Senior Lead Counsel - Product - Director

Senior Lead Counsel 2 - Product - Director

The Senior Lead Counsel II is a senior level position responsible for serving as a strategic business partner and subject matter expert by providing legal counsel and thought leadership to the Spread Products business (the “Business”). The overall objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance to the Business. Must have experience in structured finance, securitizations, lending facilities and derivatives.

Should have experience in a broad range of asset‑backed products, including auto loans, consumer loans, credit cards, trade receivables and CLOs, preferably with global exposure. Must be collaborative. This role requires a thorough understanding of the strategic direction of the Business, combined with knowledge of the laws and regulations for the geographies in which we operate. Provides input into strategic decisions, exercising sound legal judgement to develop proactive, risk‑appropriate and commercially practical business‑oriented solutions.

• Provide legal counsel to the Business, supporting strategic initiatives, offering subject matter expertise and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management/leadership on all manner of legal matters and risks impacting the business.
• Provide advisory services in respect of business decisions by applying institutional knowledge against industry standards, widely accepted business practices, laws, rules, and regulatory guidelines, escalating where appropriate.
• Collaborate across internal lines of business and control/support functions to achieve coordinated and efficient outcomes on matters of common interest; coordinate closely with the Legal team on a regional and global basis.
• Accomplish results by leveraging networks/connections, colleagues, and peers.
• Serve as a business partner and advisor to business stakeholders and functional partners (e.g., Risk, Compliance) by participating in planning and development initiatives; contribute to business objectives by using knowledge of industry, laws, and regulations.
• Actively participate in various risk reviews, governance and control forums while demonstrating keen awareness of issues that could cause financial, reputational, or legal consequences.
• Proactively identify, evaluate and contribute to the appropriate management of legal, regulatory, and reputational risk through cross‑function collaboration, following relevant legal developments, participating in internal projects, and escalating as appropriate.
• Manage day‑to‑day legal activities as a subject matter expert in area of responsibility and provide senior advisory services to business partners.
• Negotiate, coordinate, and monitor management of complex legal issues and make key decisions within area of responsibility, escalating where necessary.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm’s reputation and safeguarding Citi, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgement regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervising the activity of others and creating accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.

• 10+ years of relevant industry experience with some experience working in an in‑house legal role in financial services.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational and relationship‑management skills.
• Experience in working with regulators/regulatory bodies is preferred.
• Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing multiple assignments simultaneously in a demanding, fast‑paced environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of international, multi‑jurisdictional laws, regulations and practices while staying abreast of regulatory and legal environment, internal policies and industry trends that impact the Business.
• Experience with complex deals, demonstrated ability to analyze issues and develop legal solutions.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain trusted relationships.
• NY Bar license in good standing to practice law.

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree.