Paralegal

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world seeks an experienced Paralegal for our office in Atlanta, GA to represent over 17,000 Delta pilots.  Under general supervision and within the limitations of Association policy, the Paralegal provides contractual and legal research support and assists in the analysis of contractual disputes.  They work closely with MEC officers, representatives, and committee volunteers to assist in gathering information and evidence in order to review and analyze potential contract issues, and support and assist in the development of strategies and tactics for resolution.  They interact with pilot members to assess whether potential disputes exist under the Pilot Working Agreement (PWA) and, if so, work with management representatives to informally resolve the dispute while also handling contractual appeals of disputes that are not resolved earlier in the resolution process, including the subsequent processing of cases to the System Board of Adjustment, the preparation of the cases at the Board, and the preparation of post-hearing briefs.  They also provide support and assistance in the preparation and processing of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforcement cases at all stages, up to and including appeals and filing appeal briefs.  Individual responsibility and administrative ability are both required to ensure that tasks are carried out as assigned and important deadlines are meet. Excellent note taking skills in a high-volume environment and ability to travel frequently (20 – 40%) and for prolonged periods of time required.

ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in relevant area, e.g., English, Paralegal Studies, Political Science, Pre-Law, or related field, from an accredited college or university preferred; or, the equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Two (2) years of paralegal experience required; five (5) or more years strongly preferred.
• Paralegal Certificate strongly preferred.
• Ability to take accurate fast notes and/or shorthand in a high-volume setting required.
• Understanding of collective bargaining agreements, corporate practices, and applicable regulations preferred with a strong preference for an understanding of pilot contracts and Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
• Knowledge of pilot scheduling, work rules, and benefits issues, e.g., vacation, sick leave, and the like, strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with internal staff, external contacts, and pilots.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Able to work independently and to be proactive in identifying and responding to issues and problems.
• Software: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required; SharePoint preferred.

Note:  The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet.  Routinely required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office and the local metropolitan area, determine what others have said or written, and converse with others and exchange accurate information.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally and nationally).  Also includes occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.

Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.).  While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)