NLRB Welcomes Crystal Carey as General Counsel

NLRB News Releases

Published January 7th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced the swearing-in of Crystal Carey as its new General Counsel on January 7, 2026. Ms. Carey was nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate for a four-year term. She previously served in various roles at the NLRB and in private practice.

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What changed

Crystal S. Carey was officially sworn in as the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on January 7, 2026. Her nomination by President Trump and subsequent confirmation by the Senate mark the beginning of her four-year term. Ms. Carey expressed her honor and excitement to return to the NLRB, aiming to ensure the National Labor Relations Act is effectuated fairly and efficiently.

This appointment is primarily an administrative change within the NLRB leadership. While Ms. Carey's extensive background in labor law, including her previous roles at the NLRB and her experience in private practice, is highlighted, this notice does not introduce new regulatory requirements or compliance obligations for employers. The focus is on the transition of leadership within the agency.

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The NLRB Welcomes Crystal Carey as General Counsel

Office of Public Affairs

202-273-1991

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www.nlrb.gov

January 07, 2026 On January 7, 2026, Crystal S. Carey was sworn in as General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Agency), by Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. Ms. Carey was nominated for a four-year term by President Donald J. Trump on March 24, 2025, and confirmed by the Senate on December 18, 2025.

“It is an honor to assume this important role. I am deeply grateful to the President for entrusting me with the role of General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board,” said Ms. Carey. “I am excited to return to the NLRB and look forward to working with the hard-working NLRB employees to ensure that the Act is effectuated fairly, transparently, and efficiently.”

William B. Cowen, who has served as Acting General Counsel since February 2025 stated, “It has been a privilege to serve as Acting General Counsel of the NLRB. I wish to express my gratitude to President Trump for giving me this opportunity and to our dedicated staff of professionals who have worked tirelessly to protect the rights of working people. The NLRB is fortunate to have a seasoned professional like Crystal Carey serve as General Counsel. As a proud alum of the NLRB who also has years of experience in private practice, she brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and perspective that will enable her to be a strong and effective leader of this Agency.”

General Counsel Carey began her labor law career as an intern at the Agency’s Baltimore Regional office (Region 5) while attending Penn State Dickinson School of Law. After graduation, she served as a Field Attorney in Region 5 for three years. Afterwards, she spent six years working at the NLRB’s Headquarters both in the Division of Enforcement Litigation in the Office of Appeals and as senior staff counsel to Chairman Philip A. Miscimarra. In 2018, Ms. Carey transitioned to private practice at Morgan Lewis, where she became a partner.

Established in 1935, the National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects employees from unfair labor practices and protects the right of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. The NLRB conducts hundreds of workplace elections and investigates thousands of unfair labor practice charges each year.