What is the Diversity, Outreach, Opportunities, and Recruitment (DOOR) Program?

The AFL-CIO Union Lawyers Alliance (ULA) created its Diversity, Outreach, Opportunities, and Recruitment (DOOR) Program to encourage law students of color to apply for summer clerkship opportunities at ULA law firms and legal departments. The outreach program seeks to introduce law students of color to the practice of law in the labor movement and to encourage them to join the ranks of union-side attorneys in the ongoing battle for social, racial, and economic justice. To enhance their summer experience, students participate in the ULA DOOR Conference, which features workshops and presentations on labor law practice, union organizing and representation, politics and legislation. The conference is two days and usually held in early June.

DOOR Conference

The ULA DOOR Conference provides guidance and training to law students of color working for ULA member firms and unions over the summer. In addition to substantive legal education, the conference offers students the opportunity to connect with each other, share experiences, and make important career contacts with ULA attorneys and union staff. The conference is held in Washington, D.C. at the AFL-CIO headquarters. Limited financial support is available to encourage students to attend in-person and virtual attendance is offered for those who prefer not to travel.

The program often includes panels on private and public sector labor law basics, employee benefits, contract negotiations, organizing, arbitration, and career guidance.

DOOR Mentoring Experience

DOOR Conference attendees are offered the opportunity to be matched with a ULA lawyer-mentor who provides guidance and support during and after the students’ clerkships. Students may request a mentor who works in their city or specializes in a particular field that interests them. DOOR Mentors have provided career guidance and inspired many students to pursue careers in union-side labor law. Students have been mentored by partners and associates in law firms and assistant general counsels at legal departments. Law students have often expressed the value of being mentored by dedicated and distinguished attorneys in the union-side labor bar.