Jeffrey M. Hirsch

Jeffrey M. Hirsch serves as the Geneva Yeargan Rand Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he has established himself as a leading scholar in labor and employment law. His academic career spans multiple decades with significant contributions to understanding workplace regulation, unionization, and the evolving relationship between technology and labor.

Hirsch's research interests center on labor law, employment law, wrongful dismissal, and the intersection of technology with workplace regulation. His work critically examines American exceptionalism in employment law while exploring comparative approaches to worker protections. He has made significant contributions to understanding how digital technologies impact collective action and union organizing, with particular focus on how the National Labor Relations Act applies in the modern workplace. His scholarship often addresses the tension between federal and state regulation of employment relationships, examining how workplace law navigates constitutional federalism principles.

Analysis of Hirsch's publication record reveals a clear evolution in his scholarly focus, moving from traditional labor law topics toward the implications of technological change on workplace rights. His early work examined foundational issues in union organizing and collective bargaining, while more recent publications address cutting-edge issues like the gig economy, AI in the workplace, and post-Dobbs workplace implications. A consistent theme throughout his career is examining how legal frameworks can adapt to protect worker voice and collective action in changing economic landscapes.

• Geneva Yeargan Rand Distinguished Professor at UNC School of Law

Hirsch's scholarly impact is evidenced by his extensive publication record in top law reviews and his influence on labor law discourse. His work regularly appears in leading journals including the Fordham Law Review, North Carolina Law Review, and George Washington Law Review. He has contributed significantly to understanding how labor law should evolve to address contemporary workplace challenges, particularly those posed by technological innovation and changing employment relationships.

His scholarship demonstrates deep engagement with both theoretical frameworks and practical implications for workers, employers, and regulators. Hirsch frequently collaborates with other leading scholars in the field, contributing to collective knowledge about labor market institutions and their impact on economic performance and worker welfare.