In-House Junior Attorney / Hybrid

Role Purpose

Perform contractual administration duties related to the issuance and approval of licensing and compliance for all New Development/Conversion license agreements as well as relicensing and change of ownership license agreements. Issue and fully execute franchise licensing agreements and associated legal documents; Compose all addenda to modify terms of the license agreement; Issue all compliance-related documents to the franchise community; track franchise data and ensure that all contract and file documentation is complete and accurate in order to issue a legally defensible license; Responsible for maintaining and updating almost all information in the company’s global database. Provides consultation and acts as key contact for franchisees on all issues related to franchising and inquiries relating to license agreements. Follow up and collection of contract-related data and collection of fees. Collaborate with internal counsel in preparation of termination agreements for hotels leaving the system due to default, temporary removal, voluntary or mutual termination.

Key Accountabilities

• Act as liaison with applicant’s and Franchise Development as needed. 
• Receive and review all documents relating to all entities that have an equity interest in the license. Verify all licensing data such as dates, signatures, completion of forms, etc. Send and receive related licensing documents to internal contacts for various forms of approval (Credit, Risk Management, F&B, Franchise Approval Committee, Legal) and follow up to ensure all documents are complete and correct. Enter all franchise license data into GOLS, and ensure system is continually updated with the status of licensing changes.
• Review and approve all principal franchising documents and correspondence slated for issuance and execution, including license agreements, comfort letters, default letters, termination letters, etc. to ensure compliance with internal and external laws, rules and regulations.
• Conduct fact-finding research of franchise entities to determine the appropriate contact with binding authority for licensing agreements. 
• Draft addenda to license agreements throughout term of licenses and follow up for completion. Continually update retention system and database to reflect ongoing changes to the hotel/license data.
• Serve as contact for licensees or representatives of licensees for information relating to the execution of a license agreement. Facilitate smooth progression through the license agreement or revision process.
• Issue failure, default, and termination letters in connection with licensees not meeting system/license requirements. 
• Gather and compile appropriate data for the licensure process from external research sources (ex. Look up at SIGER). Review and interpret organizational documents for each entity that is involved in equity ownership.
• Maintain information entered in company database for hotels and entities.
• Review Expiration Report and work closely with the Development Department in order to send extension letters to existing properties.
• Monitor hotels through the opening process. Ensure the licensee is complaint with the license agreement prior to the hotel opening in the system. Prepare NHOP Advisory Memo. Open the hotel in GOLS.
• Follow up with internal contacts for various forms of approval (i.e. Manager, Franchise Sales, etc) for hotels opening in the system.
• Manage accurate Principal Correspondent records and facilitate appropriate process to update as needed.
• Provide Franchise Disclosure Documents for change of ownerships.
• Issue and execute all special agreements including Deceased letters, Promissory Notes, Master Technology Agreement, Enhancements, etc.

Key Skills & Experiences

Education –

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree Law, legal or a related field of work, or an equivalent combination of education and work related experience.

Experience –

1 to 3 years progressive work-related experience in legal or franchise administration, 1 to 2 years work-related experience in the Franchise Licensing Specialist position, banking administration, contract administration, or similar, with demonstrated technical proficiency related to the position.

Technical skills and Knowledge –

• Demonstrated strong writing and reading comprehension skills for purposes of drafting, compiling, or interpreting legally binding license agreements and financial letters
• Demonstrated understanding of contractual agreements and demonstrated ability to administer ongoing contracts or similar detail-oriented projects.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, time management skills, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to interpret state regulations for contract compliance and to read and interpret supporting documents (i.e. leases, provisions, license restrictions, credit approvals, guaranty, etc.).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the license agreement, compliance and supporting documents to review and approve of documents issued and executed by Licensing Specialist.

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to an individual's, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or familial status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. IHG is committed to promoting a culture of inclusion where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. We seek talent from all backgrounds to join our teams and encourage our colleagues to bring their authentic and best selves to work.