Legal Counsel, U.S​/Canada Development Transactions

Overview

Marriott International, Inc., based in Bethesda, Maryland, is a worldwide operator, franchisor, and licensor of hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties under more than 30 brand names. Marriott’s Law Department services all aspects of the Company’s business and provides legal advice and counsel to Marriott’s internal clients. The U.S./Canada Development Transactions team represents Marriott in growth objectives and provides legal services in all phases of managed, franchised and owned hotel and residential development projects in the United States and Canada.

The team negotiates and drafts contracts with owners, buyers, sellers, and lenders and collaborates with various Marriott corporate departments to align strategy and engage stakeholders.

The Legal Counsel will report to a Vice President & Senior Counsel in the United States and Canada Development and M&A practice group of the Law Department.

• Provide commercial transactional support, including negotiating, drafting, and interpreting agreements related to real estate development, financing, franchising, condominium structures, residential licensing arrangements, and related matters.
• Negotiate and draft hotel franchise and management agreements, tri-party lender agreements, guaranties, financing documents, and other contracts related to Marriott’s hotels and branded residences.
• Offer day-to-day legal advice and training to Marriott teams regarding legal issues related to development transactions.
• Support and assist for specific projects, such as acquisitions and multi-unit deals, as part of a broader team.

Education And Experience

Successful candidates should possess experience, knowledge, and skills as follows:

• Excellent academic record with a law degree preferably from a top law school
• Active bar membership in good standing
• Minimum of 5 years legal experience

Preferred

• Transactional experience
• Familiarity with real estate acquisition and financing techniques and practices
• Experience working in or with hospitality, lodging, or branded residential sectors

Skills

• Proven contract drafting and negotiating skills
• Ability to expeditiously identify and analyze issues and provide legally sound recommendations consistent with good business practices
• Ability to work under stressful conditions with owners, lenders, and internal stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively and diplomatically with individuals at all levels
• Comfort working across business disciplines, including finance, development, and asset management
• Ability to foster relationships and accountability across the organization
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent conflict management skills and ability to influence
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and facilitate the implementation of creative solutions
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of, and effectively resolve problems

The Legal Counsel in this position will focus primarily on representing Marriott with respect to development transactions in the United States and Canada by providing transactional legal support, including:

• Providing advice on proposed transactions with respect to confidentiality agreements, structuring of the transaction, letters of intent, trade area restrictions, and legal due diligence
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating hotel franchise and management agreements, tri-party lender agreements, guaranties, financing documents, and other contracts related to Marriott’s hotels and branded residences
• Providing day-to-day legal advice and training to various areas within Marriott regarding legal issues related to development transactions
• Providing support and assistance for specific projects, such as acquisitions and multi-unit deals as part of a broader team.

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.