Legal Counsel, Development

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. 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.