Partner
Claire Sellers practices across all areas of labor and employment law, as well as education law. Before becoming an attorney, Claire taught in Quito, Ecuador, and Brooklyn, NY. It was during her time in the classroom that she saw firsthand the urgent need for strong advocates for workers, students, and families.
While in law school, Claire volunteered with the Volunteer Lawyers Project, representing clients in unemployment hearings and supporting cases that arise when workers lose their jobs—experiences that deepened her commitment to fighting unlawful and discriminatory practices in the workplace.
Before joining Hayes Dolce, LLP in April 2023, Claire served as a field attorney for the National Labor Relations Board and as counsel for the New York State United Teachers Office of General Counsel. She brings more than fifteen years of experience representing unions and workers in disciplinary proceedings, unfair and improper labor practices, representation matters, collective bargaining, and enforcement of key laws spanning education, special education, anti-discrimination, wage and hour, and public health. Claire regularly appears before state and federal courts and agencies, including the NLRB, PERB, EEOC, NY Division of Human Rights, NYS Justice Center, OCFS, and the State Education Department.
Claire frequently leads education and training programs for unions, workers, and fellow attorneys. She previously co-chaired NYSUT’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Education Subcommittee for the New York State Bar Association’s Task Force on Racism, Social Equity, and the Law, where she also served as Co-Editor of the final report.
In her community, Claire serves as a parent advocate in special education meetings within the Buffalo Public School District.
Claire and her husband spend their “free time” driving their three amazing kids to activities—and watching them grow up way too fast.