Corporate Counsel

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.

Requirements

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.

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