Description

JOB# 24-11
TITLE: Managing Director and Assistant General Counsel, Litigation
REPORTS TO: Principal Deputy General Counsel, International Legal Affairs; and Deputy General Counsel, Litigation and L&E Legal Affairs
DEPT/DIVISION: Office of the General Counsel (OGC)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Airlines for America (A4A) is looking to add a litigation attorney to our close team of in-house counsel leading cutting-edge litigation for the commercial aviation industry. Work with industry subject matter experts in house and with member airlines on all litigation matters, including legal challenges to federal regulations, state laws with adverse impact to commercial aviation, as well as international litigation consisting of challenging foreign laws in foreign jurisdictions, and legal efforts to enforce foreign laws, bilateral agreements and international aviation treaties. Position reports to the Deputy General Counsels for Litigation (for domestic litigation matters) and International Legal Affairs (for international litigation matters). The ideal candidate will possess strong research and writing skills and enjoy working in a collaborative but fast paced and demanding environment. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic advice and counsel to A4A on aviation litigation matters.
• Support the DGC, Litigation and L&E Legal Affairs, in initiating and managing industry litigation to preempt harmful regulations at the state and local level, including the ability to develop and execute strategic litigation plans.
• Support the PDGC, International Legal Affairs, in international litigation matters to pursue equal and fair application of and compliance with foreign laws and bilateral and multilateral aviation agreements.
• Remain current with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements in this area, including the Railway Labor Act, Federal Aviation Act, Airline Deregulation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Family Medical Leave Act and/or state labor laws.
• Principal advisor on compliance requirements in state and local government affairs activities.
• Manage and partner with outside litigation counsel in a strategic and cost-effective manner, and other duties as assigned.
• Domestic and international travel required (approximately 30%).

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor Degree, active member in good standing in at least one state bar.
• 8 years of litigation experience, law firm experience preferred.
• Detail oriented and highly organized, with the ability to execute on multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines, and work independently with limited guidance in a fast-paced environment where flexibility is key. 
• Familiarity with aviation, employment, occupational safety and/or administrative law concepts and regulations. 
• Excellent litigation skills and federal litigation experience; ability to closely manage outside counsel to ensure control of legal fees and compliance with legal budgets. 
• Familiarity with international law framework, preferably bilateral and international aviation agreements and decisions implementing those agreements.
• Ability to think strategically and to appreciate both the immediate and long-term business impacts of different legal courses of action.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusion or approaches to problems.
• Highly effective negotiating skills to realize consensus positions among a diverse and competitive membership.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to seek out and collaborate with colleagues in the OGC and other departments.

SALARY INFORMATION:

The annual salary range for this position is a minimum of $180,000 and a midpoint of $200,000. Typically, new hires are brought into the organization at a salary range between the minimum and midpoint for the role, depending on experience, qualifications and internal equity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• All A4A employees must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
• If approved by the department supervisor, A4A employees have the option to work from home on Mondays and Fridays. All employees are expected to work in the office Tuesdays through Thursdays.

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS:

Choice of medical plans, plus free life, dental, and vision coverage. 401(k) with matching and discretionary contributions, airline travel privileges, a tuition reimbursement plan and 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to hr@airlines.org to the attention: JOA#24-11.

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