Senior Lead Counsel Labor Relations

As Senior Lead Counsel Labor Relations, you'll serve as the Company's chief spokesperson in labor negotiations and lead complex bargaining efforts with Air Operations workgroups. You'll partner closely with Operations, Finance, and other stakeholders to develop labor strategy, provide legal and business guidance, and lead negotiations that have significant operational and financial impact. This role builds strong relationships with union and operational leaders, ensures compliance with labor laws and contractual obligations, and leads cross-functional teams throughout the negotiation process. You'll also present at the bargaining table and to Company Leadership, using your labor relations expertise and strategic perspective to help achieve effective labor agreements and support 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. 

• 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

• 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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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 i