Legal research in U.S. labor and employment law requires access to a variety of resources, including statutes, regulations, case law, and agency guidance. Given the complexity of this field—covering issues like workplace discrimination, wage and hour laws, labor relations, and employee benefits—understanding key research tools is essential for legal scholars.
Primary sources are the foundation of employment law research. Federal laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) can be found in the United States Code (U.S.C.). Regulations from agencies like the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Case law from courts further interprets these laws and can be accessed through legal databases like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and government websites.
Secondary sources provide critical analysis and interpretation. Treatises, legal encyclopedias, law reviews, and practice guides, available through platforms like Bloomberg Law, Practical Law, Lexis, and Westlaw help researchers understand evolving legal trends.
Government websites, including the DOL, EEOC, and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), also offer accessible resources, fact sheets, and opinion letters. Staying informed through these sources ensures compliance and effective legal strategy in labor and employment matters.
Below you will find links to featured resources and texts on Employment and Labor Law available in the Law Library. Resources available through Bloomberg Law, Lexis, or Westlaw require the use of a username and password for access.