The NELC is the premiere organization for experienced management-side labor and management-side employment law attorneys, and human resources and DEI leaders seeking to increase the ethnic and racial diversity of the field through innovative community and relationship-building, meaningful professional advancement, and dynamic mentoring.
Founded in 1995, the National Employment Law Council (“NELC”) is an organization of thought leaders in the labor and employment arena who serve as outside legal counsel, in-house/corporate legal counsel, and human resources and DEI leaders.
From its founding in 1995, the National Employment Law Council has been dedicated to increasing opportunities for management-side labor and employment professionals and advancing ethnic and racial diversity in the field. What began as a small gathering of like-minded attorneys has evolved into a national organization offering high-level programming, mentorship, and a vibrant community of leaders shaping the profession.
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NELC’s leadership team carries forward the mission and vision of its founders—advancing diversity, excellence, and community in management-side labor and employment law.
Learn more about the dedicated NELC members who help lead the organization, shape its strategic direction, and deliver value to our growing community.
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Have questions or want to get involved?
Reach out to learn more about NELC, how you can participate in programs, support our mission, or become more engaged with our vibrant community of management-side labor and employment law professionals.
NELC membership is open to experienced professionals committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Our members include:
Keep your connection to the NELC community strong by renewing your membership. Stay engaged with our national network of diverse management-side labor and employment attorneys, maintain access to programs, events, and exclusive content, and continue advancing your career with the support and visibility NELC provides year-round.
As a member of the National Employment Law Council, you are a member of a vibrant, mutually-supporting community of the pre-eminent minority management-side labor and employment law practitioners and senior HR executives in the U.S. Members share best practices, participate in advanced-level CLE, and interact with leading practitioners, including federal judges, managing partners, leading trial lawyers, and agency leadership of the EEOC, NLRB, and DOL.
The NELC Awards recognize individuals in the field of management side labor and employment law who have demonstrated excellence in their profession, community involvement, and a commitment to the National Employment Law Council and its mission.
The In-House Career Accelerator Program (ICAP) assists new in-house counsel in transitioning to, and building, a successful career within a corporate law department. ICAP is open to NELC members with four or fewer years of in-house experience who are committed to enriching ethnic and racial diversity in the field of management-side labor and employment law.
The NELC Academy is a professional development program for early-career attorneys with less than four years of management-side labor and employment law experience. It offers advanced skills training, national networking, mentoring by top L&E lawyers, and exposure to in-house and firm leaders across the country.
NELC Perfect Pitch gives senior associates and junior partners a chance to showcase their skills and refine their business development approach. Participants pitch L&E services to a panel of in-house counsel and receive real-time feedback—gaining visibility, sharpening their message, and connecting with top decision-makers.
Established in memory of longtime NELC leader and McDonald’s Managing Counsel Rafael Medina, this scholarship provides financial assistance for in-house counsel to attend NELC’s Annual Conference.
Rafael was a tireless champion of diverse attorneys and a mentor to many. This scholarship helps continue his legacy by expanding access to the NELC community he helped shape—and ensuring the next generation of in-house counsel can learn, grow, and lead.
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