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LEL is a workplace law hub. We educate lawyers, legislators, employers and employees on the latest legal issues in the workplace. We inform tomorrow’s research, policy and litigation. LEL houses the Cannabis Workforce Initiative, High Road NYC, the Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative, and Employee Relations and Internal Investigations programs.

Education & Training

Legal Education

The Labor and Employment Law Program offers multi-perspective forums and conferences that address current legal topics affecting the workplace. 

Advanced Employee Relations and Internal Investigations Certificate

Certificate

Gain current knowledge of ever-changing employment law issues and employee relations practices and policies.

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Hiring the Justice-Impacted

eCornell Certificate Program

This certificate prepares you to navigate the complexities of employment law as it relates to justice-impacted individuals, equipping you to create effective hiring strategies, often referred to as “fair-chance” hiring.

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Promoting Fair & Equitable Employment

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The Labor and Employment Law Program has been working in areas of social science research, social justice, and employment discrimination for over 20 years through its national conferences, seminars, and training programs. Its Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative (CJEI) was founded in 2014 and has grown into separate entity, now part of ILR's Outreach Strategic Initiatives Incubator.

CJEI

CJEI provides employment law training to formerly incarcerated job seekers, employers and workforce development partners across New York. 

Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative

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In The News

Media Mentions

New York employers no longer can use credit histories in most hiring decisions

WXXI
“It’s a positive thing for employees and job seekers, so that they’re not judged on their financial circumstances,” said Cecilia Oyediran, an attorney at the ILR School, about a new law in New York state that bars employers from using credit ratings to make most employment decisions.
New York employers no longer can use credit histories in most hiring decisions

New York employers facing end to job applicant credit checks

Newsday
“This law ensures that people are evaluated by what they can do and not by their financial circumstances from the past,” says Cecilia Oyediran, an attorney at the ILR school, about New York’s new law restricting employers from using credit checks to decide on hiring or promoting.
New York employers facing end to job applicant credit checks

4 Workplace Policies That Quietly Backfire

BizCat360
A guide from ILR’s Labor and Employment Law program, called “Know Your Rights: A Guide for Employees,” is referenced in a discussion of “anti-gossip rules” and “concerted activity.”
4 Workplace Policies That Quietly Backfire

Cost of living a major concern for New York workforce

Cornell Chronicle
Now in its fifth year, the 2024-25 New York at Work report draws on ILR expertise, research-based data and policy analysis on a broad range of key issues affecting the state’s workers, unions, communities and employers.
Cost of living a major concern for New York workforce

Stories

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What Employers and Employees Need to Know About New York’s New Credit History Law

New York has passed a law that limits when employers may review or use an individual’s credit history when making employment decisions.
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What Employers and Employees Need to Know About New York’s New Credit History Law

A Short History of Criminal Background Searches in Employment

Members of Cornell ILR School's Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative explain how the use of criminal background checks became a commonplace hiring practice in the US over time, bringing with it issues for job candidates as well as for employers and society at large.
Image of hands with a pen selecting something on a transparent screen with a person profile on it
A Short History of Criminal Background Searches in Employment

New York City Enacts Bill Requiring Notice and Posting of “Workers’ Bill of Rights”

Beginning July 1, 2024, NYC employers must distribute and post a Worker Bill of Rights notice, emphasizing labor laws and protections for all workers, including immigrants. Employers must comply by July 1, 2024, or face a penalty. The law allows a 30-day window for corrections, emphasizing support for businesses in adapting to new requirements.
law tech
New York City Enacts Bill Requiring Notice and Posting of “Workers’ Bill of Rights”

About Us

Esta R. Bigler, Esq.

  • Director, Labor and Employment Law Programs, ILR School
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Esta Bio

Cecilia Oyediran

  • Deputy Director, Labor and Employment Law Program
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Cecilia Oyediran - CWI

Sara R. Edwards

  • Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives
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Sara Edwards

Tomisha Hicks

  • Administrative Manager, Labor and Employment Law
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Tomisha Hicks

Susan Brecher

  • Director, Employee Relations and Employment Law
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Susan Brecher

Charles Johnson

  • Senior Education & Training Associate, Labor and Employment Law Programs
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Charles Johnson

Rhonda McCelland

  • Program Administrative Assistant
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Matthew Saleh

  • Director of Research, Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative
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Matt Saleh - CJEI Director of Research

Jodi Anderson Jr.

  • Director of Technological Innovation, Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative
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Jodi Anderson headshot - CJEI

Thomas Jones

  • Fair Employment Practice Specialist, Cornell University
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Thomas Jones

Tess N Willinger

  • Program Coordinator
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Opal D. Bablington

  • Customer Service & Registration Representative
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Labor and Employment Law
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