Traditional Labor / Litigation Counsel
Job: In-house Counsel - Traditional Labor & Litigation
Location: Fort Worth, TX (on-site)
Compensation: $140,000-$180,000 base + bonus eligibility
Overview
Our client, a leading transportation and logistics organization is seeking to bring on an in-house Counsel to oversee Traditional Labor, Labor Relations, Litigation, and other functions across the legal team. The ideal candidate for this role has strong leadership skills, as this individual is expected to grow into a leader within the organization. This role offers the opportunity to serve as a trusted legal advisor within a sophisticated in‑house legal function, partnering closely with labor relations leadership to navigate complex labor matters.
Position Summary
The Labor & Employment Counsel will provide strategic legal support on labor relations and employment matters, with a particular focus on issues arising under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) or comparable federal labor frameworks. The role involves managing labor litigation, advising senior stakeholders, and helping shape proactive labor strategies that align with business and workforce objectives.
The position is based in Fort Worth, Texas, with a hybrid schedule that typically includes one remote workday per week. Leadership supports flexibility and work‑life balance while maintaining a collaborative, team‑oriented culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a legal advisor to the Labor Relations function and business leadership on a broad spectrum of labor law issues, including those governed by the Railway Labor Act.
- Lead and manage complex labor litigation and administrative proceedings, including RLA disputes, arbitration matters, whistleblower and retaliation claims, adjustment board proceedings, and related appellate work.
- Provide guidance on collective bargaining agreements, grievance administration, disciplinary matters, and workforce management issues.
- Contribute to the development of forward‑looking labor strategies designed to mitigate legal risk and support operational priorities.
- Track and assess emerging legal trends and regulatory developments affecting labor relations, translating them into practical guidance for internal clients.
- Support the management of employment‑related litigation and agency matters, including EEOC charges, OSHA whistleblower complaints under 49 U.S.C. § 20109, and proceedings before Department of Labor Administrative Law Judges.
- Coordinate closely with outside counsel, overseeing case strategy, budgets, and performance to ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Collaborate with attorneys and legal professionals across employment, compliance, claims, and commercial practice areas within the legal department.
Qualifications
Required:
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
- Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (Texas preferred but not required)
- A minimum of 4-10 years of experience handling labor litigation, arbitration, and traditional labor matters in an in‑house, law firm, or government setting
- Eligibility to work in the U.S. now and in the future without employer sponsorship
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web‑based legal research platforms
- Experience advising on matters governed by the Railway Labor Act or similar federal labor statutes
- Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with both legal and non‑legal stakeholders
- Sound judgment, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously
- Strong negotiation skills and a business‑oriented approach to problem solving
Benefits
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Industry‑leading retirement programs, including a robust 401(k) and railroad‑specific retirement benefits
- Multiple healthcare plan options covering medical, dental, vision, mental health, and specialty care
- Employer‑funded health savings account contributions and company‑paid life and disability insurance
- Family‑focused benefits, including parental leave, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and dependent care accounts
- Wellness, counseling, and lifestyle discounts
- Generous paid time off and leave policies
FAQs
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