Southwest Airlines

Sr Regulatory Affairs Attorney

Southwest Airlines • $145K — $175K *
Washington, DC 20011In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Law degree from an accredited law school with high academic standing
  • 5-7 years of experience as a licensed attorney focusing on aviation-related regulatory and legislative matters
  • Current member in good standing of one or more bar associations preferred
  • Proven legal expertise and experience in regulatory affairs
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, capable of engaging with various stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • Lead engagement with federal agencies like the FAA and TSA on aviation regulations
  • Provide strategic legal counsel on regulatory risks and opportunities
  • Develop and execute advocacy strategies aligned with the Company's objectives
  • Represent the Company in administrative proceedings and manage outside counsel as needed
  • Monitor federal agency activities and anticipate government actions
  • Build relationships with government officials and industry colleagues to advance Company priorities
  • Analyze and summarize regulatory issues for internal stakeholders

Benefits

  • Collaborative and innovative company culture
  • Opportunity to influence aviation policy at a federal level
  • Work in a highly visible role with significant impact on the Company's strategic objectives
  • Engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, including federal policymakers
  • Potential for professional growth in a specialized legal field
Full Job Description
Department:
Governmental Affairs

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.


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


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About Southwest Airlines

AirTran Airways, a Fortune 1000 company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past three years. AirTran Airways is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet.

Southwest Airlines Careers

Join the vibrant team at Southwest Airlines, a leading entity in the aviation industry known for its exceptional culture and commitment to innovation and diversity. As we continue to expand, there has never been a better time to explore job opportunities with us. Work You’ll Do At Southwest Airlines, we offer a variety of career paths ranging from aviation mechanics to customer service professionals, all united by a common goal of providing excellent service and maintaining the highest standards of safety. Our team members are the heart of our operations, and we empower them to succeed in their roles and beyond. Transform Your Career Step into a role at Southwest Airlines and join a team that values leadership, professional growth, and diversity training. Our employees are encouraged to lead from their first day, supported by our robust leadership development programs. Innovate with Us Southwest Airlines is at the forefront of innovation in the aviation industry. Join us and contribute to projects that redefine the future of air travel. Our collaborative environment fosters innovation, allowing every team member to make an impact. Be Part of a Great Team Our culture is built on connectivity and teamwork. At Southwest Airlines, you will work alongside dedicated professionals who share your passion for excellence. We celebrate diversity and believe it drives innovation, making us stronger and more responsive to our customers' needs. Future-Proof Your Career Southwest Airlines is committed to the professional development of our employees. With a wide range of benefits, from comprehensive health coverage to employee travel perks, we ensure that your career with us is rewarding. Continuous learning is part of our DNA, and we provide extensive training and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career. Internship Opportunities Kickstart your career with a Southwest Airlines internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, build your network, and learn from leaders who are eager to mentor the next generation of aviation professionals. Our internships offer a deep dive into the aviation world, preparing you for a full-time position in your chosen field. Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to new heights. Explore our job opportunities and find out how you can contribute to the Southwest Airlines family. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who make Southwest Airlines a great place to work. Explore Discover how innovation at Southwest Airlines is shaping the future of air travel and how you can be a part of it. Read more about our projects, team achievements, and the impact we’re making in the industry. Southwest Airlines Careers Our commitment to professional growth, a dynamic culture, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace makes Southwest Airlines not just a great place to work, but a community where you can build a fulfilling career. Join us and see where your skills and passions can take you.
Learn more about Southwest Airlines
Size
58,865 employees
Market Cap
$19.8 billion
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Net Income
-$3 billion
Founded
1971
5 Year Trend
-4.9%
Revenue
$9 billion
NASDAQ
LUV
* Ladders Estimates

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