Senior Lead Counsel Labor Relations

Southwest Airlines•Dallas, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Lead Counsel Labor Relations serves as the Company’s chief spokesperson in labor negotiations and leads high‑stakes bargaining efforts with Air Ops workgroups. In this role, they partner closely with Operations, Finance, and key internal stakeholders to shape enterprise labor strategy and deliver sophisticated legal and strategic counsel throughout the negotiation lifecycle. They will lead complex negotiations that have meaningful impacts on operations and costs; cultivate trusted, influential relationships with union and operational leadership; and ensure adherence to labor law, regulatory requirements, and contractual commitments. They will lead cross-functional negotiation teams and be expected to make presentations at the negotiation table and internally to Company Leaders and other stakeholders. With a steady presence under pressure and a deep command of labor relations, the Senior Lead Counsel provides forward‑looking guidance that supports mutually beneficial labor agreements, strengthens labor partnerships, and advances Southwest’s long‑term success. 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.

Requirements

Knowledge of legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process, including emerging labor trends with the ability to interpret and apply trends in novel or transformative ways
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning, spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar with the ability to craft complex legal arguments, negotiation frameworks, and strategic communications with clarity and precision
Skilled in diagnosing complex, enterprise‑wide labor challenges, developing original strategic options, and implementing innovative, forward‑looking solutions
Skilled in using analytical and critical reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Skilled in evaluating unconventional approaches, anticipating downstream implications, and shaping long-term outcomes
Ability to navigate sensitive, high‑risk, and confidential legal matters, consistently demonstrating discretion, integrity, and ethical leadership under pressure
Ability to build and sustain trusted relationships at the highest levels, inspiring credibility and influence across executives, union leadership, external stakeholders, and industry forums
Ability to integrate legal judgment, business strategy, labor economics, and risk forecasting to guide enterprise direction
Ability to clearly articulate complex legal and strategic concepts to executives, the Board, labor partners, and diverse internal audiences
Ability to prioritize and execute in a dynamic, high‑stakes environment, managing concurrent enterprise initiatives and rapidly evolving labor issues
High School Diploma or GED
Bachelor's Degree
Advanced Law Degree
Innovator level experience, highest level of knowledge in: Working as a licensed practicing attorney, preferably in a major law firm or in-house legal department with unionized workgroups
Innovator level experience, highest level of knowledge in: Negotiations, interpretation, and/or administration of collective bargaining agreements
Innovator level experience, highest level of knowledge in: Leading or working with contract workgroups
Innovator level experience, highest level of knowledge in: Background in RLA negotiations
Innovator level experience, highest level of knowledge in: Financial acumen or financial work experience
Innovator level experience, highest level of knowledge in: Labor Relations strategy
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

Advising and representing airline clients

Responsibilities

Represent the Company as Chief Spokesperson in negotiations, utilizing novel labor relations strategies and legal frameworks that redefine the approach to collective bargaining
Advise Company leadership on labor relations strategy, legal and operational risks, and compliance with government regulations and contractual obligations
Lead transformative, enterprise‑wide negotiations for the Company’s most complex and high‑impact labor groups
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.)
Drive cross‑functional alignment across Legal, Labor Relations, Operations, HR, and senior leadership to execute transformative labor initiatives
Serve as an integral partner in long-term labor strategy, anticipating regulatory, technological, and workforce shifts
Influences industry direction through engagement with national labor organizations, regulators, and industry forums
Ensure consistency in application of government regulated policies (e.g., FMLA & ADA) and contractual interpretation and practice
Resolve unprecedented, enterprise‑critical labor disputes requiring creative legal interpretation and strategic innovation
Mentor and develop senior legal and labor relations talent to strengthen enterprise labor capabilities
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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