Legal Counsel - Development, Middle East & Africa

Position Overview

The Legal Counsel for Development in the Middle East and Africa region supports Marriott International's development operations across the MEA region. This position, reporting to the Vice President & Senior Legal Counsel, is based in Dubai and involves providing strategic and transactional legal guidance related to owned, leased, franchised, and managed projects in hotel, residential, and mixed-use sectors. The role aligns legal support with Marriott’s broader business strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, negotiate, and finalize franchise and management agreements along with residential licensing and management contracts, guaranties, lender agreements such as comfort letters and SNDAs, and associated development documentation.
• Advise on issues concerning existing agreements including pre-opening challenges, restructurings, sales, financing arrangements, amendments, conversions, and terminations.
• Lead legal due diligence for development projects, manage relationships with external counsel, and oversee legal budgets.
• Collaborate closely with Development, Asset Management, Operations, and Owner & Partner Relations teams throughout the transaction life cycle.
• Provide guidance on confidentiality agreements, letters of intent, transaction structures, tort liability, territorial restrictions, and risk aspects.
• Manage transaction closures and related execution requirements, including post-closing obligations and follow-ups.
• Ensure adherence to franchise-related regulatory obligations including disclosure, relationship laws, antitrust, agency, and other relevant regulations.
• Navigate cross-border legal complexities including employment, tax, privacy, compliance, insurance, and intellectual property matters in various jurisdictions.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of legal forms and best practices.
• Support wider Law Department initiatives as necessary.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified lawyer with strong academic credentials from a common law jurisdiction.
• At least 5 years of experience in a leading law firm, in-house, or a combination thereof.
• Active bar membership or valid practicing certificate in jurisdictions such as the US, Canada, UK, or equivalent.
• Substantial experience in transactional law and contract drafting, preferably involving complex real estate, hospitality development, or M&A transactions.
• Proven ability to manage cross-border transactions and coordinate work with local counsel in multiple countries.
• Excellent negotiation and deal management skills, with strong commercial insight to deliver practical legal solutions aligned with business goals.
• Capable of handling multiple complex projects simultaneously, with strategic, analytical, and creative thinking.
• Meticulous attention to detail, proactive mindset, and willingness to take ownership and accountability.
• Strong interpersonal abilities to engage effectively across diverse cultures, departments, and seniority levels.
• Committed to ethical standards, integrity, and able to work independently or collaboratively.
• Available and willing to travel within the region as required.
• Knowledge of additional languages such as Arabic or French is advantageous but not mandatory.

Additional Information

This role requires relocation or presence at Marriott's Central Park Towers office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The position is full-time and management level, demanding regional travel and interaction with varied stakeholders.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Marriott International maintains a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion by welcoming applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and ensuring equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on protected categories such as disability or veteran status.

Why Work With Marriott?

Joining Marriott International offers a chance to contribute to prestigious development projects in one of the world's most dynamic markets. Working alongside a respected legal team and business leaders, you will aid iconic hospitality brands' expansion globally while developing your professional expertise and growth opportunities.