Corporate Counsel - Development

Job description

Marriott International is the world's largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. We believe a great career is a journey of discovery and exploration. So, we ask, where will your journey take you?

Desired profile

Qualifications :

JOB SUMMARY
This position will be located in Marriott International's office in Dubai and will report to the VP & Assistant General Counsel. The position will provide legal services to support the development and operations of all Marriott-branded lodging products, including its full-service Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Renaissance brands, luxury Ritz-Carlton and St Regis brand, and Four Points, Aloft and Courtyard by Marriott brands, in the Middle East & Africa region.
Legal services will be required in connection with all phases of Marriott's international hotel development and operations projects, including drafting and negotiating hotel management, franchise, lease and related agreements with third parties throughout the region. This position will require an ability to deal with a broad array of topics, including real estate development, debt and equity financing, joint ventures, risk-management and employee related issues. Familiarity with financing and development techniques and practices will be required. This position will require the ability to manage and negotiate complex transactions, supervise outside counsel, understand local law and relevant legal issues, work with owners, developers and lenders across varied cultures and legal environments, and coordinate tax, insurance, intellectual property and design issues within Marriott.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience
• This position will require an independent and creative attorney capable of working on multiple projects in locations throughout the region.
• The attorney must be fluent in English and have an excellent academic record (both undergraduate and law school), at least five (5) years of law firm or equivalent experience including at least three (3) years with a U.S. or U.K. firm or company,
• Active Bar membership (if licensed in the United States / practicing certificate).
• Proven contract drafting and negotiating skills
• In-depth knowledge and experience with complex financing, joint ventures, acquisitions and real estate transactions, including a substantial proportion of cross border transactions,
• An understanding of financial analyses,
• A high degree of competence and familiarity with computers and document production,
• A proven ability to work in a team-oriented environment, and a desire to become part of a leader in the hospitality industry.
• Fluency in Arabic is preferred.
• Flexibility for travel.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

The primary responsibilities of this attorney will be:

• Provide legal services for the acquisition, development, and financing of new lodging products, including:
o Providing preliminary advice on proposed transactions with respect to confidentiality agreements, structuring the transaction, letters of intent, and trade area restrictions;
o Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements and related agreements with owners, operators and lenders;
o Drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, ground leases, and development agreements, handling legal due diligence, coordinating with other members of the development team, monitoring compliance with local laws, drafting and negotiating closing documents, overseeing closings, and following up on post-closing matters;
o Drafting and negotiating management and related agreements and coordinating various conversion matters on the takeover of an existing property;
o Drafting and negotiating ownership structuring agreements, including joint venture, condominium, and finance documentation;
o Drafting and negotiating documents involved with multi-unit refinancing, sale/leaseback, and sale/management back transactions; and
o Providing advice on miscellaneous real estate matters affecting lodging development and operations (e.g., condemnations, easements, restrictions, and land use).

• Coordinate Field Client Support to All Marriott Managed Hotels in Middle East and Africa
o Provide advice on day-to-day operations and legal issues
o Work with outside counsel with respect to their provision of legal services to Marriott-managed hotels and Regional Teams
o Develop and conduct training programs to field and corporate clients
o Develop legal tools and resources for field and corporate clients
o Negotiate regional agreements

• Provide Corporate Client Legal Support
o Legal support to various departments at Corporate Headquarters and in the region providing lodging-related services

Managing Work, Projects, and Policies
• Coordinates and implements work and projects as assigned.
• Complies with Federal and State laws applying to procedures.
• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.
• Analyzes information and evaluates results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Manages the flow of questions and directs questions.

Supporting Operations
• Works with team to put sustainable work processes and systems in place that support the execution of the strategy.
• Establishes and maintains complete and up-to-date information to ensure accurate reporting.
• Represents team in resolving situations.
• Maintains and manages inventory and service operations.

Additional Responsibilities
• Informs, updates, and provides information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person in a timely manner.
• Attends and participates in all relevant meetings.
• Presents ideas, expectations and information in a concise, organized manner.
• Uses problem solving methodology for decision making and follow up.
• Maintains positive working relations with internal customers and department managers.
• Manages time effectively and conducts activities in an organized manner.
• Performs other reasonable duties as assigned by manager.

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Marriott International does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.