NELA
Empowering Workers' Rights Attorneys
As the premier national bar association for workers’ rights attorneys in the country, NELA is more than a professional network—it’s a movement. Since 1985, our members have fought for fairness, dignity, and accountability in the workplace, and building a strong, inclusive pipeline of future leaders to carry that mission forward.
Connect with Mentors & Trailblazers
NELA members have played pivotal roles in shaping landmark employment law decisions that have advanced workers’ rights across the country. Build relationships with experienced practitioners who are eager to support your growth and share their knowledge.
Access Exclusive Training & Resources
Attend top-tier CLE programs, including our Annual Convention, Trial Boot Camp (2026), Wage and Hour Update (2027), and other in-person and virtual programs at discounted student rates.
Shape the Future of Advocacy
Join practice groups and committees to connect, collaborate, and grow. Participate in national lobby days to elevate the voices of workers and advocates. Help shape policies that uphold and advance workers’ rights.
Join a Community That Values Your Perspective
NELA is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. You’ll find a welcoming space to learn, lead, and thrive.
Wherever you are in your legal journey, NELA is here for you. Join a vibrant community committed to empowering advocates, building real-world skills, forging lasting connections, and driving change in workers’ rights.
Questions about membership? Contact Tacarra Andrade, Membership Director.
An Introduction to Plaintiffs’ Employment Law
Plaintiffs’ employment law can be one of the most impactful and deeply rewarding areas of legal practice.
In a recent discussion with law students, NELA members who do this work every day share what a career in plaintiffs’ employment law really looks like—the cases, the clients, the challenges, and the moments that make it worthwhile. Panelists discuss how this area of law intersects with some of the most pressing civil rights issues of our time, including gender equity, immigrant justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, and offer practical advice on how to position yourself for a career in this field while still in law school.
Building the Next Generation of Workers’ Rights Advocates
This program reflects NELA’s ongoing commitment to cultivating the next generation of workers’ rights advocates. Skilled, passionate representation is essential to the future of this work, and a strong, diverse pipeline of plaintiffs’ employment lawyers starts with making sure law students know this path exists and have the support they need to pursue it.
Empowering Advocates. Building Skills. Driving Change.
“A NELA membership is a great opportunity to network and learn. NELA has impacted my career by giving me a wider perspective as a newer attorney.”
Verónica M. González
Lowrey Parady Lebsack DeFazio
Denver, CO
“I have been a NELA member since I started law school. I love how our community supports each other and is always willing to help with useful experience and advice.”
Heather Burke
Burke Law
Santa Fe, NM
“Being a part of NELA has opened up so many doors for me. Most importantly, through NELA, I met my most thoughtful mentors and friends.”
Nico Stillwell
Edelman, Liesen & Myers LLP
Kansas City, MO
“My NELA membership has served as an invaluable resource. The NELA Exchange has changed the way I approach cases and has afforded me the opportunity to reach out to experts and mentors.”
Denise Mutamba
MDM Legal, PLLC
West Palm Beach, FL
Learn more about our members on our Raising The Bar Member Spotlight page.
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.
NELA By The Numbers
4,000+
Members and NELA Affiliate Members Throughout The Country
69
State And Local Affiliates
10,000+
Workers’ Rights Advocates Participated In NELA CLEs
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