Legal Counsel - Franchise Regulatory

JOB SUMMARY

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 Franchise Regulatory team supports Marriott’s franchise regulatory compliance obligations and related legal work for Marriott’s franchised brands in the United States and Canada. This work includes supporting the lawful offer and sale of franchises, including the preparation, filing, maintenance, and updating of franchise disclosure documents and related franchise regulatory materials. The team also advises Marriott’s business leaders and teams on franchise law, franchise relationship laws, antitrust, trademark, agency, contract, and other legal issues relevant to Marriott’s franchise system. The team also serves as a resource for Continent teams responsible for franchise regulatory compliance in their regions.

The Franchise Regulatory function supports Marriott in meeting its growth objectives and regulatory compliance requirements as relates to Marriott’s open hotel portfolio. The team works closely with corporate departments and disciplines, including Development, Owner & Franchise Services, Operations, Finance, Brand, and other Law Department practice groups. The work of the team principally involves providing franchise regulatory support, transactional support, training, and practical legal guidance on matters requiring knowledge of the hotel industry, Marriott’s strategic objectives, franchise law, and Marriott’s franchise system.

The Legal Counsel will report to the Vice President & Senior Legal Counsel and Team Leader, U.S./Canada and Corporate Regulatory.

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Education and Experience 

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

Required

• Excellent academic record with a law degree preferably from a well-regarded law school 
• Active bar membership in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• Minimum of 5 years legal experience
• Experience providing legal support for franchise, regulatory, commercial, transactional, or corporate matters

Preferred

• Experience with franchise regulatory matters, including franchise disclosure documents, registration and exemption filings, franchise relationship laws, and related regulatory requirements
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• Transactional experience, including drafting and negotiating commercial agreements
• Familiarity with hospitality, lodging, branded residential, real estate development, or franchise systems
• Experience working with cross-functional business teams and advising business clients on legal and regulatory requirements

Skills

• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply franchise regulatory requirements, franchise relationship laws, and related legal concepts
• Ability to identify and analyze issues quickly and provide legally sound, practical recommendations consistent with good business practices and reason
• Ability to work with owners, franchisees, lenders, internal stakeholders, and outside counsel in a professional and solutions-oriented manner
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to interact effectively and work diplomatically with individuals at all levels
• Comfort working across business disciplines, including Development, Owner & Franchise Services, Operations, Finance, Brand, and other Law Department practice groups
• Ability to foster relationships and individual accountability across the organization
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal and regulatory issues into clear, practical advice
• Excellent conflict management skills, and ability to influence
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and facilitate implementation of creative solutions
• Technology fluency, including the ability to leverage technology, workflow tools, templates, and data-informed approaches to improve legal service delivery and regulatory compliance processes
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of, and effectively resolve problems
• Strong business ethics, personal integrity, diligence, dependability, and work ethic
• Flexibility to adapt quickly and comfortably to changing priorities

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES 

The Legal Counsel in this position will focus primarily on supporting Marriott’s franchise regulatory work and related franchise legal matters in the U.S. and Canada, including:

• Provide legal support for franchise regulatory compliance in the U.S./Canada, including the preparation, review, filing, maintenance, and updating of franchise disclosure documents and related materials for Marriott’s franchised brands
• Serve as a resource for Continent teams responsible for franchise regulatory compliance in their regions
• Advise business clients and Law Department colleagues on franchise regulatory requirements, franchise relationship laws, franchise law, antitrust, trademark, agency, contract, and related legal issues affecting Marriott’s franchise system
• Support filings, registrations, exemptions, amendments, renewals, and related governmental submissions required for the lawful offer and sale of franchises in the U.S./Canada
• Provide legal advice and training regarding franchising, franchise regulatory compliance, Marriott’s franchise system, and related legal issues in the U.S./Canada
• Provide risk-informed guidance on complex or sensitive franchise regulatory matters, including brand changes, principal trademarks, legislative and lobbying efforts, fee or program changes, litigation or regulatory developments, marketing and earnings claims, and state- or province-specific concerns in the U.S./Canada
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• Represent Marriott with respect to issues arising from existing franchise agreements, including interpretations, amendments, terminations, restructurings, and relicensing transactions
• Support specific projects, such as acquisitions, multi-unit deals, conversions, distressed asset matters, and other strategic transactions as part of a broader team
• Develop and improve templates, processes, training materials, and technology-enabled ways of working to improve consistency, efficiency, and quality in franchise regulatory and franchise legal support

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. 

Pay Range (US/Canada/EMEA): $151,100-$201,000 Annually