Labor & Employment Attorney

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 efficie