Department:

Legal

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description:

The Labor and Employment Attorney supports Southwest Airlines by providing legal counsel and guidance on labor and employment matters arising from day‑to‑day operations across the Company. They’ll serve as lead counsel in labor arbitrations and represent Southwest before federal, state, and local administrative agencies while managing a wide range of employment‑related legal actions. They’ll partner closely with Senior Leaders to address strategic workplace issues, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance with applicable labor and employment laws. The Labor and Employment Attorney brings strong legal judgment and collaboration skills to deliver practical, forward‑thinking guidance that supports Leaders, Employees, and the Company’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.
• 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.

Responsibilities:

• Functions as a labor and employment law subject matter expert. Stays current with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements;
• Provides practical, compliant, and strategic legal advice and counsel on a full range of employment law issues, including issues arising under the FMLA, ADA, ADEA, Title VII, USERRA, OSHA, WARN, and other federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Provides practical, compliant, and strategic legal advice and counsel on a full range of labor law issues under the Railway Labor Act, including interpretation and advice on multiple collective bargaining agreements, representation disputes, "major" and "minor" disputes, and concerted activities.
• Supports negotiations on behalf of the Company with various labor organizations;
• Serves as lead counsel in labor arbitrations and in administrative proceedings before federal, state, and local agencies;
• Writes post-hearing briefs, positions statements, legal memoranda, and other papers on labor and employment law matters;
• Conducts legal research on a wide-range of labor and employment law topics;
• Manages and partners with outside counsel in sophisticated arbitration and litigation matters in a strategic and cost-effective manner;
• Assists other Departments of the Company in reviewing legal issues, including personnel, employee relations, and labor relations issues
• Delivers training and direction to Leaders throughout the Company on employment law and compliance matters
• Effectively prioritizes and manages concurrent projects with competing Company demands
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skilled in interpersonal relationships with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of Southwest Employees, internal clients, and outside counsel
• Skilled in excellent written and oral communications, especially of complex issues, and attention to detail and accuracy
• Skilled in excellent organization, ability to perform efficiently and effectively on multiple projects under tight deadlines with minimal supervision
• Ability to work well with others as part of a team
• Ability to perform under pressure and demonstrate judgment to handle and resolve issues related to sensitive and confidential legal matters
• Ability to gain expertise and perform work in new areas of the law

Education:

• Required: High School Diploma or GED
• Required: Bachelor’s Degree
• Required: Law degree from accredited school

Experience:

• Intermediate level experience, expansive and far reaching knowledge in labor and employment law as a licensed practicing attorney with a mid-sized to major law firm or in-house legal department
• Preferred: Employment attorney with class action experience
• Preferred: Airline experience

Licensing/Certification

• Must be a current member in good standing of at least one State bar

Physical Abilities

• 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

Other Qualifications:

• 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
• Must be able to work flexible schedule to include non-business days and hours as needed to meet client needs

Pay & Benefits:

• Competitive market salary from $ 171,260 per year to $ 185,540 per year depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.

Benefits you’ll love:

• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
• Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings
• Potential for annual Profit Sharing 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

Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

Profit Sharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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