General Counsel

Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Rio Las Vegas invites a senior legal leader to oversee corporate and regulatory matters for the iconic property in Las Vegas. You will guide operations, advise on risk, and support human resources on employee relations.

The role requires a JD, bar admission, and 12+ years in gaming/hospitality law. You will manage external counsel, drive compliance programs including BSA/AML, and lead internal audits and investigations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of legal experience in gaming, hospitality, or regulated entertainment.
• Strong knowledge of gaming regulations, licensing, and compliance.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Proven leadership and team management.
• Ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts.
• Experience overseeing internal audits and external counsel.

Responsibilities

• Manage, draft, negotiate and review hotel contracts and leases.
• Oversee compliance and risk management for Rio Las Vegas.
• Lead BSA/AML compliance and regulatory meetings.
• Collaborate with HR and outside counsel on litigation matters.
• Provide guidance on transactions and confidentiality agreements.
• Develop training programs on legal and regulatory topics.

Skills

Legal experience

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Communication

Contract negotiation

Microsoft Office

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from accredited law school

Bar admission in good standing

Job description

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The General Counsel will focus on providing legal services in all phases of operations for Rio Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. The position will provide guidance and expertise on identifying areas of risk, advising on operational and guest matters and supporting human resources with employee relations.

ROLE EXPECTATIONS

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Managing, drafting, negotiating and/or reviewing a wide range of documents, including hotel management agreements, service agreements, construction agreements, development agreements, utility contracts, easements, leases and subleases.

• Drafting and negotiating a variety of other commercial and corporate contracts, including confidentiality agreements, vendor contracts, consulting agreements and license agreements.

• Resolving disputes with vendors, landlords, tenants, lenders, managers, service providers, joint venture partners and others.

• Collaborate with Human Resources and outside counsel on various litigation matters and other disputes.

• Providing preliminary advice on proposed transactions with respect to confidentiality agreements, structuring the transaction, and letters of intent.

• Oversee all compliance and risk management/safety matters for Rio Las Vegas

• Ensure the President/GM is kept apprised of material developments, risks and matters on a timely basis, exercising sound business and legal judgment.

• Lead the gaming/regulatory compliance and risk management/safety of Rio Las Vegas, including developing, implementing, and auditing Rio Las Vegas’ Compliance Plan as well as other policies and procedures related to compliance and risk management/safety.

• Oversee compliance with gaming and federal law and regulations, including minimum internal control standards and BSA/AML Title 31 requirements.

• Lead monthly BSA/AML Title 31 meetings and quarterly Compliance Committee Meetings.

• Assist in the execution of their development strategy and projects, including, but not limited to, transaction and construction issues.

• Lead internal audits and investigations related to regulatory breaches or legal concerns.

• Manage and oversee external legal counsel on regulatory matters, investigations, and litigation.

• Develop and deliver training programs on legal and regulatory compliance for Rio Las Vegas.

• Providing advice on myriad operations and guest matters.

• Perform other reasonable duties and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position supervises the Legal Department team.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 12 years of legal experience, with significant experience in the gaming, casino, hospitality, or regulated entertainment industry.

• Strong knowledge of gaming regulations, licensing processes, and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Strong organizational skills, solution-driven, and analytical thinker.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

• Strong Computer proficiency; ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and applicable operational software.

• JD from accredited law school

• Bar membership in good standing

• At least 21 years of age.

PREFERRED

• Prior experience serving as General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel for a casino, gaming, or hospitality organization.

• Five (5) years’ experience of leading a team.

• Prior casino and hotel experience.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must be able to qualify for licenses and permits required by federal, state, and local regulations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work under time constraints and within established deadlines.

• Must regularly lift and/move up to 10 pounds, and must have the ability to push, pull, reach, bend, twist, kneel and balance when performing job duties in varying work areas such as confined spaces.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment and exposed to various environmental factors such as but not limited to noise, dust and smoke.

Rio Las Vegas is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Rio Las Vegas makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.