Paralegal II, Franchised Development - Full-time / Part-time

Position Summary

This paralegal position is part of the Americas Transactions & Corporate Affairs practice group of the Law Department and will report to a franchise development attorney in that Group.  Currently, several franchise development attorneys and paralegals are assigned to a geographic territory of the United States and Canada, and they share responsibility for contractual matters for hotels in their territory and for the data entry and maintenance of the databases with respect to such hotels.  The paralegal will work in such a team but would be expected to assist other attorneys and paralegals in the Group as the need arises.

Specific Job Summary

The Paralegal II will be an integral part of the team and will:

• Provide direct support to the attorneys and assist other members of the Group in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
• Interface with franchise development personnel, franchisees, and their administrative staff to conduct organizational due diligence and obtain all required information for completion of franchise, and related agreements.
• Prepare drafts of franchise documents (including franchise and related agreements, comfort letters, amendments, and other agreements), primarily utilizing forms and standardized provisions; prepare drafts of negotiated changes to agreements
• Review and screen information, comments and questions received from franchisees and their counsel.
• Prepare initial draft responses for attorney review.
• Facilitate full execution of documents by franchisees and ensure executed originals are returned and filed appropriately.
• Undertake special assignments, including research, review, and analysis of contract documentation and other issues, as requested.
• Maintain and update database for hotels in territory and up-to-date tracking of the status of franchise documents from receipt of franchisee's application to the opening of the hotel.
• Obtain information and assist in the preparation of franchise disclosure documents and collateral documents for submission to government authorities. 
• Respond as necessary to miscellaneous franchise development issues.

Candidate Profile

• Two year college degree and
• At least three years of relevant work experience

• At least ten years of relevant work experience as a paralegal

Has substantive subject matter paralegal experience, preferably in a transactional, real estate, or general corporate practice

Paralegal Certificate preferred but not required.

Successful candidates should possess knowledge and skills as follows:

• Strong project management skills, and ability to meet simultaneous deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact and communicate effectively, specifically:
• Ability to present ideas and information in a clear, concise manner in both writing and verbally;
• Ability to interact effectively and develop positive, professional working relationships with clients as well as team members

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Excellent judgment and use of discretion;
• Superior attention to detail;
• Diligence, dependability and strong work ethic;
• Ability to remain calm in high stress situations, demonstrate “grace under pressure”, and lead by example;
• Ability to adapt to changing work demands;
• Strong organizational and time management skills;
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Familiarity with database functionality and operation;
• Availability for minimal travel;
• Flexibility for overtime.