Position Summary

The attorney in this position will be part of the Marriott Law Department and will work in the Shanghai office, reporting to a Vice President or a Corporate Counsel in China.

The attorney will work on multiple projects in locations throughout Mainland China. The attorney will be required to develop an understanding of Marriott's business and development techniques and practices, and deal with a broad array of topics, including real estate development, operation, asset management, joint ventures, and risk-management covering its full-service (such as Marriott, Renaissance and Sheraton) hotels, luxury hotels (such as Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Bulgari hotels), select-services hotels (such as Courtyard hotels), franchise operations, and branded residential products. The attorney may be requested to focus on certain specific business sector (such as select services franchise business).

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

 Specific Job Summary and Expected Contributions

• Providing preliminary advice on proposed development transactions with respect to confidentiality agreements, structuring the transaction, letters of intent, bidding state documentation and trade area restrictions;
• Drafting and negotiating franchise and related agreements and related agreements with franchisees, operators and owners for new built or converted franchise projects;
• Drafting and negotiating management and related agreements and coordinating various matters for new built or converted management projects;
• Drafting and negotiating ownership structuring agreements, including strategic cooperation, joint venture, and finance documentation;
• 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, negotiating and executing pre-opening stage agreements for both managed and franchised projects, such as rebranding, restructuring, termination, etc.;
• Advising on various pre-opening stage legal issues to facilitate the opening of the signed projects; and
• Providing advice on miscellaneous legal matters affecting lodging development and development asset management.

Candidate Profile

• Excellent academic records with a law degree from a top Chinese, North American or UK law school;
• Minimum of six years (for corporate counsel candidate) or four years (for senior legal director candidate) legal experience in a well-regarded law firm or corporate law department on M&A, project financing or real estate transactions;
• Bar membership (if licensed in the United States) or practicing certificate for Chinese Bar;
• Outstanding analytical, writing, and oral communication skills in Chinese and English;
• Proven project management experience, strong drafting and problem-solving 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;
• Excellent client service and communications skills (oral and written);
• 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; and
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively, work diplomatically, and foster relationships with individuals at all levels.

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. We believe a great career is a journey of discovery and exploration. So, we ask, where will your journey take you?