Legal Secretary

Job description

Position Summary

Marriott International, Inc. is the world's largest hotel company based in Bethesda, Maryland, with more than 9,000 properties and 30 brands in 142 countries and territories.  Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses branded residential properties. Marriott’s Law Department services the Company's lodging and hospitality business and provides legal advice and counsel to Marriott’s internal clients. The Europe, Middle East and Africa offices of the Law Department provide legal services to support the development and lodging operations of all Marriott-branded lodging products in Europe, Middle East and Africa. 

The Legal Assistant is an integral role in the department and is responsible for providing direct administrative support to attorneys within the EMEA team.  It is essential that the role maintain confidentiality of proprietary materials and information and ensure that tasks are completed accurately. This position will be located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and will report directly to a VP & Senior Counsel. 

Responsibilities Summary

·  Administrative support for attorneys, working for up to 5 attorneys in one of the EMEA areas of Development, Franchise, Operations and Asset Management, or from one of the other legal areas. The role might support additional positions as the team structure changes.
·  Compose, type/merge, compare, format, proofread and transmit legal documents and correspondence. 
·  Provide excellent word processing and formatting support.
·  Prepare, revise, edit and proofread extensive correspondence and legal documents.
·  Prepare for transaction closings including preparation and editing of execution documents and powers of attorney.
·  Prepare and edit lengthy legal documents, presentations, agendas, memos, letters, spreadsheets, and other business documents.
·  Maintain confidentiality of proprietary materials and information. Protect the privacy and security of business parties, customers, and coworkers.
·  Demonstrate organizational, prioritization, proactivity, proofreading, and attention to detail skills to allow for timely, effective, and accurate performance of job duties with little or no outside assistance.
·  Interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate with a diverse group of attorneys, staff, and clients and to provide or obtain information with ordinary courtesy, diplomacy and tact. Good teamwork ability.
·  Track the status of projects (including MEA development deals) and any correspondence requiring responses and keep attorneys apprised of status.
·  Handle execution of legal documents, including coordinating with signatories and collating agreements.
·  Enter matters in various databases, such as iManage; update database information and documents, including revision and search of databases for corporate entities and report and record management.
·  Create and maintain computer- and paper-based filing and organization systems for records, reports and documents. Create and maintain up-to-date desk files and permanent files. Assist attorneys/paralegals in data entry and maintenance of practice area's contract database and database reporting, as well as maintenance of all forms, agreements, disclosure documents and Sharepoint sites.
·  Act as liaison between the attorneys and other Marriott employees and outside counsel.
·  Organize and schedule meetings and conference calls and handle high-priority scheduling issues. Manage and coordinate calendars with team members and for Senior Leaders and other associates. Prepare for group and other general meetings, including scheduling conference rooms, preparing agenda items, prior distribution of materials, room set up, audio visual equipment set up, and food and beverage arrangements. Where necessary take minutes of the meetings.
·  Handle all travel arrangements and coordinate logistics including transportation, reservations, visas and lodging arrangements. Efficiently prepare expense reports. 
·  Assist and work closely with the Executive Assistant/team leader with overflow as requested.
·  Review all incoming mail (including original legal documents) and forward to the appropriate attorney. Send couriers containing original legal documents.
·  Ensure necessary office supply inventory is available, and order as needed. Ensure all office equipment is in working order.
·  Perform any other duties as necessary.
·  Provide cover for Legal Assistants during vacation/sickness

Requirements for Position 

·  Minimum of three years of secretarial experience in a law firm or corporate department preferred but not essential .
·  Strong skills with MS Office, e.g., Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.  Proficiency or capacity to learn to utilize Teams/Sharepoint and database programs such as iManage are essential. 
·  Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize, completing tasks on time with a good ability to multitask and deal with a high volume and strong sense of urgency. Flexibility to adapt to continually changing workload priorities and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
·  Ability to proactively identify problems and issues and develop appropriate and innovative solutions. Ability to think outside the box and be resourceful. 
·  Good time management, organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to work well in a team to achieve common goals and promote a positive work environment. Eagerness to pitch in to help others when needed. Collaborates well with a diverse group of attorneys and associates and is a good representative of the Law Department. High degree of professionalism, diplomacy and tact.
·  Ability to demonstrate impeccable integrity in confidential matters and elsewhere.
·  Fast, accurate typing. Strong word processing and spelling/grammar/proofreading skills.
·  Good judgment; professional demeanor
·  Diligence and strong work ethic. 
·  Ability to work independently on projects and as part of a team. 
·  Excellent English skills both written and verbal are essential. 

Education:  High School diploma or equivalent completed secondary education required.

 

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin  your purpose,  belong  to an amazing global​ team, and  become  the best version of you.