Legal Counsel

The Legal Counsel Luxury MEA, will provide comprehensive legal support for the Luxury & Lifestyle business units in the (MEA) region. This role involves close collaboration with the legal team and business partners to guide and fulfill their legal needs. As a Legal Counsel, you will cover all aspects of the business, including corporate, operations, procurement, development, and legal administration, working across all luxury division brands in the region.

Main responsibilities:

• Template Development: Create and update development templates for agreements, including Hotel Management, Consultancy Services, Franchise, Brand Licensing and Sales, Master Services, Residential Management, Rental Services, and Residence Owner Services.
• Deal Negotiations: Assist in negotiations with property owners for development deals and draft initial development agreements.
• Operational Agreements: Develop operational template agreements such as marketing, services, procurement, and employment-related agreements.
• Support Business Units: Provide legal support in negotiations, disputes, and risk management for business units.
• Review Agreements: Review template agreements submitted by business units, especially those under EUR 50,000.
• Training and Guidance: Prepare and conduct training sessions, create legal guides, and deliver presentations to assist business units in their day-to-day operations.
• Legal System Management: Manage and update the Agiloft system with new agreements, amendments, and supplemental correspondences. Train business units on its use.
• Corporate Secretarial Support: Support the corporate secretarial function for luxury companies in the region.
• Legal Research and Advice: Conduct legal research and prepare advice/position papers on relevant legal issues across multiple jurisdictions.
• Policy Development: Assist in the development and implementation of legal policies and procedures for the MEA region.
• External Counsel Liaison: Liaise with external counsel on assigned legal matters and manage legal expenditures.
• Risk Assessment: Stay up-to-date on legal developments in the MEA region, identify potential legal risks for the company, and provide advice on risk management and HMA interpretations.

Requirements

Typical Background:

• Law degree with qualification
• 1-3 years of post-qualification experience, preferably within the region
• Background in hospitality, with exposure to core hotel management documents
• Commercial experience, specifically in drafting, negotiating, and resolving contract disputes
• Expertise in Corporate Law, Employment Law, or Procurement
• Proficiency in risk assessment

Compentencies:

• Excellent Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and patiently with stakeholders across all luxury brands.
• Adaptability and Resilience with flexibility to learn quickly, adapt to changing environments, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Independent and Efficient Work Ethic with ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Strong negotiation skills and Sound Judgment
• Professionalism and Interpersonal Skills to foster effective working relationships.
• Proficiency in a second language, preferably Arabic.
• Cultural Awareness with exposure to and understanding of MEA culture.
• Innovative Mindset: A proactive, positive disruptor mentality that embraces change and proposes legal solutions rather than just identifying risks.

Join our team and leverage your legal expertise in a dynamic and supportive environment. If you have a passion for the hospitality industry and meet the above criteria, we’d love to hear from you!