Job Title: AVP, Counsel – (Real Estate, Hotel, Restaurant, etc.)
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 3 days in office)
Compensation: $140,000 – $200,000 base + bonus
Industry: Real Estate / Hospitality / Legal
Employment Type: Full-Time
Overview:
A leading global real estate investment platform is seeking an experienced AVP, Counsel to join its legal team, focusing on hospitality and hotel-related matters. The role provides legal support to operations and investment teams managing a national hospitality portfolio. Candidates should bring strong experience in commercial transactions, hotel management agreements, franchise contracts, leasing, and other hospitality-specific legal needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as primary legal advisor for hospitality asset operations, including day-to-day legal and strategic needs
- Draft, negotiate, and review contracts such as management, franchise, leasing, and vendor agreements
- Support transactions involving hotel acquisitions and dispositions
- Coordinate with internal teams, external partners, and outside counsel to ensure legal risks are mitigated
- Provide legal input throughout the investment lifecycle, from deal structuring to ongoing operations
- Help implement internal governance and compliance programs
- Train stakeholders on legal processes and hospitality-specific legal frameworks
Qualifications:
- J.D. from an accredited institution and active license to practice law in Texas
- 5+ years of legal experience representing institutional clients, ideally with significant focus on hospitality, multifamily, retail/restaurant, or single family residential assets
- Background in corporate or real estate law, including transaction and operational contract work
- Previous experience either in-house at a hospitality, multifamily, retail/restaurant, or single family residential firm or advising clients in a law firm setting
- Strong contract negotiation and drafting skills
- Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
- Excellent communication and business judgment skills
- Proficiency in legal software, Microsoft Office Suite, and contract management tools
Perks & Benefits:
- Competitive compensation and annual bonus
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Hybrid work structure + flexible scheduling
- Generous PTO and summer flex days
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and wellness benefits
- Professional development and leadership training programs
Please send an updated resume to for immediate consideration!