Robert E. Braun

Robert Braun is a Partner and Vice Chair of the Firm's Global Hospitality Group®, and Co-Chair of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Group. A corporate transactional attorney, he advises hotel owners, hotel operators, hospitality companies, and technology companies across hospitality law, cybersecurity and privacy compliance, corporate transactions, and emerging industries, delivering integrated solutions for complex client needs.

As Vice Chair of JMBM's Global Hospitality Group®, Bob helps lead a team of seasoned professionals who have assisted clients around the world with more than 4,700 hospitality properties valued at more than $125 billion. With deep experience across the full spectrum of hospitality real estate development and operations, Bob serves as a trusted advisor to hotel owners, operators, brands, and investors navigating complex hospitality transactions and evolving industry challenges. His practice focuses on strategic negotiations of hotel management agreements and franchise agreements, guiding clients through acquisitions and divestitures of hotels, resorts, and restaurants, and providing practical counsel on hospitality workouts, turnarounds, and day-to-day operational matters. 

Bob brings a comprehensive understanding of both the legal frameworks and business realities that shape the hospitality industry, making him a go-to resource for clients seeking forward-thinking solutions in an increasingly competitive marketplace. His extensive background in cybersecurity and privacy compliance and corporate transactions uniquely positions him to help hospitality companies navigate data privacy and cybersecurity risks—from protecting guest data and complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and state privacy laws, to structuring complex acquisitions and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions. 

As Co-Chair of the JMBM Cybersecurity and Privacy Group, Bob provides cybersecurity and privacy counsel to businesses across sectors—including hospitality, technology, healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing—on data privacy and security, information technology, software development and licensing, and electronic commerce transactions. He regularly advises on privacy compliance programs and guidance on complying with state privacy laws, including the CCPA, privacy laws adopted in more than 20 states, and international privacy protection regimes including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Bob provides data breach response counsel and advises clients on cyber risk management and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in hospitality and business operations. 

Representative Experience

Hospitality

• Representing mixed-use developments, branded residential properties (both standalone and part of mixed-use developments), condo hotels, social clubs, and sports and entertainment-related facilities
• Negotiating a five-star, mixed-use hotel development project, including hotels, condominiums, luxury residences, retail, and office space
• Advising on hotel acquisitions and divestitures of hotels, resorts, restaurants and other hospitality properties
• Managing hotel and hospitality workouts and turnarounds
• Advising a hotel management company in the divestiture of a portfolio of branded hotel properties
• Negotiating hotel management and franchise agreements
• Developing ultra-luxury hotel and resort properties
• Ensuring regulatory compliance for multi-national wellness spas and resorts
• Designing and implementing loyalty and referral programs for hotels and restaurants
• Advising hotel owners on enhancing relationships with hotel managers and brands
• Designing management structures for boutique hotel brands

Cybersecurity & Privacy

• Designing programs and policies for CCPA compliance and compliance with state, federal and international privacy laws and regulations, including the CCPA and the European Union GDPR
• Counseling clients on AI, AdTech, and other emerging technologies
• Representing companies impacted by data breaches, including Fortune 1000 companies
• Representing software licensors and developers in software development agreements and technology transactions, including negotiating software license agreements on behalf of licensees
• Counseling clients on electronic commerce transactions and information technology law

Corporate

• Representing a high-technology manufacturer in a series of strategic acquisitions
• Negotiating the purchase and sale of multiple companies, including manufacturers, financial services providers, entertainment companies, and medical practices
• Advising on corporate governance matters for hospitality and technology companies