Legal Counsel, Development, Middle East & Africa

Additional Information Job Number 26084643 Job Category Legal Location Central Park Towers Level 12, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates, 213111VIEW ON MAP Schedule Full Time Located Remotely? N Position Type Management 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, this role supports owned, leased, franchised and managed hotel, residential, and mixed‑use projects, delivering commercially focused legal advice and transactions aligned with Marriott’s business objectives. Scope Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Language Requirements: English (Arabic and/or French advantageous) Travel: Regional travel required Role Type: Individual Contributor Key Responsibilities • Structure, draft, negotiate and execute franchise and management agreements, residential licensing and management agreements, guaranties, lender agreements (including comfort letters and SNDAs), 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 to support transactions from initial structuring through closing and post‑closing matters through project opening. • 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 and follow-up matters. • Ensure compliance with franchise regulatory requirements, including franchise disclosure obligations, relationship laws, antitrust, agency, and other applicable regulations. • Navigate complex cross‑border legal environments, coordinating employment, tax, privacy, compliance, insurance, and intellectual property considerations across jurisdictions. • Develop or support development of forms and best practices. • Support Law Department initiatives, as appropriate. 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), as applicable. • 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, as well as deal management skills. • Strong commercial judgment with the ability to deliver practical, business‑aligned legal advice. • Ability to manage multiple complex matters concurrently and independently in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment. • Ability to think analytically, strategically and creatively both from a business and legal perspective. • Strong attention to detail, proactivity and demonstrated ability to take ownership and accountability. • Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder‑management skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures, functions and seniority levels. • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, as appropriate. • 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 but not required. Why Join Marriott International? At 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, partner closely with senior business leaders, and contribute to iconic brands that define hospitality worldwide. Bring your legal expertise to the world stage. Apply today and make your mark with Marriott International. 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. 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. Show more Show less

Education: qualified lawyer from a common law jurisdiction. Bar membership or equivalent (US/Canada bar or UK/other). Minimum of 5 years experience in a top-tier law firm or equivalent in-house. Strong transactional and drafting experience, preferably on complex real estate matters, hospitality, development transactions or M&A. Experience managing cross-border transactions and coordinating local counsel across jurisdictions. Fluent English; Arabic and/or French advantageous. Willingness to travel. Ability to structure, draft and negotiate complex franchise/management agreements and related development documentation; comfortable leading due diligence and supervising outside counsel.

Structure, draft, negotiate and execute franchise and management agreements, residential licensing and management agreements, guaranties, lender agreements (including comfort letters and SNDAs), 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, Development Asset Management, Operations, Owner & Partner Relations, and Asset Management teams to support transactions from structuring through closing and post-closing matters. 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, including disclosure obligations and applicable laws. Navigate cross-border legal environments, coordinating employment, tax, privacy, compliance, insurance, and IP considerations. Develop or support development of forms and best practices. Support Law Department initiatives as appropriate.