Senior / Corporate Counsel - Legal & Risk

Christie's•New York, NY

2d•$180,000 - $240,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior/ Corporate Counsel will be based in New York as a member of the Americas Legal & Risk Department and will manage a broad range of matters relating to auctions, private sales and the company as a whole. She/he/they will serve as a key legal and business partner – handling the drafting and negotiation of consignment and other art-related agreements and also supporting the resolution of provenance, authenticity, and title issues. The Senior/Corporate Counsel also will work within a global team of attorneys and other professionals to develop best practices, policies, and procedures and to deliver high-quality legal and risk management services to the company. Whether the ultimate hire is for the Senior or Corporate Counsel position, and the corresponding compensation, will depend on the level of experience of the successful candidate.

Requirements

J.D. degree from a top-tier accredited law school with admission to at least one state bar (preferably NY)
8-15 years of experience in private practice and/or in-house, with experience in broad areas of business law
Excellent legal and analytical skills, including drafting, negotiation, and presentation skills
A sound understanding of commercial and corporate law principles
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Works collaboratively while maintaining an independent mind
Exhibits sound commercial judgment when balancing legal risks against business benefits
Makes sound, reasoned decisions under time pressure
Develops productive internal and external relationships
Possesses strong and effective time management skills and is able to juggle many projects at once
Engages as a practical legal advisor, continually improving commercial skills, strengthening relationships and striving to be a credible business partner and not a legal technocrat

Nice To Haves

A background and knowledge of supporting organizations on matters relating to art law and an interest in the art world will be beneficial but not essential

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive legal services to the art business and operations teams, including handling all aspects of contract negotiations, in a commercial and pragmatic way
Draft, review and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, including consignment, exhibition/loan, and commercial agreements
Educate and train business colleagues on a wide array of legal matters and internal policies and procedures, including relevant regulations
Provide support for auction house issues pertaining to art law, import/export, cultural property and local, state and federal regulation, leading initiatives and projects, identifying and mitigating legal risks
Assist business colleagues in navigating and resolving commercial disputes
Work with legal and business colleagues across the globe on international transactions
Advise on all aspects of day-to-day legal issues
Potential for management responsibilities
Occasionally liaise with and supervise external counsel

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (Generally Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums)
401k Savings Plan - Christie’s matches dollar for dollar on the first 5% an employee elects to contribute
Life Insurance - 3x base salary up to $400k (100% paid by Christie’s)
Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie’s)
Generous time-off and leave policies; including 8 weeks Paid Family Leave
Robust Wellness Program
Onsite weekly yoga class
Discounted or subsidized Gym Memberships to Equinox, NYSC & NYHRC
Annual Performance Bonus plan
Commuter Benefits - Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with a Christie’s contribution of $21 per month
Back Up Child & Elder Care - Each employee receives up to 10 days of back-up Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons
‘Art & Soul’ – Each employee receives one paid day per year to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice
Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits