Director, Senior Attorney

Location: DFW Headquarters Building 8 (DFW-SV08) Cities: Fort Worth - TX Requisition ID: 84039 What you’ll do Serve as lead counsel for system boards of adjustment and RLA arbitration proceedings for all relevant represented groups Develop comprehensive case strategy, including evaluating merits, identifying legal risks, developing issue framing and arbitration themes, and advising internal clients on recommended case posture Prepare and present arbitration cases from case preparation through post‑hearing briefing Partner closely with Labor Relations, People Business Partners, and operational leadership to align arbitration strategy with broader labor‑management goals, including reliability, profitability, accountability, and market‑competitive labor solutions Offer counsel on contract interpretation, grievance handling, and discipline, ensuring decisions are consistent with collective bargaining agreements and arbitration precedent and advise on contract interpretation issues, grievance trends, and potential negotiation implications Advise on grievance resolution strategies and participate in select collective‑bargaining strategy discussions, providing legal analysis of proposed changes, historical precedents, and arbitration risk Stay current on arbitration awards, labor law developments, and industry trends, and ensure internal stakeholders understand their operational implications Educate internal stakeholders on contractual standards, arbitration exposure, evidentiary requirements, and documentation best practices Drive continuous improvement in grievance handling, case assessment, and arbitration preparation workflows Contribute to policy updates, training modules, and best practice materials to improve consistency and documentation quality across departments Oversee and manage outside counsel on some matters requiring external representation, ensuring alignment with AA legal strategy and cost effective performance All you’ll need for success Demonstrates the highest level of ethics and integrity Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school, excellent academic record, and active member in good standing in at least one State bar At least five (5) years of successful experience practicing labor and/or employment law, preferably at a national law firm and/or in‑house Successful first chair arbitration or trial experience, preferably handling labor arbitrations under the Railway Labor Act Experience in collaborating with company executives, including People Business Partners, Labor Relations, and union leadership, in the context of a unionized workforce preferential Strong command of employment and labor laws, regulations, and best practices, including experience with collective bargaining agreements Strong litigation skills, including direct and cross‑examination, brief writing, and oral advocacy Ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear and actionable guidance for non‑lawyer clients Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast‑paced, changing, and complex environment Ability to render persuasive, diplomatic, practical, and legally compliant advice in a timely fashion Superior problem solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills, with ability to be highly meticulous and detail‑oriented Ability to influence through outstanding collaboration and negotiation skills Excellent written and oral communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with ability to interact effectively with all levels and colleagues across internal departments Ability to travel independently, including overnight trips of varying duration Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and the ability to build and facilitate long‑term relationships at all levels, both internally and externally What you’ll get Travel Perks: Reach 365 destinations on more than 6,800 daily flights across our global network. Health Benefits: On day one, you’ll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits. Wellness Programs: Provide you with all the right tools, resources and support. 401(k) Program: Available upon hire; employer contributions after one year depending on workgroup. Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, pet insurance and discounts on hotels, cars, cruises and more. #J-18808-Ljbffr American Airlines