Corporate Counsel Transactions
Posted on June 02, 2026 (15 days ago)
Corporate Counsel Transactions
Summary
Position Overview: Hyatt is seeking 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 independently and with other lawyers and paralegals, manage outside counsel, support diverse client groups, and interact with leaders at all levels of the Company. The position is located at Hyatt's headquarters in downtown Chicago, Illinois, with a minimum requirement of 3 days per week in the office.
The Opportunity
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.
Location/Relocation: Chicago, Illinois.
Who We Are
Hyatt is a global hospitality company with more than 1,500 properties in 70 countries. We believe in the power of belonging and cultivate a culture of care where colleagues become family. We focus on people and provide opportunities for career growth.
Why Now?
Hyatt is undergoing significant transformation driven by growth in personal travel and global business. We seek passionate changemakers to join our journey and help shape the future of travel and hospitality.
How We Care for Our People
Hyatt offers exceptional corporate benefits, including an annual allotment of free hotel stays at Hyatt hotels globally, flexible work schedules, wellbeing initiatives (including Headspace), discounts at on-site fitness centers, global family assistance with paid time off for birth or adoption, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
Who You Are
Ideal candidates embody Hyatt's core values of Empathy, Inclusion, Integrity, Experimentation, Respect, and Wellbeing. You are results-driven, collaborative, and eager for professional development.
The Role & Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include providing legal support across the organization and working with the corporate headquarters and field. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Advise on commercial matters related to hotel ownership, franchise relationships, and hotel management structures; structure, draft, and negotiate hotel management agreements, franchise agreements, and related commercial arrangements.
- Support development and asset management teams on new hotel deals, renewals, amendments, financings, restructurings, and portfolio transactions.
- Advise on owner/franchisee relationship matters, including renewals, terminations, amendments, and dispute avoidance/resolution.
- Structure, negotiate, and conduct diligence for acquisitions, dispositions, co-ownership and credit support structures, purchase and sale agreements, and other operative agreements.
- Support drafting, review, and maintenance of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) in compliance with the FTC Franchise Rule and applicable state laws.
- Negotiate agreements and coordinate across departments for hotel transitions, conversions between managed and franchised properties, openings, and exits.
- Work effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and outside counsel to achieve legal and business objectives.
Qualifications
• 4-8+ years of experience in a transactional practice in a law firm or in-house legal department.
• Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.
• Experience with the hotel industry and/or hotel management and franchise agreements is advantageous.
• Leadership acumen, accountability, excellent written and verbal communication, strong business judgment, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; high integrity and professional ethics; strategic thinker with pragmatic business acumen.
• Juris Doctorate and licensed to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.
• Experience with the hotel industry and/or hotel management and franchise agreements is advantageous.
• Leadership acumen, accountability, excellent written and verbal communication, strong business judgment, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; high integrity and professional ethics; strategic thinker with pragmatic business acumen.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $180,000. This position is also eligible for incentive awards, annual bonus, and other incentives. Final pay will depend on experience, skills, and work location and will meet local legal requirements.
How to Apply
To apply, click the "APPLY" button on the job posting page or submit your application through Hyatt Hotels Corporation's careers/profile page referenced on this posting. Please include your resume and any supporting documents.
Recruitment Agencies
Hyatt values relationships with recruitment partners and requires agencies to contact Hyatt before submitting candidates. Hyatt will not be responsible for fees or obligations associated with unsolicited submissions unless a formal agreement is in place.