Legal Counsel – Development for Middle East & Africa

About the role

The Legal Counsel – Development, Middle East & Africa provides strategic and transactional legal support for Marriott International’s hotel, residential and mixed‑use development projects across the region. Based in Dubai, the role reports to the Vice President & Senior Legal Counsel – Development.

Key responsibilities

• Structure, draft, negotiate and execute franchise, management, residential licensing, guaranty, lender agreements and related development documentation.
• Advise on existing franchise and management agreements, including pre‑opening issues, restructurings, sales, financings, amendments, conversions and terminations.
• Lead legal due diligence, supervise outside counsel and manage legal budgets for development projects.
• Partner with Development, Asset Management, Operations and Owner & Partner Relations teams throughout transaction life‑cycle.
• Provide 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, antitrust, agency and other applicable laws.
• Navigate cross‑border legal environments, coordinating employment, tax, privacy, compliance, insurance and intellectual property matters.

Required profile

• Law degree from a common‑law jurisdiction and active bar membership (US, Canada, UK or comparable).
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a top‑tier law firm, with transactional and drafting experience in complex real‑estate or hospitality development matters.
• Strong academic background and ability to work independently as an individual contributor.

Required skills