NELA membership is open to attorneys, legal professionals, and law students who primarily represent workers in workplace‑related matters. To qualify, applicants must be able to certify that at least 51% of their employment‑related legal work is on behalf of employees, reflecting NELA’s commitment to a plaintiffs‑side community. Several membership levels are available—including Regular, Paraprofessional, and Law Student—each designed to support advocates at different stages of their careers. Enhanced membership tiers are also offered for those who wish to further support NELA’s mission while receiving additional benefits.
Eighty percent of your membership dues may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. The remaining portion is not tax deductible because it relates to NELA’s lobbying expenditures (see Internal Revenue Code 6033(e)). Law Student membership dues are exempt from this limitation.
Regular Membership
A Regular Member of NELA is any member of the bar in the United States who can certify that 51% or more of their employment-related legal representation is on behalf of workers. Regular members in good standing are eligible to vote and serve on NELA’s Board, deduct $25 from their membership dues if they are a member of a recognized NELA Affiliate, and have access to The NELA Exchange.| In practice 1-4 years | $265 |
| In practice 5-9 years | $430 |
| In practice 10+ years | $480 |
| Legal Services/Public Interest | $265 |
| Government Attorneys | $265 |
| Retired/Emeritus | $2225 |
| Paraprofessional | $170 |
| Law Students | $25 |
Enhanced Memberships
Enhanced memberships strengthen NELA’s ability to advance workers’ rights and support its nationwide community of advocates. In addition to all the benefits of Regular Membership, Enhanced membership levels receive the benefits listed below.| Contributing | $720 | Online advertising for one membership year in the “Find-A-Lawyer” Directory. Listing includes name, firm, firm logo, address, phone, fax, email, and website ($175 value). |
| Sustaining | $900 |
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| Advocates | $1,250 |
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| Defender | $2,500 |
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| Champion | $5,000 |
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Generally, membership dues are not refundable. If there are extenuating circumstances you would like us to consider, please reach out. All refund requests must be submitted in writing.
Whether you are building a practice, expanding your reach, or reigniting your purpose—NELA is where you belong.
Questions? Contact Tacarra Andrade, Membership Director, at tandrade@nelahq.org.
