National Employment Lawyers Association

If you believe in fair workplaces and have a passion for ensuring workers receive justice, the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) is your community. Membership in NELA opens the door to a powerful network and meaningful opportunities to shape your career: - CLEs & programs led by top employment law experts - Nationwide connections with experienced workers’ rights attorneys - Professional development opportunities to advance your career - Engage in real-world advocacy that protects and expands workers’ rights NELA empowers its members with the resources, network, and support they need to be bold, effective advocates. Let’s fight for workers together. Join NELA today!

Trial Boot Camp faculty are working plaintiff-side employment lawyers who teach the session and then work with your Trial Team to help you become a stronger advocate. Here is who is teaching what at the 2026 Trial Boot Camp. Opening Statements Heather Leonard, Heather Leonard, PC Stephanie K. Wood, Ogborn Mihm, LLP Evidentiary Rules & Objections Nathaniel Charny, Charny & Wheeler PC Bruce A. Fredrickson, Webster Fredrickson & Walker, PLLC Motions in Limine Lori Bullock, Bullock Law PLLC Beth Creighton, Creighton & Rose, PC Examining Witnesses Matthew Billips, Barrett & Farahany Megan Goddard, Goddard Law PLLC Closing Arguments Bernard Alexander, Alexander + Fehr, LLP Scott M. Pollins, Pollins Law Firm Organizing Your Case Before Trial Ben Lebsack, Lowrey Parady Lebsack DeFazio Victoria Williamson, AARP Foundation Jury Selection Kira Fonteneau, The Workers' Firm R. Scott Oswald, The Employment Law Group, PC Elizabeth "BB" Sanford, The Sanford Firm Trial Team Leaders Andrew Lacy, Jr., The Lacy Employment Law Rachel N. L. Lokken, AARP Foundation Omar Vincent Melehy, Melehy & Associates LLC Nina Pirrotti, Garrison Law Brian Sanford, The Sanford Firm Jessica Scales, Sedey Harper Westhoff, PC Briana L. Scholar, The Employment Law Group, PC Adria Lynn Silva, Sass, Everhart & Silva, P.A & Silva, PA Campers are placed on a Trial Team by experience level, so the people around you are wrestling with the same questions you are. The relationships you build over three days are often the ones you are still drawing on years later. NELA Trial Boot Camp October 22-24, 2026 Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University, Washington, DC Camper early-bird rates run through Friday, September 25. Registration link in the comments.

NELA Trial Boot Camp teaches workers’ rights advocates how to win. Over three intensive days, you will step into the courtroom—not as a spectator, but as an advocate—practicing voir dire, opening statements, direct and cross-examination, and closing arguments under the guidance of seasoned trial lawyers who will push you to be your best. Whether you have never tried a case or you are preparing for your tenth, NELA Trial Boot Camp meets you where you are.

Whether you have never tried a case or you’re preparing for your tenth, NELA Trial Boot Camp meets you where you are. Over three intensive days, workers’ rights advocates will step into the courtroom practicing opening statements, direct and cross-examination, and closing arguments under the guidance of seasoned trial lawyers.

Participate in mock trials under the guidance of seasoned trial lawyers and experience the rigorous pace and schedule of a trial. Early-bird ends September 17.

Are you a law student or a new practitioner? Join NELA and the National Institute for Workers’ Rights at NELA’s Annual Convention for a FREE panel discussion on a career in plaintiff-side employment law. Experienced employment law practitioners will discuss entering the field and their practice as workers’ rights advocates. Registration for the Annual Convention is not required to attend. Be sure to stay for the NELA Law Students and New Practitioners Reception that follows. Wednesday, June 24 4:30-6:00 p.m. CT Sheraton New Orleans Hotel RSVP by Wednesday, June 24!