Associate Manager, Legal

Provide consultation and acts as key contact for franchisees, Regional/Field Consultants and Business Development staff on all issues related to franchising and inquiries relating to license agreements. Review official licensing documents prepared by the licensing specialists for accuracy and legality and interact with franchisees and attorneys to finding ways to resolve licensing issues.

Ensure proper registration of Franchise Agreements with the Intellectual Property authorities in Mexico. Collaborate with internal and external counsels in preparation of termination agreements for hotels leaving the system due to default, temporary removal, voluntary or mutual termination. Confirm certification documents submitted by Notary Public are consistent with external counsel´s requirements. Provide technical guidance and training in daily activities to the Lead Specialist, and Specialist Franchise Licensing positions. Keep countries´ legal particularities spreadsheet properly updated. 

• Education – 
     Must be Trilingual (English/Spanish/Portuguese) or at least bilingual (English/Spanish) if latter, must be willing to learn a 3rd language. 
  Master´s or Bachelor´s Degree in Law. Professional Degree Certification.   
  More than 5 years progressive work-related experience in legal matters or franchise administration. Recommended experience on Intellectual Property matters. 
   
  Technical skills and Knowledge –  
   
  • Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills in English, Spanish and Portuguese for the purpose of providing information to external and internal stakeholders 
  • Must be able to work effectively with external law firms, local notary publics, GMs and Franchisees (Principal Correspondents, Hotel Owners and their attorneys) 
   
  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 
  • Work is performed in a normal office environment as well as telecommuting. 
  • No travel is required for this position. 
• Key Internal Relationships – 
   
  • MLAC´s VP´s and Regional Directors: provide information regarding timing and scheduling of licensing process. 
  • Franchise Development: obtain and provide information on existing and incoming deals. 
  • Legal: Consult regarding non-standard language or legal issues that are negotiated 
  • Intellectual Property: Use brand site to confirm “marks” registered under MLAC countries when MLAC Franchise Licensing Department learns of an incoming deal.  
  • IT: Coordinate with Head of MLAC IT team the update to yearly fees applicable to MLAC hotels 
  • FPS: Hotel Management approvals, reporting on management clauses under franchise agreements 
  • PIP/Design & Plan Review: Property Improvement Plans; follow up on PIP Extensions and Default information.  
  • QUALITY: Deficiency List; Default information 
  • Risk Finance: Insurance information 
  • HOST: Construction Commence and Openings extensions, Opening process, etc. 
  • Credit & Collections: Coordinate Deposits, obtain Liquidated Damages report; Default information. 
  • Accounting: Payment to Local Law firms and local Notary Publics