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
Key Responsibilities
Contracts (Approximately 60%)
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.
Contracts Management Lifecycle & Corporate Compliance (Approximately 20%)
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.
Additional Legal Support (Approximately 20%)
Assist with other legal matters and projects as needed, based on business priorities.
Qualifications
Education & Credentials
Juris Doctor (JD) degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
Active bar membership in good standing.
Experience
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.
Hospitality, hotel, or franchise industry experience is a plus.
Skills & Competencies
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.
NOTE: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or sponsorship.
Salary Range
The salary for this position is $132,143 - $155,462. In addition to the annual salary, this role is eligible for an annual bonus based on the terms of Choice's Management Incentive Plan (MIP).
Choice prioritizes our associate wellbeing by offering a comprehensive benefits program that is both competitive and flexible to help you achieve your wellbeing goals - here are just a few:
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
About Choice
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With 7,500 hotels in 45+ countries and territories, we offer a range of high-quality lodging options in the upper upscale, upper midscale, midscale, extended stay, and economy segments. We're the hotel company for those who choose to bet on themselves - the striver, the dreamer, the entrepreneur - because that's who we are, too.
At Choice, we are united by the simple belief that tomorrow will be even better than today - for associates, our company, and our franchisees. At our worldwide corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland, at our technology center in Scottsdale, Arizona, and through our associates around the globe, every voice is heard and every idea is listened to, no matter what area of the company they come from. We are united in supporting the entrepreneurial dreams of our thousands of franchise owners, which propels us forward - giving our work at Choice a purpose larger than our business.
Our corporate office locations:
North Bethesda, MD - Located at Pike & Rose (https://pikeandrose.com/) , our worldwide headquarters is less than 15 miles from Washington, D.C., one block away from the North Bethesda Metro station, with easy access to I-495, complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail.
Scottsdale, AZ - Located at the northwest corner of Loop 101, the Scottsdale office is home to our technology, eCommerce and customer service organizations, with easy access to complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail.
Minneapolis, MN - Select roles are based in our Minneapolis office on Highway 394, near the intersection with Highway 100, only five minutes from downtown.
Field/Remote - Select roles designated as field/remote will require associates to work from a home office, connecting virtually with Choice team members and leadership on Zoom, with possible required travel depending on the role.
Choice's Cultural Values
Welcome and Respect Everyone | Be Bold | Be Quick | Listen | Be Curious | Show Integrity
Choice's Leadership Principles
Act with Intention | Lead with Authenticity | Grow & Deliver
