Legal Director

Expedia Group•Seattle, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Expedia Group is seeking a motivated and experienced Legal Director to join their team to provide legal advice on U.S. state and local tax matters. This role will serve as a key legal advisor, with primary responsibility for indirect taxes (including sales and use, lodging, occupancy, excise, gross receipts, and similar transaction taxes), as well as state and local corporate income, franchise, and withholding taxes. The position involves advising on tax audits and controversies, tax litigation, and tax policy developments, and providing ongoing legal support to Tax and cross-functional stakeholders. This role is based in Seattle and aligns with a hybrid policy, requiring three days in the office. It offers a unique opportunity to work on a diverse spectrum of tax matters in a fast-changing and highly visible environment within the global travel industry. The position is part of the Expedia Legal and Corporate Affairs (ELCA) team, a globally oriented, proactive, collaborative, and highly respected legal team.

Requirements

J.D. degree and membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar (Washington preferred).
Ten-plus years of legal experience practicing tax law, with a strong focus on U.S. state and local taxes (including significant experience with indirect taxes).
Meaningful experience counseling on issues such as nexus, taxability, sourcing, marketplace and platform regimes, digital/online travel services, and state income/franchise apportionment, ideally in a technology, e‑commerce, or travel‑related environment.
Demonstrated experience advising on and managing state and local tax audits, administrative appeals, and/or litigation, including strategy, negotiations, and interaction with tax authorities.
Excellent analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex tax concepts directly and clearly to a variety of audiences, including non‑tax stakeholders and senior executives.
Exceptionally strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment while delivering high‑quality, business‑oriented advice.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills, sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative work ethic; comfortable working across time zones and functions.
Ability to work both independently and as an effective, solutions‑oriented partner with colleagues and business clients.
Common sense, great judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a practical, risk‑balanced approach to problem solving.
A strong work ethic with a bias to action and a genuine interest in Expedia Group’s mission and products.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Canada and Mexico taxes a plus.

Responsibilities

Perform legal research and analysis on U.S. state and local tax issues, with primary focus on indirect taxes and related corporate income, franchise, and withholding taxes.
Monitor and interpret state and local legislation, regulations, administrative guidance, and case law, and provide practical, business-focused advice on their application to Expedia Group’s businesses and products.
Partner with the Tax and Government Affairs teams on tax policy initiatives, proposed tax legislation, rulemakings, and other advocacy or engagement with tax authorities and trade associations.
Provide legal advice and strategy for tax audits and examinations, including risk assessments, response strategies, and resolution approaches.
Assist with tax litigation and administrative controversies and oversee outside counsel in state and local tax matters, ensuring efficient, high quality work product.
Review and advise on tax provisions in external contracts (including customer, supplier, and partner agreements) to align with Expedia Group’s tax positions and operational practices.
Support tax due diligence and related structuring on company transactions and acquisitions, including assessment of historic state and local tax exposure and anticipated future state tax footprint.
Evaluate existing policies and controls and help develop and implement policies, processes, and documentation that support and substantiate the company’s state and local tax positions.
Collaborate closely with colleagues in Tax, Finance, ELCA, Government Affairs, Product, and Operations to ensure tax considerations are appropriately integrated into business initiatives, product offerings, and systems.
Provide clear, concise, and timely written and oral guidance that translates complex state and local tax concepts for a variety of legal and non‑legal audiences, including senior leaders.