Lead Counsel Labor Relations

Southwest Airlines•Dallas, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Counsel Labor Relations will serve as the Company spokesperson and Lead Negotiation Teams with Air Ops workgroups and partner closely with Operations, Finance, and internal stakeholders to guide strategy and provide advice and counsel regarding negotiations. They’ll lead complex contract negotiations, maintain strong relationships with union Leaders and external partners, and ensure compliance with labor laws and contractual obligations. Through expert counsel, collaboration, and steady Leadership under pressure, the Lead Counsel Labor Relations is excited to support meaningful agreements that strengthen labor relationships and contribute to Southwest’s long‑term success. Additional Details: The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours. This role involves travel that may vary significantly, ranging from little to extensive travel, depending on business needs. U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available. We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

Requirements

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
Skilled in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Ability and judgment to handle and resolve issues related to sensitive and confidential legal matters under pressure
Ability to quickly build strong sustainable relationships, inspire credibility and confidence through interactions with all levels both within and outside of the Company, including a wide variety of internal and external community and business settings
Ability to analyze problems and make decisions using sound judgement, integrity and commitment to ethical behavior
Ability to maintain composure under pressure, communicate effectively in a flexible manner, both verbally and in writing, with executives and General Counsel Department staff, clients, union leaders, and others
Ability to organize work, and prioritize effectively to meet specific deadlines and contractual time constraints
Ability to use a computer keyboard and word processing applications with sufficient speed to meet demands of the job
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Required: Bachelor's Degree
Required: Advanced Law Degree from accredited school
Expert level experience, expansive and far-reaching knowledge in:
Work as a licensed practicing attorney, preferably in a major law firm or in-house legal department with unionized workgroups
Negotiations, interpretation, and/or administration of collective bargaining agreements
Leading or working with contract workgroups
Required: Must be a current member in good standing of a bar association
Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be willing to travel when required (e.g., to support the Company’s airport development and other projects)
Must be able to work flexible schedule to include non-business days and hours as needed to meet client needs

Nice To Haves

Preferred: Background in RLA negotiations, specifically crew negotiations
Preferred: Financial acumen or financial work experience

Responsibilities

Represent the Company as first chair in negotiations and serve as a subject matter expert for multiple collective bargaining agreements
Advise Company leadership on labor relations strategy, legal and operational risks, and compliance with government regulations and contractual obligations
Identify and analyze Labor Relations and operational issues related to the collective bargaining agreement, draft key documents, present clear recommendations on complex issues to minimize company exposure to liability or to ensure compliance with governmental rules and regulations
Ensure necessary retention and cataloging of labor relations records (e.g., collective bargaining agreements, negotiation notes, arbitration decisions, grievance settlements, court and administrative agency decisions.)
Ensure consistency in application of government regulated policies (e.g., FMLA & ADA) and contractual interpretation and practice
Provide guidance and training to internal teams on legal and labor relations matters
Support implementation of contract negotiations to ensure procedural consistency and resolution for Labor Relations issues (i.e. contract and governmental requirements and interpretation)
Stay current on legal practices by performing extensive law research and analysis
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders

Benefits

Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
Southwest will help fund your 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings
Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit
Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
Explore more Benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

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