ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Labor Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MTA Headquarters

Labor Counsel

New York, NY · Hybrid

$126K - $157K/yr

Labor Counsel DEPT/DIV: Labor Relations WORK LOCATION: 2 Broadway FULL/PART-TIME FULL SALARY RANGE: $126,288 - $157,860 DEADLINE: Until filled This position is eligible for teleworking, which is ...

First Student

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

The Labor Counsel position is an integral role to the organization and a key functioning hands-on member of the Labor Relations/HR team. In this role you will work closely with the Labor Relations/HR ...

First Student

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

The Labor Counsel position is an integral role to the organization and a key functioning hands-on member of the Labor Relations/HR team. In this role you will work closely with the Labor Relations/HR ...

First Student, Inc.

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

The Labor Counsel position is an integral role to the organization and a key functioning hands-on member of the Labor Relations/HR team. In this role you will work closely with the Labor Relations/HR ...

First Student

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

The Labor Counsel position is an integral role to the organization and a key functioning hands-on member of the Labor Relations/HR team. In this role you will work closely with the Labor Relations/HR ...

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

$147K - $183K/yr

Senior Labor Counsel (7166) - Labor Relations City: Philadelphia Secure Your Future with SEPTA - A Leader in Transportation! The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the ...

Transdev

Senior Counsel, Labor-East Coast

New York, NY · On-site

$152K - $207K/yr

The Senior Labor Counsel will serve as lead negotiator for collective bargaining agreements within the assigned region and will provide practical, solution-oriented guidance to business clients in a ...

Transdev

Senior Counsel, Labor-East Coast

Lombard, IL · On-site +1

$136K - $185K/yr

The Senior Labor Counsel will serve as lead negotiator for collective bargaining agreements within the assigned region and will provide practical, solution-oriented guidance to business clients in a ...

Transdev

Senior Counsel, Labor-East Coast

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$158K - $214K/yr

The Senior Labor Counsel will serve as lead negotiator for collective bargaining agreements within the assigned region and will provide practical, solution-oriented guidance to business clients in a ...

Transdev

Senior Counsel, Labor-East Coast

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$136K - $185K/yr

The Senior Labor Counsel will serve as lead negotiator for collective bargaining agreements within the assigned region and will provide practical, solution-oriented guidance to business clients in a ...

Transdev

Senior Counsel, Labor-East Coast

Washington, DC · On-site

$158K - $214K/yr

The Senior Labor Counsel will serve as lead negotiator for collective bargaining agreements within the assigned region and will provide practical, solution-oriented guidance to business clients in a ...

Transdev

Senior Counsel, Labor-East Coast

Lombard, IL · On-site

$137K - $186K/yr

The Senior Labor Counsel will serve as lead negotiator for collective bargaining agreements within the assigned region and will provide practical, solution-oriented guidance to business clients in a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLegal JobsAttorneys JobsLabor Counsel Jobs

Labor Counsel information

See salary details

$43K

$146.3K

$211K

How much do labor counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor counsel in the United States is $146,280.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $190,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a labor counsel?

Labor Counsel are specialized lawyers who provide legal advice and representation on matters related to labor and employment law. They typically assist organizations in navigating complex workplace regulations, resolving labor disputes, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Labor Counsel may work in-house for corporations, for unions, or at law firms representing employers or employees. Their work is essential for preventing legal issues, managing risk, and fostering positive labor relations.

What are some common challenges labor counsel face when navigating union negotiations?

Labor Counsel often encounter complex challenges during union negotiations, such as balancing organizational goals with employee concerns, interpreting intricate labor laws, and managing communication between management and union representatives. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong negotiation skills, a thorough understanding of collective bargaining agreements, and the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders. Staying current with evolving labor regulations and maintaining professionalism under pressure are also key aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a labor counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Labor Counsel, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and expertise in labor and employment law, including experience in collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and compliance. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and relevant federal and state employment regulations is essential. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills help you effectively advocate for clients and build constructive relationships with unions and management. These skills ensure effective legal representation and support organizational compliance in complex workplace environments.

What is the difference between Labor Counsel vs Labor Attorney?

AspectLabor CounselLabor Attorney
CredentialsLegal degree, bar admission, specialized training in labor lawLegal degree, bar admission, specialized training in labor law
Work EnvironmentIn-house legal team, corporate settingLaw firms, legal practices, or in-house legal departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by corporations to handle labor issues internallyUsed by clients or firms representing clients in labor matters
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Labor Counsel and Labor Attorney both require legal credentials and focus on labor law. Labor Counsel typically work in-house for companies, providing internal legal advice, while Labor Attorneys often work in law firms or represent clients externally. Both roles involve handling labor disputes, compliance, and negotiations, but their work environment and client interaction differ.

