Traditional Labor / Litigation Counsel

Larson Maddox; Fort Worth (TX); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Multiple healthcare plan options

Paid parental leave

Generous paid time off

Job summary

A leading legal firm is seeking an In-house Counsel in Fort Worth, Texas, to oversee Traditional Labor and Litigation matters. The role demands strong leadership skills, with responsibilities including managing labor litigation, advising stakeholders, and contributing to labor strategy development. Ideal candidates should possess a Juris Doctor, active law license, and 4-10 years of relevant experience. The position offers a hybrid schedule and competitive compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4-10 years of experience in labor litigation and traditional labor matters.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Strong communication skills with legal and non-legal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on labor law issues and RLA compliance.
• Manage complex labor litigation and administrative proceedings.
• Develop labor strategies to align with business objectives.

Skills

Labor law knowledge

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Education

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based legal research platforms

Job description

Job: In-house Counsel - Traditional Labor & Litigation
Location: Fort Worth, TX (on-site)

Compensation: $140,000-$180,000 base + bonus eligibility

Overview

Our client, a leading transportation and logistics organization, is seeking to bring on an in‑house Counsel to oversee Traditional Labor, Labor Relations, Litigation, and other functions across the legal team. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, and is expected to grow into a leadership role within the organization. This role offers the opportunity to serve as a trusted legal advisor within a sophisticated in‑house legal function, partnering closely with labor relations leadership to navigate complex labor matters.

Position Summary

The Labor & Employment Counsel will provide strategic legal support on labor relations and employment matters, with a particular focus on issues arising under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) or comparable federal labor frameworks. The role involves managing labor litigation, advising senior stakeholders, and helping shape proactive labor strategies that align with business and workforce objectives.

The position is based in Fort Worth, Texas, with a hybrid schedule that typically includes one remote workday per week. Leadership supports flexibility and work‑life balance while maintaining a collaborative, team‑oriented culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a legal advisor to the Labor Relations function and business leadership on a broad spectrum of labor law issues, including those governed by the Railway Labor Act.
• Lead and manage complex labor litigation and administrative proceedings, including RLA disputes, arbitration matters, whistleblower and retaliation claims, adjustment board proceedings, and related appellate work.
• Provide guidance on collective bargaining agreements, grievance administration, disciplinary matters, and workforce management issues.
• Contribute to the development of forward‑looking labor strategies designed to mitigate legal risk and support operational priorities.
• Track and assess emerging legal trends and regulatory developments affecting labor relations, translating them into practical guidance for internal clients.
• Support the management of employment‑related litigation and agency matters, including EEOC charges, OSHA whistleblower complaints under 49 U.S.C. § 20109, and proceedings before Department of Labor Administrative Law Judges.
• Coordinate closely with outside counsel, overseeing case strategy, budgets, and performance to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Collaborate with attorneys and legal professionals across employment, compliance, claims, and commercial practice areas within the legal department.

Qualifications

Required:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (Texas preferred but not required)
• A minimum of 4-10 years of experience handling labor litigation, arbitration, and traditional labor matters in an in‑house, law firm, or government setting
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. now and in the future without employer sponsorship
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web‑based legal research platforms
• Experience advising on matters governed by the Railway Labor Act or similar federal labor statutes
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with both legal and non‑legal stakeholders
• Sound judgment, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously
• Strong negotiation skills and a business‑oriented approach to problem solving

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Industry‑leading retirement programs, including a robust 401(k) and railroad‑specific retirement benefits
• Multiple healthcare plan options covering medical, dental, vision, mental health, and specialty care
• Employer‑funded health savings account contributions and company‑paid life and disability insurance
• Family‑focused benefits, including parental leave, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and dependent care accounts
• Wellness, counseling, and lifestyle discounts
• Generous paid time off and leave policies