Traditional Labor Associate

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Miller Johnson is seeking a Traditional Labor Associate to join our growing Labor & Employment Practice Group. This associate will support and lead matters involving union relations, collective bargaining, labor arbitrations, contract administration, and NLRB or MERC proceedings. The ideal candidate has strong analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to delivering practical, business-focused guidance to clients across diverse industries.

• Represent employers in collective bargaining, including drafting proposals, preparing negotiation strategy, and serving as chief spokesperson when appropriate.
• Advise clients on union organizing efforts, employer responses, and strategic workforce planning.
• Handle matters before the National Labor Relations Board and Michigan Employment Relations Commission (ULPs, representation cases, hearings, appeals).
• Provide guidance on labor contract interpretation, grievance handling, and day-to-day administration issues.
• Represent employers in labor arbitrations, including case assessment, witness prep, brief writing, and oral advocacy.
• Assist clients with strike preparation, contingency planning, and labor‑relations communications.
• Develop and deliver training to HR teams, supervisors, and leadership on labor relations best practices.

• Provide backup support on employment counseling, internal investigations, workplace policy updates, and compliance projects.
• Coordinate with Labor and Employment colleagues on crossover matters involving both labor and employment law.

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission (or eligibility for admission) to the Michigan Bar.
• 2–6 years of experience with traditional labor matters, ideally including bargaining and NLRB or MERC practice.
• Strong writing, analytical, and research skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with attention to detail.

• Experience serving as or assisting the lead negotiator in collective bargaining.
• Prior representation of employers in NLRB or MERC hearings or arbitrations.
• Experience counseling unionized clients in manufacturing, healthcare, education, public sector, or similar industries.
• Experience building labor‑relations strategy and working directly with HR leadership.

At Miller Johnson, our culture is anchored in our Core Values and how we work together:

• Integrity and Candor – We speak the truth
• Down to Earth – We stay humble and real
• Grit – We push through and get it done
• Committed to Excellence – We raise the bar
• Committed to Impact – We lift others up

• Entrepreneurial Mindset – We think like owners
• Down to Business – We move fast and stay practical
• Rooted and Invested – We build lasting trust

We are committed to fostering an exceptional work experience that includes a healthy work‑life balance and an inclusive culture that values uniquely talented team members. We offer competitive wages, flexible scheduling, paid time off, and annual performance reviews. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑and long‑term disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.