Labor Attorney at The Port Authority of NY & NJ – New York, New York

About the Role

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Law Department has a career opportunity for an experienced Labor Attorney to join its Manhattan-based 125+ person team. Labor Attorneys at the Port Authority advise on a wide range of labor and employment law matters and play an active role in supporting and participating in labor negotiations.

In addition to providing legal counsel on traditional labor and employment issues, this role will work closely with the Labor Relations Department throughout the full lifecycle of collective bargaining, including strategy development, drafting, negotiations, and implementation. This position will assist Labor Relations during negotiations and review and analyze proposed language contained in collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to ensure consistency with all applicable laws, Port Authority policies, and negotiated objectives. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of labor regulations, collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and will provide strategic legal guidance to mitigate risk and advance the Authority’s bargaining interests.

Responsibilities

• Provide prompt and accurate advice to internal clients on labor and employment law issues.
• Partner with Labor Relations in developing bargaining strategy, analyzing proposals, and preparing negotiation positions.
• Draft, review, and assist in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, side letters, memoranda of agreement, and labor-related employment policies.
• Evaluate and advise on the legal, operational, and financial implications of proposed contract provisions.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations as applicable to Port Authority.
• Provide legal guidance regarding contract interpretation, grievance handling, and disciplinary actions.
• Develop workplace policies and provide training on labor law compliance.
• Stay updated and monitor changes in labor legislation, legal decisions, and legislative actions and advise clients on legal impact.
• Advise management on labor strategy, negotiations, contract interpretation, disciplinary actions, and risk management.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Member of the Bar in good standing in New York and/or New Jersey.
• At least 7 years of experience in labor law.
• Prior experience in a law firm, government agency, or in-house legal department.
• Demonstrated experience participating in or directly supporting collective bargaining negotiations.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and legal writing skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws (e.g., collective bargaining, wage and hour, workplace rights).
• Proven ability to perform effectively under pressure to meet deadlines and reconcile conflicting priorities toward resolution.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Exercise sound judgment with an understanding of the intersection of legal, operational, public, and political considerations.
• Strategic thinker able to manage risk and provide practical, pragmatic solutions.
• Possess high integrity and professional ethics.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation, Benefits & On-Site Collaboration Requirements:​

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.​ Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.​

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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is:​

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Minimum: $140,000 Maximum: $190,000​

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In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required on business needs.