Job Title: General Counsel
Job Responsibilities:
The General Counsel will serve as the chief legal advisor to the executive leadership of the company and will oversee all legal activities across the organization. This includes corporate governance, regulatory compliance, real estate transactions, risk management, litigation oversight, employment law, government relations, real estate entitlements, and investment-related legal matters. The General Counsel will also advise other business units within the family business and the family office. The successful candidate will act as a proactive business partner, providing solutions-oriented legal guidance to enable strategic decisions, protect the company's interests, and create long-term value.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide expert legal advice and counsel to executive leadership, the boards of various hotel assets, and the family office on a wide range of legal and strategic issues.
- Oversee and manage corporate governance processes, including board meetings, resolutions, and compliance requirements.
- Lead legal aspects of real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leases, financing transactions, entitlements, and related matters.
- Manage litigation and dispute resolution strategies to minimize risk and ensure favorable outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, advising on hospitality-specific compliance areas.
- Draft, review, negotiate, and execute agreements, contracts, and other critical legal documents.
- Advise on employment law matters, labor relations, and HR compliance, partnering with the People & Culture department and operational teams to mitigate labor-related risks.
- Develop and implement effective risk management strategies and insurance programs.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with governmental entities, managing government relations as necessary.
- Provide legal oversight and guidance on real estate syndication and investment-related activities.
- Manage relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring cost-effective utilization and strategic alignment.
- Streamline legal procedures, implementing innovative approaches, including the integration of AI to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Stay abreast of industry-specific legal developments, proactively advising on impacts and necessary adjustments.
- Position based in Orange County, CA, with occasional travel required (approximately once per month).
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- License to practice law in California.
- Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive legal experience, preferably including experience as in-house counsel in hospitality, real estate, or related sectors.
- Extensive experience in real estate law, corporate governance, compliance, litigation management, employment law, government relations, and investment law.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and business acumen.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate complex situations and provide clear, concise legal advice.
Great If You Have:
- High integrity and ethical standards.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
- Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
- Collaborative, team-oriented approach.
- Proactive mindset and adaptability to rapidly changing business needs.
- Ability to embody the company's core behaviors: Humble, Think Like an Owner, and Go Above and Beyond.
Salary Information:
Salary Range: $200-300k
This position provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