What cities are hiring for Labor Counsel jobs?

Cities with the most Labor Counsel job openings:

What states have the most Labor Counsel jobs?

States with the most job openings for Labor Counsel jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Labor Counsel jobs?

For Labor Counsel jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Labor Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Labor Counsel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,280 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Labor Counsel

New York, NY • On-site

Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Urban Transit Systems • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Metropolitan Transportation Authorityexternal

$126K - $157K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the authority's legal advocate in contract grievances, disciplinary cases, arbitrations, trials, mediations, and administrative proceedings.

  • Formulate litigation strategy, prepare witnesses, gather evidence, research legal issues, draft legal briefs, and present oral arguments.

  • Provide day-to-day legal advice and evaluation to Authority management on disciplinary matters, labor issues, contract interpretations, and policy formation.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Position at MTA Headquarters
JOB TITLE:
Labor Counsel
DEPT/DIV:
Labor Relations
WORK LOCATION:
2 Broadway
FULL/PART-TIME
FULL
SALARY RANGE:
$126,288 - $157,860
DEADLINE:
Until filled
This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.
Opening:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.
Position Objective:
The Labor Counsel is responsible for providing expert legal advice on Labor Relations matters to MTA senior staff and managers. This role represents the authority in disciplinary cases and trials, determines the strategy for litigation, and serves as an advocate in administrative proceedings for the MTA and its agencies.
Responsibilities:
  • Arbitrations and Administrative Tribunals. Serve as the authority's legal advocate in contract grievances, disciplinary cases, arbitrations, trials, mediations, and administrative proceedings, ensuring that the Authority's position is effectively presented.
  • Formulates litigation strategy and settlements, prepares witnesses, gathers evidence, researches legal issues, drafts legal briefs and other litigation papers, presents oral arguments to arbitrators, mediators, and Administrative Law Judges.
  • Serve as counsel to Authority management, providing day-to-day advice and legal evaluation in connection with disciplinary matters, labor issues, New York State Civil Service Law, contract interpretations, and policy formation.
  • Ensure compliance with the legal obligations required under the collective bargaining agreements as well as under New York State and Federal law.
  • Review labor legislation and formulate the Authority's statement in support/statement in opposition to legislation. Ensure the Authority's position on proposed legislation is delivered timely to the MTA's legislative team.
  • Evaluate evidence, assess possible litigation outcomes, draft disciplinary charges, formulate proposals, day-to-day contact and negotiations with union representatives to resolve litigation matters, and respond to information requests / FOIL requests for information sought by labor.
  • Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, record minutes of collective bargaining negotiations, assist in developing collective bargaining strategies, and ensure the smooth implementation of collectively bargained terms. Negotiate labor contracts within cost guidelines and patterns set by the MTA.
  • Participate in Labor/Management meetings. Prepare minutes from prior Labor/Management meetings. Address and resolve issues without the need for grievances or litigation, and maintain a channel of effective communication with the unions.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • With wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, decision making and initiative, this position involves presenting the Authority's position in litigated proceedings as well as in day to day incidents involving disciplinary matters; advocating to judges, arbitrators, mediators, unions and senior level management that certain actions are necessary for the operational needs of the Authority and/or the resolution of disputes; proposing strategies to ensure the appropriate resolution of disputes that is consistent with law and the Authority's goals and policies.
  • Preparation of litigation strategy and evidence.
  • Presentation of evidence at arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and disciplinary conferences and trials.
  • Knowledge of the statutory framework of labor relations in New York, including knowledge of New York State Civil Service Law, Administrative Law, and Taylor Law.
  • Knowledge of OATH practice, arbitration, and labor administrative tribunals and their practices.
  • Prioritize the heavy workload and demands of the Labor Relations department as well, to present cases to further the goals of the Authority.
  • The position requires a strong legal advocate while maintaining a balanced approach to labor management issues.

Required Education and Experience:
  • J.D. degree from an accredited Law School is required.
  • Admitted to practice law in the State of New York is required.
  • Minimum of 6 years of legal experience with primary emphasis on litigation and/or labor relations.

Other Information
May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)
Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.
According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

What Metropolitan Transportation Authority employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply