

NELA also hosted several virtual trainings, addressing topics such as the NLRB’s McLaren Macomb decision on severance agreements and the recently enacted Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

National Institute for Workers’ Rights

A Bold Vision for the American Workplace

The National Institute for Workers’ Rights (Institute) has bold vision for the American workplace—one in which all workers are treated with dignity and respect; workplaces are equitable, diverse, and inclusive; and the well-being of workers is a priority in business practices. The Institute’s work falls under three pillars: economic dignity, workplace justice, and the future of worker advocacy.

In 2023, the Institute welcomed Jason Solomon as the inaugural Director.

Through the Workers’ Rights Advocacy Scholarship Program, the Institute provided $10,000 in scholarship support to nine workers’ rights advocates, including public interest or legal services attorneys, lawyers in private practice, government attorneys, and law students, expanding NELA’s reach.

Under Jason’s leadership and with the support of Paul H. Tobias Attorney Fellow Erica Posey, the Institute participated as amicus curiae in cases fighting against forced arbitration, preserving access to juries, developing the law surrounding family and medical leave, and combating wage theft.

Learn More About The Institute

As the largest plaintiffs’ employment bar association in the country, our members are the heart and soul of everything we do. In carrying out our mission to empower workers’ rights attorneys, NELA provides exceptional opportunities for professional development through networking, educational programs, and technical support.

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“The collective wisdom and information provided by NELA members is invaluable to the solo practitioner.”

“From the Convention’s first substantive plenary session to the closing plenary session, Annual Convention continues the tradition of sharing, learning, and camaraderie that makes NELA unique and our family of employee rights advocates strong.”

“I was blown away by my first experience at an Annual NELA Convention. The warmth and welcoming of the members was touching.”

“I very much appreciated the opportunity to attend the NELA conference. It was very helpful and informative as I think about how to expand my non-profit’s legal program work into advocacy on behalf of low wage workers and sexual harassment. Thank you very much for this opportunity.”

“The scholarship award was so much more than funding; it was an award of opportunity and equity.”

“NELA has given me confidence and support! I’ve been able to exchange ideas with GREAT people. And I’ve been reassured on those days I want to throw in the towel.”