Paralegal II - US Canada Asset Management and Owner and Franchisee Relations

JOB SUMMARY

The U.S./Canada Asset Management and Owner & Franchisee Relations team is responsible for supporting Marriott’s open owned, managed and franchised lodging properties in the United States and Canada. The team works with various Marriott corporate departments and disciplines, and helps Marriott achieve its business objectives by negotiating and drafting contracts with owners, operators, and lenders. This Paralegal II position supports a team of attorneys, prepares drafts of key transaction documents, collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, and ensures the seamless completion of managed and franchise transaction documents. Additionally, this role maintains the team’s legal management database while leveraging technology to streamline processes and tracks various asset management and operational matters as they arise. 

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

Required

• Four-year college degree and work experience of one year, OR Two-year college degree and minimum relevant work experience of three years, OR at least ten years of relevant work experience as a paralegal. 
• Strong project management skills, and ability to meet simultaneous deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Familiarity with database functionality and operation. 
• Ability to routinely work from the HQ office in Bethesda, currently 3-4 days/week
• Availability for minimal travel and flexibility for overtime. 

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES 

• Provide direct support to the attorneys and assist other members of the group in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
• Interface with the internal Marriott transactions personnel, as well as owners and their administrative staff, to conduct organizational due diligence and obtain all required information for completion of management and franchise agreements and related documents. 
• Prepare drafts of transaction documents (including franchise agreements, management agreements, guaranties, comfort letters, SNDAs, amendments, and other agreements), primarily utilizing forms and standardized provisions; assist in preparing drafts of negotiated changes to agreements.
• Review and screen information, comments, and questions received from owners and their counsel, and help prepare initial draft responses for attorney review. 
• Facilitate full execution of documents by owners and ensure executed originals are returned and filed appropriately.
• Leverage technology to improve efficiency throughout contract generation and execution process and participate in the implementation of improvements.
• Undertake special assignments, including research, review, and analysis of contract documentation and other issues, as requested.
• Maintain and update enterprise legal management database for up-to-date tracking of the status of transaction documents.
• Respond as necessary to miscellaneous development and operational issues.