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Is accepting a job offer with a union, as a 2L (for the summer of '12), a good idea for a long-term career in labor and employment, or a bad idea because most firms generally represent employers? Assuming that, after this summer, I want to apply to law firms, most of whom are on the employer side- would they not want to hire someone who has worked for a union, or would they see that as a good experience to have?

Eco wrote:Is accepting a job offer with a union, as a 2L (for the summer of '12), a good idea for a long-term career in labor and employment, or a bad idea because most firms generally represent employers? Assuming that, after this summer, I want to apply to law firms, most of whom are on the employer side- would they not want to hire someone who has worked for a union, or would they see that as a good experience to have?

Working for a union would scare off almost all of the management-side firms and large L&E firms are entirely management-side. If you wanted to include small labor-side firms, it would help a tiny bit.

I respectfully disagree, I think the transition from union-side to management side is a lot easier than the opposite. Union-side tend to be ideological purists, so working at a management side firm taints you as a non-believer. Management side is just a job, with better pay, and I don't think anyone will fault you for defecting to them.

Although keep your management side concerns close to the chest, your Union bosses will not be pleased if they find out.

Cupidity wrote:I respectfully disagree, I think the transition from union-side to management side is a lot easier than the opposite. Union-side tend to be ideological purists, so working at a management side firm taints you as a non-believer. Management side is just a job, with better pay, and I don't think anyone will fault you for defecting to them.

Although keep your management side concerns close to the chest, your Union bosses will not be pleased if they find out.

It may be easier, but I was still grilled in my screeners with a big L&E firm on whether I knew what they did and was on their side and I have no union work on my resume.

You just spin it as you wanted to know your enemy. Problem solved.

Unfortunately, union work is a life-long committment. You will be viewed as a pariah by most employers.

P.S. Volunteer under an assumed name & leave it off of your resume if you ever plan on taking a non-union related position.