Senior Labor Counsel - Labor Relations

Labor And Employment Relations Association; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; AUD 205,000 - 257,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Public service loan forgiveness (PSLF)

Transit pass

Job summary

SEPTA in Philadelphia, PA seeks a Senior Labor Counsel - Labor Relations to manage arbitration activity across unions, analyze case law, and participate in labor negotiations. The role requires strategic input with staff and outside counsel to shape Authority positions.

The incumbent will monitor arbitration processes, prepare briefs, and ensure regulatory compliance while supporting the Chief Labor Relations Officer in negotiations and policy development.

Qualifications

• JD and 10+ years of labor relations experience.
• Licensed to practice law in the United States.
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to present information to senior management and boards.
• Writing sample may be requested.

Responsibilities

• Review arbitration cases and evaluate settlements for Authority positions.
• Coordinate arbitrator lists and ensure AAA compliance.
• Lead pre-arbitration sessions and oversee arbitration/labor board cases.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on arbitration matters.
• Research case law and pending labor legislation; prepare briefs and summaries.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and safety policies.
• Assist Chief Labor Relations Officer with collective bargaining negotiations.
• Perform additional assignments as directed.

Skills

Labor relations

Arbitration

Negotiations

Legal research

Written & oral communication

Education

Juris Doctorate

Bar license (US)

Job description

Job Description

Senior Labor Counsel - Labor Relations

Job Posted: 27 August 2026

Company: SEPTA

Closing Date: 15 September 2026

Location: Philadelphia, PA

About the Position

Salary Range: $147,108.00-$183,898.00

Overall Description

The Senior Labor Counsel (7166) - Labor Relations incumbent will manage arbitration activity for all Authority unions in consultation with staff, stakeholders and outside counsel. Counsel will also analyze case law, arbitration decisions, pending labor legislation, and applicable labor statutes as well as participate in labor negotiations.

Specific Responsibilities

• Reviews cases appealed to arbitration. Analyzes both Authority and Union positions to evaluate settlement possibilities. Coordinates and monitors case preparation, development of the Authority's position and presentation of cases. Coordinates research of previous grievance/arbitration history in an effort to uphold Authority policies and prevent adverse decisions.
• Reviews arbitrator lists from Association of American Arbitration (AAA) and selects arbitrators for cases. Maintains compliance with AAA rules and regulations.
• Performs case management and coordinates pre-arbitration sessions for preparation of witnesses. Oversees and presents arbitration and/or Labor Board Cases. Ensures post-case management by debriefing staff and stakeholders to review all aspects of case outcomes and outline implementation.
• Coordinates cases assigned to outside counsel in arbitration. Monitors case preparation, development of Authority position and presentation.
• Consults with staff, stakeholders and outside counsel on arbitration preparation and delegates arbitration cases.
• Conducts case law research and analyzes pending labor legislation. Prepares briefs, memorandums or summaries for labor issues and cases affecting the Authority. Provides analysis and input for labor negotiating committees.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with applicable regulations.
• Assists Chief Labor Relations Officer with collective bargaining negotiations.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures, as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises, or hazards in the hazards affecting self and other employees is responsible for the individual's own safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Performs other assignments as directed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited college or university and ten (10) years proven and practical experience which includes an in-depth knowledge of labor relations, state and federal labor laws, arbitration, mediation and/or labor negotiations experience required.
• License to practice law in the United States.
• Must possess excellent analytical, written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills required.
• Ability to deal with complex problems and review related information to evaluate and make recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, make quick decisions and function effectively under pressure required.
• Ability to effectively present information to senior management, board of directors and/or public groups required.
• Selected applicants will be required to provide a writing sample .
• Advanced knowledge of the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Act and Federal Railway Labor Act preferred.
• Experience as a practicing attorney which includes legal experience pertaining to labor relations and collective bargaining negotiations preferred.

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
• Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community!

SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.