October 26, 2026

Reger Rizzo & Darnall LLP (RRD) is pleased to announce that Steven M. Goldman has joined the Firm as a Partner and member of its Franchise & Distribution and Hospitality Practice Groups. Goldman joins RRD’s Maryland office and will work closely with Partner Harris J. Chernow, who chairs the Firm’s Franchise & Distribution and Hospitality Practice Groups.
Goldman brings decades of experience in hospitality franchise and management matters, representing hotel owners, operators, REITs, and investors in transactions, operational matters, and dispute resolution throughout the United States and internationally.

His practice includes structuring, renewing and terminating franchise, management, subordination and non-disturbance agreements (SNDAs), as well as other complex hospitality agreements. He advises clients throughout the hotel life cycle, from development and branding, including the creation of hotel-level “soft” brands, through rebranding, workouts and sale. His experience also includes domestic and international destination resorts, licensing residential sales and rental programs, mixed-use resorts, casino resorts, and private ownership clubs.

“Steve’s depth of hospitality industry experience makes him an excellent addition to our growing Franchise & Distribution and Hospitality practices,” said RRD Managing Partner Louis J. Rizzo, Jr. “His perspective from both the legal and business sides of the industry will be valuable to our clients, particularly those navigating complex hospitality agreements and transactions.”

Prior to joining RRD, Goldman spent 15 years with Marriott International, where he served as Associate General Counsel and Executive Vice President and as Secretary of the Marriott Franchisee Association. Earlier in his career, he served as General Counsel of Sheraton’s Franchise Division and Senior Litigation Counsel for Holiday Inn Worldwide. He also served as a federal law clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

In addition to his transactional practice, Goldman serves as a mediator in domestic and international hospitality disputes and has served as an expert in franchise and management agreement matters.
“I’m very pleased to be joining Reger Rizzo & Darnall and working with this outstanding and dynamic team,” said Goldman. “RRD’s broad range of capabilities and collaborative approach provide an excellent platform to serve clients.”