Litigation Counsel

Extended Stay America
United States, North Carolina, Charlotte
Aug 06, 2025
POSITION PURPOSE AND SUMMARY Litigation Counsel supports the company by actively managing and overseeing all claims, disputes, and litigation matters involving the company's national portfolio of owned and managed hotel properties. This includes matters across a broad array of subject areas, including general liability, regulatory compliance, commercial disputes, and contract-related claims. The position works closely with corporate stakeholders, field operators, and outside counsel to mitigate risks, develop litigation strategy, and protect the company's legal interest. MAJOR / KEY JOB DUTIES Coordinates and manages all phases of the company's claims, disputes, and litigation, including evaluation, issuing and managing legal holds, supervising outside counsel, tracking status, responding to subpoenas, discovery requests, reviewing legal briefs and pleadings, interviewing and preparing witnesses, and negotiating and drafting settlements. Provides day-to-day legal support for hotels regarding guest issues including but not limited to, late payment, illegal activity, disruptive behavioral, cleanliness issues, abandoned property, and assists with legal risk assessments related to incidents at the hotels. Manages company response to third party subpoena requests. Researches, analyzes, interprets, and advises on proposed, existing laws, statutes, regulations, relevant court decisions, and assists business teams with necessary compliance and implementation. Responds and resolve regulatory related complaints and inquiries from local, state, or federal agencies. Provides practical business-focused legal advice and support to internal departments to maintain compliance and prevent liability exposures. Perform investigations as needed into alleged incidents or claims. Negotiates, reviews, and drafts a wide variety of general and strategic corporate and transactional agreements. Works directly with business counterparts to proactively identify legal risks, issues raised in contractual matters, and on-going programs. Develops the risk mitigation strategies, as appropriate. Assists with preparation of presentations and other training materials for operational teams regarding legal concepts and key risk mitigation measures. Performs all other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & COMPETENCIES Proficiency with Microsoft products including but not limited to Word, Excel, and Power Point. Exceptional communication, advocacy, negotiation, writing, and drafting skills. Consistent and confirmed ability to drive commercial outcomes using a creative, resilient, and agile approach. Ability to build deep trusting and collaborative relationships and proactively address conflict. Ability to identify and assess issues and provide legally sound recommendations consistent with good business practices. Demonstrate the ability to perform well, quickly and under pressure. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities. Self-motivated and ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong interpersonal and communication skills ENVIRONMENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS The position operates in a professional office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Regularly required to talk, read, and/or hear. Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, sit and use a computer. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Some domestic travel is required. Position is based in the corporate office (Charlotte, NC). MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice in at least one jurisdiction and in good standing. Minimum five years of well-rounded litigation practice or equivalent legal experience. Proven track record of trial skills and techniques. Ample common sense and an ability to engage with people at all levels in a professional, helpful matter. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities. ESA Management, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of ESA Management, LLC to treat applicants and associates in all aspects of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, age (as defined under applicable law), national origin or ancestry, disability status, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.