Concentration in Employment Law

Since 1987, the Wefel Center for Employment Law at Saint Louis University has offered students the opportunity to achieve a concentration in employment law while pursuing the J.D. degree. 

To obtain the concentration, SLU students are required to take and pass, with a grade of C or higher: Labor Law, Employment Law, or Employment Discrimination. Students are strongly encouraged to take one of these foundational classes in their second year but can otherwise choose from approved employment law classes. These choices can include directed research projects to focus studies in the areas of employment law, which are of most interest.

Students must also submit a substantial research paper of publishable quality that will be reviewed and approved by the concentration advisor. Papers completed for a seminar course, journal, directed research, or moot court may satisfy this requirement.  

In addition, students must attend activities and engage in a practical labor and employment law experience. To fulfill this requirement, students must: 

• Attend and participate in at least four activities associated with the Wefel Center for Employment Law and/or the Employment Law Association. This averages one per semester during the second and third years but may be earned at any time during a student's course of study. Participation includes a short reflection paper, but event planners may also require submission of questions for the speaker or speakers in advance. 
• Demonstrate completion of a substantial practical experience or substantial practical exposure to the field of employment law. Students must demonstrate that they:  
  • Worked in a position that had a substantial labor or employment law component (such as in the course topics listed above); 
  • Attended networking and career events sponsored by the William C. Wefel Center for Employment Law, and attended at least one event every semester during their second and third years; or 
  • Joined a professional organization with a focus on labor or employment law and attended at least one event every semester during their second and third years (the two latter options may be combined). 

Students are encouraged to explore employment law externships and internships within government agencies and, upon request, the center will assist in investigating such opportunities. Given the volatility in the current federal agency landscape, the center is studying how best to utilize our resources to facilitate student placement in federal labor and employment positions. Students are also encouraged to join the ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law, which is free with their student ABA membership. For further information, review the concentration’s Canvas page, or contact the concentration faculty advisor.