Counsel

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts•Parsippany, NJ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

As Counsel at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, you will play a critical role in prosecuting and defending actions on behalf of the Company as they relate to franchise or former franchise relationships. This position will provide legal advice and management of pre-litigation and litigation disputes between the Company and its existing and former franchisees in the U.S. and Canada.

Requirements

Excellent writing and oral communication skills and attention to detail.
Ability to think independently and make sound decisions without long contemplation or research.
Strong analytical and drafting skills, with experience drafting agreements reflecting negotiated resolutions.
Ability to promptly and effectively respond to questions and concerns from senior management, clients, and customers and explain litigation and bankruptcy related issues in plain English.
Ability to define problems, collect relevant information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and exercise sound discretion and judgment in making decisions and performing duties.
Self-starter; ability to multi-task and handle large volumes of work.
Demonstrated ability to influence individuals outside direct reporting relationships.
Law degree.
Admission to NJ Bar or ability to obtain NJ in-house counsel license.
A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in a law firm or in house at a large company.
Strong drafting and counseling foundation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the franchise industry preferred.
Experience in the hospitality industry preferred.

Responsibilities

Pre-litigation negotiations with former and current franchisees for the recovery of AR, LDs, promissory notes and Development Advance Funds, as well as the de-identification of the hotel from its current or former affiliation with one of the Company’s hotel brands
Management of any bankruptcy proceedings involving the Company that relate to a franchisee or former franchisee
Management of third party legal claims and litigation defense matters
Responding to subpoenas served on the Company
Facilitation of responses to escalated hotel guest complaints
General counseling on franchise-related legal issues
Facilitation of Information Management relating to the Company, including but not limited to e-discovery
Other assignments and responsibilities at the direction of the General Counsel and Senior Vice President -Legal responsible for litigation
Assistance with trial preparation and participation as the Corporate Representative at mediations, arbitrations, depositions and trials where the Company is a plaintiff or a defendant.

Benefits

Health insurance with HSA and FSA options
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life/AD&D insurance
Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage
401(k) with generous company match
Vacation time- Accrue 2.019 hours of paid vacation per week
Paid holidays- 11 Core Scheduled Paid Holidays with potential additional paid days off as business operations and the calendar permit (e.g. in 2026, there is an additional 7 days of paid company closure).
Paid sick leave accrued as state and local laws require
Additional paid time off in the form of one volunteer day, bereavement time, as well as jury duty time.