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Hospitality Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobscience

Hospitality Associate

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$20/hr

The Hospitality Associate plays a critical role in ensuring a seamless experience for clients, visitors, attorneys, and employees. This position requires professionalism, attention to detail ...

Marencor

Hospitality & Leisure Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

Job Title - Hospitality & Leisure Attorney Locations - Chicago, Phoenix (or) New York (or) Washington, D.C. Base Salary - $235,000 to $310,000 Industry: Legal *** Please only submit candidates with 2 ...

Mwe

Guest Experience & Hospitality Supervisor

Chicago, IL

$83K - $105K/yr

McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers ... This role provides direct supervision to the Hospitality Supervisor, Guest Experience & Hospitality ...

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Hospitality Lawyer information

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$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do hospitality lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for hospitality lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hospitality lawyer?

Hospitality lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in the laws and regulations that affect the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, resorts, and travel companies. They provide guidance on issues such as contracts, licensing, employment law, liability, real estate, and compliance with local and international regulations. Hospitality lawyers help businesses navigate complex legal environments to minimize risks and resolve disputes, ensuring that operations run smoothly and lawfully. Their expertise is vital for addressing unique challenges in hospitality, such as guest safety, food and beverage law, and franchise agreements.

What are some common legal challenges a hospitality lawyer faces when advising hotel and restaurant clients?

Hospitality Lawyers frequently navigate complex issues such as regulatory compliance, franchise agreements, and liability concerns unique to hotels and restaurants. They often work closely with management to address matters like food safety, guest privacy, and employment law, ensuring operations adhere to both local and federal laws. Additionally, they may advise on contract negotiations with vendors, handle disputes, and assist with intellectual property matters, making adaptability and strong communication skills essential in this fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Hospitality Lawyer vs Hotel Manager?

AspectHospitality LawyerHotel Manager
CredentialsLegal degree, bar admission, hospitality law knowledgeHospitality or business degree, management experience
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, courtsHotel properties, management offices, on-site
Employer & IndustryLegal firms, hospitality companies, government agenciesHotel chains, independent hotels, resorts

Hospitality Lawyers focus on legal issues affecting the hospitality industry, such as contracts, compliance, and disputes. Hotel Managers oversee daily hotel operations, guest services, and staff management. While both roles serve the hospitality industry, their responsibilities and qualifications differ significantly, with lawyers providing legal expertise and managers handling operational tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hospitality lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hospitality Lawyer, you need a law degree, bar admission, and deep knowledge of hospitality law, contracts, and regulatory compliance. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, contract management systems, and industry-specific certifications is often required. Exceptional negotiation, attention to detail, and client relationship management skills set top performers apart. These abilities are crucial to effectively protect clients, navigate complex legal landscapes, and support the unique needs of hospitality businesses.
More about Hospitality Lawyer jobs
What cities are hiring for Hospitality Lawyer jobs? Cities with the most Hospitality Lawyer job openings:
What states have the most Hospitality Lawyer jobs? States with the most job openings for Hospitality Lawyer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hospitality Lawyer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hospitality Lawyer jobs are:
Hospitality Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hospitality Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Hospitality & Leisure Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$235K - $310K/yr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Hospitality & Leisure Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Hospitality & Leisure Associate Attorney to join a highly respected global law firm.

Locations: Chicago, New York, Phoenix, or Washington, DC

Practice Area: Hospitality & Leisure / Real Estate Transactions

Overview: This is an exceptional opportunity for a mid-level associate to join one of the nation's premier Hospitality & Leisure practices within a globally recognized law firm. The group is widely regarded as a market leader in hospitality-related transactions and advises sophisticated owners, investors, developers, operators, and financial institutions on complex hotel and mixed-use real estate matters across the globe.

Position Overview: The ideal candidate will have 2–4 years of real estate or transactional experience and an interest in hospitality-focused transactions. Associates in this practice work closely with industry-leading attorneys on sophisticated domestic and international deals involving hotels, resorts, mixed-use developments, financings, joint ventures, and operational agreements.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Draft, review, and negotiate hospitality and real estate transaction documents
  • Handle purchase and sale agreements, hotel management agreements, franchise and license agreements, and joint venture agreements
  • Advise clients on hospitality-related financings and loan documentation
  • Conduct due diligence and support all aspects of transaction execution
  • Manage transaction closings from inception through completion
  • Collaborate with attorneys across offices and practice groups on complex, multi-jurisdictional matters
  • Maintain regular client communication and support strategic transaction planning

Qualifications:

  • 2–4 years of real estate and/or transactional legal experience
  • Prior law firm experience handling sophisticated transactional matters required
  • Hospitality industry experience is a plus but not required
  • Excellent drafting, negotiation, organizational, and analytical skills
  • Strong academic credentials and written/oral communication abilities
  • Ability to manage multiple competing deadlines in a collaborative environment
  • Active bar admission in the jurisdiction where the candidate will practice required

Compensation: Expected salary range: $235,000 – $310,000, commensurate with experience

This role offers the opportunity to join a nationally recognized Hospitality & Leisure practice with exposure to high-profile transactions, global clients, and a highly collaborative team environment.

Apply