Corporate Counsel Transactions

Position Overview

Hyatt is looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Corporate Counsel (“Counsel”) to join its legal department. The Counsel will be part of and report into the transactions team and support transactions for Hyatt‑franchised and Hyatt‑managed hotels in North America. The Counsel will work on deals both independently and with other lawyers and paralegals in the Legal Department, manage outside counsel, support diverse client groups within the Company, and interact with leaders at all levels of the Company, both in the Chicago headquarters and the field. The position is located at the Company’s headquarters in downtown Chicago, Illinois, with a minimum requirement of 3 days per week in office.

Required Experience

The successful candidate will have 4‑8+ years of experience in a law firm and/or an in‑house legal department with experience in commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, real estate or finance. Experience with the hotel industry, hotel management agreements, and franchise agreements is preferred but not required.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on and handling a broad range of commercial matters relating to hotel ownership, franchise relationships, and hotel management structures, including structuring, drafting, and negotiating hotel management agreements, hotel franchise agreements, and related commercial arrangements.
• Supporting Hyatt’s development and asset management teams in connection with new hotel deals, contract renewals, amendments, financings, restructurings, and portfolio transactions.
• Advising on owner/franchisee relationship matters, including contract renewals, terminations, amendments, and dispute avoidance/resolution.
• Structuring, negotiating, and conducting diligence in connection with acquisitions, dispositions, co‑ownership and credit support structures, purchase and sale agreements, and other operative agreements for opening and operating hotels.
• Supporting the drafting, review, and maintenance of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) in compliance with FTC Franchise Rule and applicable state laws, partnering cross‑functionally with business teams to ensure accurate and timely disclosures.
• Negotiating agreements and liaising across legal and other departments related to hotel transitions, including conversions between managed and franchised properties, openings, and exits.
• Effectively working with attorneys, paralegals, and outside counsel on matters, as necessary, to accomplish legal and business objectives.

Qualifications

• 4‑8+ years of experience in a transactional practice in a law firm or an in‑house legal department.
• Juris Doctorate degree and licensed to practice in a jurisdiction within the United States.
• Experience with the hotel industry and/or hotel management agreements and franchise agreements is a clear advantage.
• Leadership acumen and a track record of demonstrating these skills.
• Demonstrated track record of accountability for outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Responsible and proactive self‑starter, capable of simultaneously handling multiple, multi‑faceted projects and competing deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of cross‑functional teams.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.
• Superior intellect, with the ability to think critically and make well‑reasoned decisions; strong, pragmatic business acumen with the ability to recognize the business consequences of legal advice; a strategic and innovative thinker who can bring value to clients, anticipate issues and find creative solutions to complex legal problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interface effectively with individuals at all levels, both within and outside the Company.
• Enthusiasm, passion, and a down‑to‑earth attitude with a “roll up your sleeves” approach.

Benefits

• Annual allotment of free hotel stays at Hyatt hotels globally.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Work‑life benefits including wellbeing initiatives such as a complimentary Headspace subscription and a discount at the on‑site fitness centre.
• A global family assistance policy with paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child and financial assistance for adoption.
• Paid Time Off, medical, dental, vision and 401(k) with company match.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $180,000. The position is also eligible to earn incentive awards, an annual bonus, and monthly or quarterly incentives. The final pay rate is determined by experience, skill level, and other qualifications for the role, as well as the location of work. Pay meets local requirements, including the local minimum wage rate.