Legal Counsel

Position Summary

Marriott International operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts and branded residential properties globally. The Marriott Law Department in Asia Pacific Excluding China (“APEC”) services the Company’s lodging and hospitality business. The attorney in this position is part of the Legal team supporting APEC. This position is located in the Singapore office. The position reports to the Managing Vice President & Assistant General Counsel in the Hong Kong office. 

The attorney will provide legal support primarily on multiple development projects in locations throughout the APEC region.  However, the role will also involve supporting asset management projects and the operation of our hotels in the APEC region.The attorney will be required to demonstrate an understanding of Marriott’s financing and development techniques and practices, and deal with a broad array of topics, including real estate development, debt and equity financing, joint ventures and risk-management covering Marriott’s full range of brands, including its premium full-service Marriott and Sheraton hotels, luxury W, Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels, select-service Courtyard, Moxy and Aloft hotels, and branded residential products. 

The attorney will be required to manage and execute complex transactions, effectively supervise outside counsel, understand local approval processes, work with owners, developers and lenders across varied cultures and legal environments, and coordinate tax, insurance, intellectual property and design issues within Marriott.  Travel will be required. 

Specific Job Summary and Expected Contributions

Primary responsibilities of this attorney will include: 

• Providing preliminary advice on proposed transactions with respect to confidentiality agreements, structuring the transaction, letters of intent and trade area restrictions; 
• Drafting and negotiating management and related agreements and coordinating various conversion matters on the takeover of an existing property; 
• Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements and related agreements with owners, operators and lenders;
• Drafting and negotiating branded residential and related agreements with developers; 
• Drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, ground leases and development agreements, handling legal due diligence, coordinating with other members of the development team, monitoring compliance with local laws, drafting and negotiating closing documents, overseeing closings and following up on post-closing matters; 
• Drafting and negotiating ownership structuring agreements, including joint venture, condominium and finance documentation; 
• Drafting and negotiating documents involved with multi-unit refinancings, sale/lease back, and sale/management back transactions; 
• Providing advice on miscellaneous real estate matters affecting lodging development and operations (e.g. condemnations, easements, restrictions and land use);
• Coordinating across the law department (i.e. Intellectual Property) and other cross-functional departments such as tax, insurance, design, and brand; and 
• Overseeing outside counsel involved in the projects. 

Candidate Profile

• A recognized Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) degree from a reputable university
• Minimum of 5 years post-qualification legal experience in a law firm or corporate law department of national reputation;
• Excellent English written and oral communication skills.  Additional Asian language skills is an advantage. 
• Active Bar membership (if licensed in the United States) / practicing certificate.
• Outstanding analytical, writing, and oral presentation skills; 
• Proven project management experience, strong drafting and problem-solving/analytical skills, excellent organizational skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure while producing a high volume of accurate work;
• Constructive approach to dealing with conflict, and ability to influence and achieve successful results without damaging relationships; 
• Ability to expeditiously identify and assess issues and provide legally sound recommendations consistent with good business practices and reason; 
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of, and effectively resolve problems;
• Strong interpersonal and consultative skills; ability to interact effectively and work diplomatically with individuals at all levels;
• Ability to think strategically and provide leadership when needed; 
• Ability to expeditiously identify and assess issues and provide legally sound recommendations consistent with good business practices and reason; 
• Excellent client service and communications skills (oral and written); and 
• Ability to assess and balance risks, and understand the commercial drivers of projects.

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.