Contracts Counsel

Choice Hotels • North Bethesda, MD

7d • $132,143 - $155,462 • Onsite

About The Position

The Counsel, Contracts serves as a trusted legal advisor and business partner, providing legal support for a broad range of commercial agreements across the enterprise. This role proactively manages all stages of the contract lifecycle, including drafting, reviewing, analyzing, and negotiating agreements, advising internal stakeholders on legal risks and mitigation strategies, and supporting efficient contract execution to safeguard the Company’s interests. The position partners closely with cross‑functional stakeholders and leverages legal expertise, business acumen, technology, AI tools, and external resources to balance speed to market with high‑quality legal outcomes. #LI-Onsite

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Active bar membership in good standing.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant legal experience in a business or commercial law setting.
• At least 3 years of experience in a law firm or medium to large in‑house legal department.
• Experience supporting sales and procurement teams.
• Demonstrated experience with routine and complex technology and software agreements, including SaaS, cloud computing, ULAs, PCI, and non‑patent intellectual property licensing.
• Experience negotiating and managing commercial contracts such as professional services, supplier, and marketing agreements.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate legal guidance into practical business solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality, deadline‑driven results.
• Experience using contracts lifecycle management tools and applying AI and technology to improve processes.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, sound legal judgment, and a proactive, customer-focused approach.
• Agile mindset with openness to change in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Demonstrated commitment to Company values, including integrity, curiosity, accountability, and partnership.

Nice To Haves

• Hospitality, hotel, or franchise industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, analyze, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements, including technology, intellectual property, procurement, ecommerce, distribution, marketing, loyalty, and professional services agreements.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand objectives and provide practical, risk‑based legal advice aligned with corporate goals.
• Develop negotiation strategies and clearly communicate legal risks and mitigation options.
• Support contract execution and ensure agreements accurately reflect intended business outcomes.
• Operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment with high contract volume, prioritizing work to meet business needs.
• Continuously improve contract processes and stakeholder experience through innovation, automation, and use of AI and CLM tools.
• Support company‑wide compliance with internal policies and applicable external requirements.
• Participate in stakeholder outreach to strengthen partnerships between Legal and business teams.
• Contribute to process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
• Assist with other legal matters and projects as needed, based on business priorities.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance
• Financial benefits for retirement and health savings
• Employee recognition programs
• Discounts at Choice hotels worldwide

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree