NJL is proudly a certified, women-owned law firm with a labor-management relations team offering diverse perspectives, decades of experience, and the strategic judgment to handle the most complex workplace issues employers face. We serve employers across industries at every stage of labor relations: from proactive strategy to collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) proceedings. Our team blends strong legal knowledge with in-house experience and practical business judgment, working closely with leadership to manage labor risks, maintain operational stability, and develop resilient, high-performing organizations for the long term.
Proactive Labor Strategy
Could your workplace be a union organizing target?
Early action is the most effective tool in labor relations. Employers who adopt a proactive labor strategy strengthen workplace culture and prevent costly, reactive measures later. We assist clients in evaluating vulnerabilities, closing gaps, and creating an environment where employees feel heard and are less likely to turn to a union. Our work in this area includes:
- Labor-risk assessments and organizational-readiness planning
- Management training on lawful communications and positive employee engagement
- Policy review optimizing compliance and operational goals
Responding to Union Organizing Campaigns and Representation Elections
Employees are organizing — what do you do?
Union organizing campaigns move quickly, and the decisions employers make in the first few days can determine the outcome. Even well intentioned missteps can result in unfair labor practice charges or a union victory that reshapes your operations indefinitely. We guide management through every stage of a representation election with clear, legally sound strategy and responsive, real-time counsel. Our support includes:
- Lawful employer communications during organizing campaigns
- Representation at pre-election hearings and procedural disputes
- Election strategy, voter eligibility guidance, and ongoing campaign support
Collective Bargaining and Negotiations
How do you negotiate a contract that works for your business?
Collective bargaining is a high-stakes business negotiation with long-term operational consequences. Poorly drafted contract language can result in years of costly disputes and grievances. We understand the pitfalls of ambiguous terms and help employers avoid them. Whether you’re negotiating a first contract or updating a longstanding agreement, we partner with management at every stage to achieve a CBA that aligns with organizational goals, features clear and enforceable language, and holds up over the life of the contract. That partnership includes:
- Bargaining preparation, strategy development, and proposal analysis
- Negotiation strategy and representation at the table
- Contract implementation, interpretation, and mid-term support
Grievance Arbitration Defense
The union is filing grievances — what’s your strategy?
Not every grievance calls for arbitration, but each one deserves a thoughtful response. How management handles the grievance process — from the initial meeting to a hearing — directly impacts employee relations, management rights, and operational continuity. We work with employers to resolve disputes whenever possible and provide a strong defense when arbitration is the best option. We’re with you every step of the way, including:
- Early grievance analysis and strategy for effective grievance meetings and responses
- Arbitrator selection and case preparation
- Arbitration hearings and briefing
NLRB Defense: Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charges
The NLRB just sent you a charge — how should you respond?
Early, strategic engagement with the NLRB is crucial to protecting management rights and minimizing risks. Unfair labor practice proceedings can lead to reinstatement orders, bargaining obligations, and reputational damage. We represent employers through every phase of NLRB proceedings, from initial investigation to hearing and appeal, including:
- Defense of charges and procedural disputes, including negotiation when appropriate
- Strategic position statements and responses to Board investigations
- Hearing representation, post-hearing briefing, and appellate work
Our Approach
Labor relations challenges don’t stay in their lane. They ripple across HR, operations, finance, and leadership. Whether you’re actively working to improve workplace culture, responding to an organizing campaign, sitting at the bargaining table, or defending a grievance or ULP charge, the stakes are high, and the margin for error is narrow. Our team offers strategic, business-focused advice that combines legal expertise with practical solutions, helping employers remain compliant, prevent disruption, and establish a labor relations foundation that supports long-term organizational success.