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Corporate Counsel, Legal & Risk
The Company
Christie’s, the world’s largest art business, is an incredibly exciting and enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work in one of our Specialist Art Departments or in one of our operational teams, we all share a common goal: to continue the success of this 250-year-old company, steeped in history, while bringing fresh ideas and upholding our shared values of Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility, and Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about their work, and it is inspiring to collaborate with industry leaders across our business.
Why This Role Matters
The Corporate Counsel will be based in New York as a member of the Americas Legal & Risk Department. She/he/they will manage allocated matters relating to the auction and private sale channels and company as a whole and serve as a key legal and business partner – handling the drafting and negotiation of agreements for various specialist departments as well as the operations of the company, and working to resolve provenance, authenticity and title issues. The Corporate Counsel will work within a global team of attorneys and other professionals to develop best practices and deliver high-quality legal and risk management services to the company.
How You'll Make an Impact
Provide comprehensive legal service to the art business and operations teams, including handling all aspects of negotiations and regulation, in a commercial and pragmatic way
Draft, negotiate and review consignment, commercial and various other agreements
Educate and train business colleagues on a wide array of legal matters
Assist business colleagues in navigating and resolving commercial disputes
Work with legal and business colleagues across the globe on international transactions
Engage as a practical legal advisor, continually improving commercial skills, strengthening relationships and striving to be a credible business partner and not a legal technocrat
Occasionally work with external counsel
What You’ll Bring to the Team
J.D. degree from an accredited law school with admission to at least one state bar (preferably NY)
5-10 years of experience in private practice, with experience in broad areas of business law
A background and knowledge of art law and interest in the art world is desirable but not essential
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
Isn’t afraid to make decisions – particularly when time pressured
Develops productive internal and external relationships
Possesses strong and effective time management skills and is able to juggle many projects at once
The Benefits
Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (On average, Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums)
401(k) Savings Plan – Christie’s provides a matching contribution up to 5% (subject to IRS limits)
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 100% Paid Family Leave up to 16 weeks.
Fitness Reimbursement Program: reimbursement of eligible fitness fees and memberships up to $600 per year
Annual Discretionary 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 – up to 10 days of back-up Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Day- 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
Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie’s Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.
*Posted salary range does not include discretionary bonus compensation and overtime pay.
- $170,000 - $185,000
