Job Number 23139313
Job Category Legal
Location Dubai Development, Central Park Towers Level 12, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates
Schedule Full-Time
Located Remotely? N
Relocation? N
Position Type Management

JOB SUMMARY

This position will be located in Marriott International\'s office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and will report to the Vice President & Assistant General Counsel \xe2\x80\x93 Development Middle East and Africa or a Vice President & Senior Counsel.

This position will provide legal services to support the development and operation of all Marriott-branded lodging products in Middle East and Africa, including its full-service, luxury and select service brands. Initially this position will primarily handle development of franchised select-service hotels, but will also work on other development, development asset management and, at times, asset management matters.

The position will be responsible for providing legal services and guidance to support owned, leased, franchised, managed, residential and mixed-use development projects predominantly in Middle East and Africa (although there may be some work in other regions of EMEA), including drafting and negotiating franchise and management agreements, residential licensing and management agreements, leases, purchase and sales contracts, and guaranties. The work principally takes the form of providing commercial transactional support (such as negotiating, drafting and interpreting numerous types of contracts) and providing legal guidance on a variety of development matters where knowledge of the hotel industry, Marriott\xe2\x80\x99s strategic objectives, various hotel-related disciplines, and certain legal subjects is essential.

This position will deal with a broad array of topics, including real estate development, debt and equity financing, guaranties, joint ventures, residential licensing, mergers & acquisitions, risk-management, employment, and tax. Familiarity with real estate acquisitions and dispositions, mixed-use developments, financing and development techniques and practices is preferred. This position will manage, structure, negotiate, draft and execute multiple complex transactions; supervise outside counsel; understand and resolve local law issues; manage project budgets; work effectively with franchisees, owners, consultants, and lenders across varied cultures and legal environments, and coordinate employment, tax, privacy, insurance and intellectual property issues within Marriott.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

The primary responsibilities of this attorney will be:

• Manage, structure, draft, negotiate, execute and advise on, franchise and management agreements as well as residential licenses and management agreements, tri-party lender agreements (i.e., comfort letters and subordination and non-disturbance agreements), guaranties, loan and credit enhancement documentation, and other contracts.
• Represent Marriott with respect to existing franchise and management agreement issues such as issues arising between signing and opening of the hotels, restructurings, workouts, hotel sales, financings, contract interpretations, amendments, conversion matters and terminations.
• Handle legal due diligence, coordinate with other members of the development team, coordinate various conversion matters on the takeover of an existing property, monitor compliance with local laws, draft and negotiate closing documents, oversee closings, and follow up on post-closing matters.
• Provide preliminary advice on proposed transactions with respect to confidentiality agreements, structuring transactions, letters of intent, tortious interference and trade area restrictions.
• Provide day-to-day advice to numerous areas of the Company including development, hotel operations and franchising.
• Provide advice and ensure compliance with franchise regulatory requirements (including preparing franchise disclosure documents), franchise disclosure and relationship laws, and other relevant laws, including antitrust and agency.
• Supervise outside counsel and manage project legal budgets.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Excellent academic record (both undergraduate (as applicable) and law school) and at least 3 years in a well-regarded law firm or comparable corporate environment. If licensed in the United States, then active US Bar membership is required, otherwise, a practicing certificate from an appropriate jurisdiction is required.
• Ability to work well with others, good judgment, and the ability to think strategically both from a business and legal perspective.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of and solve problems, and to expeditiously provide recommendations which are consistent with good business practices and common sense.
• Ability to think creatively, to supervise multiple matters, and to work independently and effectively with clients, peers, and other parties.
• Strong analytical, contract drafting and negotiating skills.
• Ability to integrate and balance priorities, work activities and resources for the benefit of multiple key stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively, work diplomatically, and foster relationships with individuals at all levels.
• Committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and acting with integrity.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiating skills in English required.
• Fluency in Arabic and/or French in addition to English is advantageous.
• Flexibility to travel.

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\xe2\x80\x99s 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,\xe2\x80\x8b begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global\xe2\x80\x8b team, and become the best version of you.

Marriott