Function:
This position will support a diverse portfolio of lodging assets and will be responsible for a broad range of legal matters with a focus on managing property-level liability litigation and providing operational legal support. The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following areas: litigation management, contract review, or real estate matters related to hospitality assets.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the resolution of property-level liability litigation, coordinating with outside counsel, internal stakeholders, and insurance providers (all litigation is handled by outside counsel).
- Administer the process for evaluating and approving liability claims, ensuring appropriate risk assessment, documentation, and internal reporting.
- Provide legal guidance and interpretation on operational contracts and agreements.
- Manage and advise on lease-related issues including tenant disputes, lease enforcement, amendments, renewals, and terminations.
- Work with asset managers and hotel operators to assist in obtaining licenses and permits necessary for hotel operations.
- Support senior legal leadership in the oversight of significant corporate litigation, collaborating with outside counsel and internal teams as necessary.
- Monitor and resolve property-level code violations and compliance issues.
- Assist in reviewing and negotiating vendor agreements to support hotel operations.
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
- Active license to practice law and in good standing with at least one U.S. jurisdiction
- 3-5 years of relevant legal experience, in-house experience preferred but not required
- Strong project management and negotiation skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal teams and outside counsel.
- Proficient in analyzing, drafting, and negotiating operational contracts, leases, and vendor agreements to address legal and business risks.
- Familiarity with legal issues unique to lodging and hospitality assets, including leases, condominium matters, licensing, and operational compliance.
- Skilled in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating legal and operational risks in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical skills and practical judgment to offer clear, actionable legal advice in complex situations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and business objectives are supported.
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $140,000 - $155,000
- Annual Bonus
- Restricted Stock Awards
Work Environment:
- Position is based in Bethesda, MD
- In the office five (5) days a week.
Interested candidates can submit their resume to the link below:
RLJ Lodging Trust is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
EOE
Benefits:- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Paid Holidays
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k with company match)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Transit or Parking Benefits
- Discounted Gym Membership
- RLJ and Franchisor Hotel Discounts