Empowering careers in labor and employment law

At Washburn Law, our Workplace Law program equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the dynamic field of labor and employment law. This program covers a broad spectrum of issues, from employee rights and employer responsibilities to the complexities of labor relations and workplace regulations. Whether you’re passionate about advocating for workers’ rights, advising corporations on compliance or resolving employment disputes, our comprehensive curriculum and practical experiences will prepare you to make a meaningful impact in the workplace.

Why choose Washburn Law for workplace law?

Two students chat outside Dole Hall while two students walking down steps talk.

At Washburn Law, our workplace law program has many advantages to support students with their career goals:

  • Expert faculty: Learn from seasoned professionals and scholars who bring real-world experience and cutting-edge research into the classroom. Our faculty are dedicated to mentoring students and helping them achieve their career goals.
  • Innovative curriculum: Our curriculum covers essential topics such as employment law, labor law, discrimination law and more. You’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are crucial for a successful career in workplace law.
  • Strong professional network: Connect with a robust network of alumni, practitioners, and organizations in the labor and employment law field. These connections can lead to invaluable mentorship and career opportunities.
A tailored curriculum for a strong foundation

Our Workplace Law curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of labor and employment law while allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests.

After completing your first year of law school, you can tailor your education to focus on labor and employment law. There are two ways to achieve this focus: you can create your own course of study with the guidance of a workplace law advisor or you can pursue a certificate in Workplace Law by meeting the specific requirements.

Earning a certificate demonstrates your commitment to a focused area of study and equips you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to advance your career. Certificates can enhance your resume, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market and providing you with a deeper understanding of your chosen field.

The Workplace Law certificate focuses on labor and employment law, requiring 25 hours of focused coursework, an externship, and a significant writing project. It's designed to prepare you for a career in labor and employment law.

Course of study

Required Core Courses

  • Employment Law (LW 917 - 3 hours)
  • Employment Discrimination (LW 786 - 3 hours)
  • Labor Law (Law 783 - 3 hours)

 Required Foundation Courses:

  • Administrative Law (LW 780 - 3 hours)
  • Business Associations (LW 703 - 4 hours)

Optional Specialty Courses: Choose a minimum of 4 hours. 

  • Artificial Intelligence and Law
  • Civil Rights Litigation (LW 760 - 2 hours)
  • Employee Benefits Law (LW 709 - 2-3 hours)
  • Gender, Sexuality, and the Law (LW 934 - 3 hours)
  • Immigration Law (LW 815 - 2 hours)
  • International Human Rights (LW 812 - 2-3 hours)
  • Public Employment Law (LW 959 - 2 hours)
  • Race and the Law (LW 902 - 2-3 hours)
  • Sports and the Law (LW 794 - 2 hours)
  • Worker's Compensation (LW 781 - 2 hours)

Optional Skills Courses: Choose a minimum of 5 hours. 

  • Advanced Trial Advocacy (LW 724 - 2 hours)
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (LW 753 - 3 hours)
  • Arbitration (LW 854 - 2 hours)
  • Interviewing and Counseling (LW 914 - 2 hours)
  • Negotiation (LW 857 - 2 hours)
  • Pretrial Advocacy - Civil (LW 765 - 3 hours)
  • Specialized Legal Research: Statutory and Regulatory Law (LW 949 - 2 hours)
  • Taking and Defending Depositions (LW 907 - 1 hour)
  • Transactional Drafting (LW 707 - 3 hours)
  • Trial Advocacy (LW 766 - 2 hours)

Experiential Learning

Students earning the Workplace Law Certificate must complete a lawyering experience consisting of an externship or other pre-approved Washburn Law-sponsored program that involves a lawyering experience related to labor and employment law.

Writing requirement

Students complete the upper level writing requirement (or equivalent writing project) on a pre-approved labor and employment law topic.

Our courses offer a diverse range of labor and employment topics to build your foundation and expand your expertise. Detailed descriptions of each of these courses, can be found in the academic catalog.  

 Core Courses

  • Employment Law
  • Employment Discrimination 
  • Labor Law

 Related Courses:

  • Administrative Law
  • Artificial Intelligence and Law
  • Business Associations
  • Civil Rights Litigation
  • Employee Benefits Law
  • Gender, Sexuality, and the Law 
  • Immigration Law 
  • International Human Rights 
  • Public Employment Law 
  • Race and the Law
  • Sports and the Law 
  • Worker's Compensation 

Business & Transactional Law Center

Bridging business and workplace law

The Business & Transactional Law Center at Washburn Law offers unique opportunities for students interested in labor and employment law. The center sponsors events, workshops and symposia focused on current issues in workplace law, providing you with valuable insights and networking opportunities. These activities not only enhance your educational experience but also allow you to engage with professionals who are shaping the future of labor and employment law.

Extracurricular opportunities to enhance your education

Competition teams

Draft agreements, negotiate deals, and compete against other law schools, honing your drafting and negotiation skills as part of the Transactional Law Meet Competition.

Externships

Gain practical experience through externships with a variety of organizations. Past externships have included:

  • National Labor Relations Board
  • Kansas Department of Labor

Speakers and symposia

Engage with leading experts in labor and employment law through our regular events. These sessions provide a platform to discuss cutting-edge topics and trends, helping you stay informed and connected within the field.