Hospitality & Leisure Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Hospitality & Leisure Associate Attorney to join a highly respected global law firm.

Locations: Chicago, New York, Phoenix, or Washington, DC

Practice Area: Hospitality & Leisure / Real Estate Transactions

Overview:
This is an exceptional opportunity for a mid-level associate to join one of the nation’s premier Hospitality & Leisure practices within a globally recognized law firm. The group is widely regarded as a market leader in hospitality-related transactions and advises sophisticated owners, investors, developers, operators, and financial institutions on complex hotel and mixed-use real estate matters across the globe.

Position Overview:
The ideal candidate will have 2–4 years of real estate or transactional experience and an interest in hospitality-focused transactions. Associates in this practice work closely with industry-leading attorneys on sophisticated domestic and international deals involving hotels, resorts, mixed-use developments, financings, joint ventures, and operational agreements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate hospitality and real estate transaction documents
• Handle purchase and sale agreements, hotel management agreements, franchise and license agreements, and joint venture agreements
• Advise clients on hospitality-related financings and loan documentation
• Conduct due diligence and support all aspects of transaction execution
• Manage transaction closings from inception through completion
• Collaborate with attorneys across offices and practice groups on complex, multi-jurisdictional matters
• Maintain regular client communication and support strategic transaction planning

Qualifications:

• 2–4 years of real estate and/or transactional legal experience
• Prior law firm experience handling sophisticated transactional matters required
• Hospitality industry experience is a plus but not required
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, organizational, and analytical skills
• Strong academic credentials and written/oral communication abilities
• Ability to manage multiple competing deadlines in a collaborative environment
• Active bar admission in the jurisdiction where the candidate will practice required

Compensation:
Expected salary range: $235,000 – $310,000, commensurate with experience

This role offers the opportunity to join a nationally recognized Hospitality & Leisure practice with exposure to high-profile transactions, global clients, and a highly collaborative team environment.