The AFL-CIO Union Lawyers Alliance Diversity, Outreach, Opportunities, and Recruitment (DOOR) Program Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Diversity, Outreach, Opportunities, and Recruitment (DOOR) Program?
The AFL-CIO Union Lawyers Alliance created the 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 Law Clerk Networking 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 at the AFL-CIO Headquarters in Washington, DC.
2. What constitutes a law student of color for purposes of the DOOR?
The Diversity Outreach and Opportunities Recruitment (DOOR) focuses on the recruitment of law students of color. We do not define who is a law student of color; if you identify yourself as a person of color, you are eligible to participate.
3. How do I apply?
The Diversity, Outreach, Opportunities, and Recruitment (DOOR) Program is not its own separate hiring program. Thus, you do not “apply” to the DOOR. If you are interested in participating, apply directly to the employer. The website lists the employers. To apply, send a resume and cover letter detailing your interest in labor law and public interest work to the employer, in addition to any other materials requested by the employer. Availability of positions and hiring varies by firm and legal department and hiring decisions are the sole discretion of the law firm or legal department.
4. If I am hired, does that mean I automatically get to attend the conference?
The individual law firm or legal department decides whether it is able to send its law clerk to the conference. Many but not all DOOR students are able to attend. Students who clerked at firms and legal departments during the fall and spring semesters may be able to participate in the DOOR conference. Contact the ULA by emailing us at ula@aflcio.org or call 202-637-5214 if you have questions.
5. Who pays my expenses to attend the conference?
Students should as their summer employers if they will cover the cost of attendance. The ULA sets aside limited funds each year to support student attendance as well. Information about requesting financial support is provided in the registration form. The ULA provides meals during the conference.
6. What if I am working at an ULA firm that is unable to send me to the conference?
While there is no substitute for the networking and learning opportunities provided during the conference, if your ULA employer is unable to send you to the conference or travel to DC is impracticable for you, you may attend virtually.
7. What happens during the conference?
The conference provides law clerks with an informative overview of the major challenges and opportunities facing today’s labor movement. Union staff, labor law practitioners and members of the ULA Lawyers of Color Caucus present information on topics such as private and public sector labor law, employee benefits, arbitration, organizing, collective bargaining, and career planning.
8. Is the conference all there is to the program?
No. While the conference is the highlight, the program continues throughout the summer. Interested conference attendees are matched with mentors, who are ULA lawyers who provide guidance and support during and after the students’ clerkships. Students are also encouraged to maintain contact with ULA staff and members as they continue through law school and into their careers as practicing lawyers.
9. Can attorneys apply to the program?
No. The DOOR is just for current law students, including those clerking during the summer following the end of the third year.
10. Where can I get additional information?
Please visit https://ula-aflcio.org/public/door or contact the ULA at ula@aflcio.org or 202-637-5214.