Legal Counsel, Development, Middle East & Africa
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Marriott International is seeking a Legal Counsel to support development activities across the Middle East & Africa region. The role involves structuring, drafting, and negotiating franchise and management agreements, advising on cross-border transactions, and managing legal due diligence.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Structure, draft, negotiate and execute franchise and management agreements, residential licensing and management agreements, guaranties, lender agreements, and related development documentation
- Advise on existing franchise and management agreement matters including pre opening issues, restructurings, hotel sales, financings, amendments, conversions, and terminations
- Lead legal due diligence, instruct and supervise outside counsel, and manage legal budgets for development projects
- Partner with Development, Asset Management, Operations, and Owner & Partner Relations teams to support transactions
- Provide advice on proposed transactions, confidentiality agreements, letters of intent, transaction structuring, and risk considerations
- Oversee transaction closings, coordinate execution requirements, and manage post closing deliverables
- Ensure compliance with franchise regulatory requirements including disclosure obligations, relationship laws, antitrust, agency, and other regulations
- Navigate complex cross border legal environments coordinating employment, tax, privacy, compliance, insurance, and intellectual property considerations
Requirements
- Strong academic background and qualification as a lawyer from a common law jurisdiction
- Minimum of 5 years experience in a top tier law firm or relevant in house experience
- Active bar membership (US or Canada) or valid practicing certificate (UK or comparable jurisdiction)
- Strong transactional and drafting experience, preferably on complex real estate matters
- Experience managing cross border transactions and coordinating local counsel
- Fluency in English; Arabic and/or French advantageous
Full Job Posting
Position Summary
- The Legal Counsel – Development, Middle East & Africa provides strategic and transactional legal support to Marriott International’s development activities across the MEA region.
- Based in Dubai and reporting to the Vice President & Senior Legal Counsel – Development, Middle East & Africa.
- Supports owned, leased, franchised and managed hotel, residential, and mixed‑use projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Structure, draft, negotiate and execute franchise and management agreements, residential licensing and management agreements, guaranties, lender agreements, and related development documentation.
- Advise on existing franchise and management agreement matters, including pre‑opening issues, restructurings, hotel sales, financings, amendments, conversions, and terminations.
- Lead legal due diligence, instruct and supervise outside counsel, and manage legal budgets for development projects.
- Partner closely with Development, Development Asset Management, Operations, Owner & Partner Relations, and Asset Management teams.
- Provide advice on proposed transactions and guidance on confidentiality agreements, letters of intent, transaction structuring, tortious interference, trade area restrictions, and related risk considerations.
- Oversee transaction closings, coordinate execution requirements, and manage post‑closing deliverables.
- Ensure compliance with franchise regulatory requirements.
- Navigate complex cross‑border legal environments.
- Develop or support development of forms and best practices.
- Support Law Department initiatives.
Candidate Profile Experience
- Strong academic background and qualification as a lawyer from a common law jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 5 years experience in a top‑tier law firm either exclusively or in combination with relevant in‑house experience.
- Active bar membership (US or Canada) or valid practicing certificate (UK or other comparable jurisdiction).
- Strong transactional and drafting experience, preferably on complex real estate matters, including hospitality or development transactions, or mergers and acquisitions.
- Experience managing cross‑border transactions and coordinating local counsel across multiple jurisdictions is highly preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent transactional contract drafting and negotiation skills in English.
- Strong commercial judgment with the ability to deliver practical, business‑aligned legal advice.
- Ability to manage multiple complex matters concurrently and independently.
- Ability to think analytically, strategically and creatively.
- Strong attention to detail, proactivity and demonstrated ability to take ownership.
- Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder‑management skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Commitment to the highest ethical standards and integrity.
- Willingness and flexibility to travel as required.
- Fluency in one or more languages relevant to the market is preferred.
Why Join Marriott International?
- You’ll help shape landmark development projects across one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
- You’ll work alongside a globally respected legal team and partner closely with senior business leaders.
- Contribute to iconic brands that define hospitality worldwide.
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