NELA History & Today

“We have influenced life in America, our organization. There is no question that the work that our lawyers have done has made an impact on employees—workers—all over the country for the last years. For a little organization of 2,000 members, that is something to be proud of.”

– PAUL H. TOBIAS, NELA FOUNDER

InIn March 1985, a dozen plaintiff employment lawyers from nine states attending the ABA’s Labor and Employment Law Section meeting in Wesley Chapel, Florida decided to form the Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association (PELA). Led by Paul H. Tobias, the founding members envisioned that this new organization would provide the assistance and information sought by attorneys representing individual employees, particularly in wrongful termination cases. It would develop the professional network necessary for effective sharing and support of ideas, successes, problems, and frustrations. PELA also would serve as an instrument for advancing public policy and legislation affecting the rights of employees. In this regard, the founding members of PELA contemplated a publication, which later would be called The Employee Advocate, a membership directory, a brief bank, educational programs uniquely designed for plaintiff employment lawyers, and the development of state and local PELA groups around the country. In 1990, PELA changed its name to the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) to represent the growing national scope of its membership and held its first Annual Convention.

In the thirty-seven years since its founding, NELA has gained a reputation for providing exceptional educational programs for plaintiff employment lawyers. Its substantive law committees and practice groups provide technical support to NELA members and keep them abreast of recent developments, and the NELA Exchange provides a forum for members to share strategies, resources, and encouragement. With the assistance of dozens of volunteers, the organization has participated as amicus curiae in significant employment cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and Circuit Courts of Appeals since 1985. NELA is at the forefront of major employment issues, including banning forced arbitration of employment claims, resisting reforms to the civil justice system that would make it more difficult for workers to vindicate their rights, and ensuring a fair and diverse judiciary. At the circuit, state, and local levels, NELA Affiliates across the nation are supporting workers’ rights advocates in their communities and adding their voices in NELA’s advocacy initiatives.

In 2008, NELA created a related charitable policy and advocacy organization, now known as the National Institute for Workers’ Rights (Institute). The Institute advances workers’ rights through research, thought leadership, and education for policymakers, advocates, and the public, and is NELA’s indispensable partner in pursuing our shared vision for the world: A future in which all workers are treated with dignity and respect; workplaces are equitable, diverse, and inclusive; and the well-being of workers is a priority in business practices.

The cornerstone of NELA is, and always has been, community. Among the original goals set at the inaugural meeting of PELA is the “PELA Pledge”: Members agree to receive calls from fellow members and render assistance. The devices used to share information have changed since 1985, but the guiding principle remains the same: NELA’s greatest strengths are the generosity and collective power of our community of workers’ rights advocates.

The cornerstone of NELA is, and always has been, community.