Director & Counsel Development CALA (McLean)

Exceptional Hospitality Starts with YouThis role is based at our corporate office in McLean, VAThis is your chance to be part of an in-house Legal team at a top global hospitality company! As Director & Counsel, Development-CALA, you will provide legal support to our development teams as they grow our hotel and branded residential portfolio throughout the Caribbean & Latin America (CALA) region. On the Legal Development team, you will report to the Vice President & Senior Counsel, Development-Americas. Your responsibilities will include providing legal advice in hotel management agreements, franchise agreements, and branded residential projects. Additionally, you will be involved in contract management, owner relations, negotiating and drafting related documentation, and managing outside counsel.What you'll do during a typical day:Review, draft, and negotiate a variety of agreements relating to system hotels and residential projects, with a focus on management agreements and franchise agreements with hotel owners, license agreements with residential project owners, and finance-related agreements with lenders of such projects.Support Hilton's relationships and transactional dealings with owners of system hotels throughout the lifecycle of the contractual relationship, including negotiating contract amendments and resolving issues.Provide practical risk analysis and strategic legal counsel to business partners on a variety of hospitality-related subject matters.How you'll collaborate with others:Partner with, and train, several of Hilton's business teams, including Development, Operations, Brands and Finance, to protect Hilton's commercial interests and strategically grow its network.Collaborate with others in the Legal Department, and outside counsel, to create optimal, risk-balanced approaches to solving problems and achieving business objectives.Projects you'll take ownership of:Hotel and branded residential management agreements and related amendmentsSNDAsCondominium Marketing License AgreementsFranchise AgreementsF&B service and consultancy agreementsWhat It Takes to Make the StayYou have these minimum qualifications:Five (5) or more years of relevant legal work experience in Hospitality, Commercial Real Estate, or similar transactional work, including first-chair experience leading transactional negotiations.You are admitted to practice law, active and in good standing with the Virginia State Bar, or with another state bar and registered, or be eligible to register, as in-house counsel with Virginia State Bar.Experience interacting with business partners and developing trust.Demonstrated experience in legal document drafting with a focus on detailed accuracy.Understanding of legal concepts and experience to relay concepts to business partners and other Legal team members.Available for occasional business travel (1 to 4 times per year).It would be useful if you have:Experience in the hospitality industry.Experience with hotel management and franchise agreements.Experience in real estate financing transactions.How We'll Help You ThriveAt Hilton, the hospitality we're known for doesn't end with our guests. We proudly invest in our Team Members' wellbeing, supporting you through all of life's moments. When you join Hilton, our exceptional care extends to you with unmatched perks and benefits, including*:Incredible travel perks – Enjoy 110 nights of deeply discounted travel, with room rates as low as $40/night at our world-class hotels through our Go Hilton travel programOwn a piece of Hilton – Through our employee stock purchase program (ESPP), you can invest in Hilton shares at a 15% discount to help build your financial futurePaid parental leave – Because family matters. We offer paid leave for eligible Team Members, including partners and adoptive parentsPersonalized caregiving support – Access dedicated caregiving concierge services to help navigate caregiving for yourself and your loved onesCrisis concierge – In times of loss, our Crisis Concierge offers a single, compassionate point of contact for both practical support and emotional careMental health resources – Your wellbeing comes first. Eligible Team Members can access free counseling and support through our best-in-class Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Generous paid time off (PTO) – Recharge, relax, and take time for what matters mostHealth & welfare benefits – From checkups to dental cleanings to new glasses, we offer a variety of health plans that keep you and your family coveredFinancial security for your future – Our retirement plans make it easier to save for what's next*Benefits availability may vary depending on Team Member's location as well as terms and conditions of employment and are subject to the terms and conditions of each specific program/plan.Hilton offers its eligible team members a comprehensive benefits package to support their mental and physical well-being, so they can Thrive personally and professionally. The pay range for this role is $145,000 – $190,000 and is determined based on applicable and specialized experience and location. Subject to plan terms and conditions, you will be eligible to participate in the Hilton Annual Incentive (Bonus) Plan, and the Company's long-term incentive plan, consistent with other team members at the same level and/or position within the Company.Join an Award-Winning Workplace Culture
At Hilton, we don’t just deliver exceptional experiences for our guests—we build an exceptional workplace for the Team Members who make it all possible. As a global leader in hospitality, we’ve welcomed more than 3 billion guests worldwide, all while staying true to our founding vision: to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.


Our award-winning culture has earned us repeated recognition on the World’s Best Workplaces list by Great Place to Work and Fortune. With our suite of world-class brands, and a company-wide commitment to providing the best stay for every guest, we’re setting new standards for the future of travel.


Whether you’re starting your career or exploring something new, Hilton supports your journey every step of the way. Come for the job, stay for the career—and help us make every stay a little more magical.


Curious about life at Hilton? Explore our Careers Blog to see why we’re more than a great place to stay—we’re a great place to work. 
Full timePosting Date: 2026-08-06