Staff Attorney

ABOUT US

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is a Union representing 27,000+ Flight Attendants of American Airlines.  A Union that consists of aviation professionals with a diverse history brought together from multiple airlines. Since APFA’s inception in 1977, the Union has fiercely advocated for the Flight Attendant profession. It has been at the forefront of the fight for workplace equality, legislative affairs, women, and human rights.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

APFA is seeking a Staff Attorney that is a strong labor advocate, to join our in-house legal team in supporting the Union with grievance and arbitration administration and litigation matters. However, there may be times this position will be required to assist our other Staff Attorney with internal union governance matters.

This is an opportunity to be a part of a strong, diverse, and well-respected organization and to help APFA usher the labor movement into the 21st century. The legal team at APFA is focused on collaborating with our National and Local leaders and members to revitalize unionism.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Staff Attorney’s general duties may include:

• Providing counsel to union officers and representatives on grievance and/or litigation matters;
• Ensuring legal compliance with the Union’s Constitution and Policy Manual;
• Representing APFA against American Airlines in arbitration hearings. 
• Represent APFA in arbitrations with the staff union.

• Monitoring developments and trends in labor law; and 
• Preparing and presenting grievance training courses to union leadership. 

  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience as a practicing attorney, including in-house and/or law firm experience.
• Experience working with labor unions or being well-versed in the practice of labor law.
• Experience representing clients in litigation matters.
• Experience representing clients in labor and employment matters before state and federal courts and agencies. 
• Experience representing unions in grievance arbitrations regarding contractual disputes and employee disciplinary proceedings.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm under challenging circumstances.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously, with effective resolution of conflicting priorities.
• A Proponent of labor - we need more than just legal help; we need someone excited about the labor movement!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with or in the airline industry.
• Knowledge and/or experience with the RLA.
• Admitted to the State Bar of Texas or ability to gain admission within six (6) months of hire.
• Experience representing clients in labor and employment matters before state and federal courts and agencies. 
• Collective bargaining negotiations experience.
• Knowledgeable and/or experienced with the NLRA.

This is a hybrid position. Here at APFA, we like to collaborate daily, so the Staff Attorney will be expected to be in the office most weekdays during core hours. However, there is some opportunity to telecommute (particularly Fridays), and your daily working hours are flexible.

This position requires travel. Although most of the work associated with this position will be conducted in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, there may be the need to travel for meetings and arbitrations in other cities in the US.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT APFA

• Competitive salary between $125,000 - $150,000 (salary commensurate upon experience).
• 401k contribution with employer match.
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
• Life insurance at no cost to the employee.
• Long and short-term disability at no cost to the employee.
• Paid Time Off.
• 13 Paid Holidays and for Personal Religious Observations.
• Flexible schedule and working hours.
• Annual bar dues and fees reimbursed.
• Opportunities to participate in networking events and conferences countrywide at no cost to the employee.
• Relocation package.