Sr Regulatory Affairs Attorney

About the job

Department:
Governmental Affairs
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:
Interested in helping drive Southwest's regulatory strategy and engagement with federal policymakers on the issues most critical to the future of aviation?? As a Senior Regulatory Affairs Attorney, you will lead the Company’s engagement with the FAA, TSA, and other federal agencies, providing strategic legal counsel on aviation regulations, policy, and industry developments. You will partner with leaders across the business to identify regulatory risks and opportunities, develop advocacy strategies, and support initiatives that advance Southwest’s operational, commercial, and strategic objectives. In this highly visible role, you will help translate complex regulatory issues into practical business solutions while influencing outcomes on some of the Company’s most important priorities.
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. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Washington D.C. 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
Exhibits an expertise in aviation-related regulatory, legislative, administrative, and/or competition law, provides strategic regulatory counsel and guidance
Represents the Company in administrative proceedings and investigations; coordinates and manages outside counsel in contested proceedings where necessary
Develops and executes strategies to accomplish the Company’s regulatory priorities
Develops policy positions on federal regulatory issues for the Company and the industry
Negotiates and advocates on behalf of the Company with federal agencies
Assists other Departments within the Company by providing regulatory counsel and strategic advice on federal regulatory matters
Monitors federal agency activity and anticipates government action
Analyzes, researches, and summarizes regulatory and legal issues before federal agencies and briefs relevant leaders within Governmental Affairs and across the Company
Leads Company work on specific federal rulemakings, including by executing pro-active government outreach prior to rulemakings, drafts and files individual Company comments, and/or negotiates, reviews, and influences trade association comments
Builds relationships with government attorneys, career staff, political appointees, and industry colleagues to ensure Company priorities are accomplished
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proven legal expertise, experience, and abilities
Willingness to gain additional expertise and perform work in new areas of the law
Skilled in written and oral communication, ability to work effectively with all levels of Southwest Employees, Southwest executives, clients, outside counsel, vendors, and others
Skilled in interpersonal relationships, ability to work well with others as part of a team
Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Skilled in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
Skilled in considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
Possesses excellent organizational skills and performs effectively on multiple projects under tight deadlines
Pro-actively leads and coordinates initiatives on Company priorities
Ability to perform well under pressure
Ability to exercise judgment sufficient to handle and resolve issues related to sensitive and confidential legal matters
Education
Required: Law degree from accredited law school, as well as high academic standing
Experience
Required: Advanced level experience as a licensed practicing attorney, with a practice focus on aviation-related regulatory and/or legislative matters.
Licensing/Certification
Current member in good standing of one or more bar associations preferred
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 located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and willing to travel when required (e.g., to Dallas headquarters for meetings/presentations and other projects)
Must be able to work flexible schedule to include non-business days and hours as needed to meet client needs
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.