Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP

The global hospitality and leisure sector is transforming at a rapid pace.

New technology is revolutionizing the way we book hotel rooms, tables in restaurants and cinema tickets. Meanwhile, hospitality companies are continually introducing new brands and repositioning existing ones.

In response, customer expectations have also transformed. Today’s consumers demand fast and efficient booking platforms and personalization, such as being able to choose their preferred room, table or theater seat. Company boards in the hospitality industry now treat investments in new technology and infrastructure as a rolling agenda item and experienced teams are employed to look for the sector’s next big technological advancement.

Millennials are a key demographic in this industry, forcing change in how they buy and utilize hospitality and leisure services. New entrants are disrupting the sector, evolving the market and anticipating the millennial consumer’s needs and expectations. What once seemed new and innovative rapidly becomes standard.

The sector is also experiencing unprecedented levels of consolidation, as global businesses look for ways to grow their businesses and, at the same time, alleviate pressure on operating costs and drive value through their supply chains. Our global network of hospitality and leisure lawyers recognize the significance of average daily rates, driving the RevPAR Index and what it takes to attract customers while navigating the complexities of global development and fierce competition.

Whatever your legal needs, we are here to help you achieve your goals.

Experienced hospitality and leisure lawyers

Eversheds Sutherland has global reach in this sector. We offer multinational hospitality and leisure companies a fully managed and controlled service across the jurisdictions they operate in and can assist clients in charting a course through the many differences in legislation that exist from country to country.

We work closely with investors, developers, owners, operators and funders of:

• hotels
• resorts
• leisure complexes
• casinos and gambling establishments
• health and fitness facilities
• cinemas
• theme and amusement parks
• bars and restaurants

We also have experience across the key areas of activity for businesses in this sector, including:

• development
• investment
• acquisition
• divestment
• franchise arrangements
• management contracts
• mergers and acquisitions
• corporate, joint venture and fund formation
• finance and restructuring
• food and beverage and catering services
• income generation (telecoms, advertising hoardings and concessions)

§  “Diversity at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP” to “Diversity at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP”

§  “Diversity” section:

o   The firm’s emphasis on diversity is reflected in numerous ways throughout the firm, such as the manner in which we recruit lawyers and other employees, our work-life policies and our professional service efforts. We have been recognized for our achievements in diversity.  More importantly, we understand the significant role a diverse community plays in the firm's growth and development.

§  “Our Awards and Recognitions” section:

o   Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP continues to be recognized for its efforts to promote diversity in the workplace and in the legal profession. In 2016 we were named a “Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality,” having earned a perfect 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, and we also were ranked a Top 100 Firm for Minority Attorneys by Law360. In addition, the firm was awarded the Gold Standard Certification for the fifth consecutive year by the Women in Law Empowerment Forum.

§  “Our Commitment” section:

o   Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is committed to promoting diversity within the firm and in the legal profession.  We believe that diverse skills, knowledge and viewpoints make us a stronger, more productive law firm.  We hire and promote qualified lawyers and other professionals regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.  We understand that diversity enhances our value to clients by allowing us to staff our client teams with professionals who possess broad experiences and a spectrum of perspectives.

o   Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP has a cross-office Diversity Committee with responsibility for supporting and enhancing our firm culture.  Our committee has helped coordinate and lead a number of efforts to advance diversity within our firm and the community. Affinity groups at the firm serve as support networks for attorneys of color; women lawyers; and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender attorneys.

o   We are committed to working with our clients as they pursue the common goal of a professional workplace where opportunity is available to all.