Labor Law Certificate | Legal Writing Part I
Class | Registration opens 3/9/2026 12:00 AM CST
Part of the Labor Law Certificate series.
This course is designed to be an advanced writing workshop for those interested in developing successful written advocacy in complex/advanced grievances, as well as before various legal tribunals, including arbitrators and labor boards. Students will learn the basics of legal research, reading, and interpreting statutes, regulations, and case law. All workshops will be conducted collaboratively in groups with the instructor and other students, and will include individual reading, research, and writing assignments.
- This class is for union members and others involved in the labor movement; it is not for human resources professionals or management-side employees. We are considering adding a series for management, but we do not currently offer one.
Nothing in this certificate program or any individual sub-course is intended to be or should be interpreted as legal advice in any way. Similarly, this certificate program, individual subcourses, and/or the instructor’s curriculum do not create or intend to create any aspect of an attorney-client relationship.
Kay Emmert
Prof. Emmert is a Lecturer in the Labor Education Program, where she teaches labor law, grievance processing, arbitration, collective bargaining, communication and leadership skills to union members, unrepresented workers, and university undergraduates. As Lead Negotiator and bargaining advisor for the Non-Tenure Faculty Coalition at UIUC, she successfully negotiated multiple contracts, securing significant gains in wages, job security, and benefits. An expert in contract research, writing, and enforcement, she develops engaging, real-world curricula that empower workers with the knowledge and skills to advocate for fair labor practices and workplace protections.