Corporate Counsel in London

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 within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250-year-old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility and Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.

Why This Role Matters Working under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel EMEA, to deliver a business-focused legal and risk management service to Christie’s EMEA art business. Drafting, negotiating and advising on contracts for the sale of artworks and collectibles by auction, private sale and online and in connection with commercial matters such as partnerships, events and supplier arrangements. Providing strategic legal and commercial advice and guidance to Christie’s EMEA Art business in relation to a wide variety of legal and regulatory issues including contracts, consumer protection, compliance (including AML), cultural property, import/export, CITES, data protection and disputes. Supporting effectively pre-litigation and disputes. Supporting best practice and developing, contributing to and rolling out training programmes, best practices and precedents. Developing strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external counsel. Working with legal and business colleagues across the globe on international transactions.

How You'll Make an Impact Performance through People – Work as part of a High Performing Team. Partnership Building – Develop productive internal and external relationships and work collaboratively. Influencing – Adopt and apply appropriate influencing styles. Information Sharing – Ensures people have access to information they need to do their job effectively. Independence of mind - consistently makes decisions in a balanced way taking account of all relevant legal and regulatory matters and the needs of the business. Decisive – isn’t afraid to make decisions; consistently makes the right decisions and is responsible for them.

What you’ll bring to the team Excellent analytical skills and sound judgement when balancing risk against business benefits. Thrives in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to make quick decisions. Be a business partner for departments and internal stakeholders. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Negotiation, diplomatic and influencing skills developed over years of practice. Experience of managing a variety of projects and strong organisational skills. Ability to work both independently and as part of a global team. Highest standards of ethics and professional integrity.

You must: Be qualified as a lawyer in England and have at least five years’ post-qualification experience. Have solid experience of commercial law (general commercial work and consumer law issues). Have experience in negotiating high value contracts.

It would be advantageous if you have: Experience with an auction house, or in the wider Art and/or retail sector. Experience working for a global organisation.

What’s great about working for us 25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave. Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 1st Jan) – in addition to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family. Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5-year anniversary i.e. 5th, 10th, 15th and so on. Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that’s important to you. Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about. Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable). Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues. Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each year). Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie’s). Private Health Insurance: no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members (taxable). Dental Insurance: (may be extended at personal cost). Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury after 12 months of employment. Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day. Employee Assistance Programme: access to personal advice and support services including counselling. Eyecare vouchers (once a year). Cycle to Work scheme. Christie’s Extras: discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops. Seniorcare by Lottie: a comprehensive eldercare solution. Robust family first policy: 16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave. Family-friendly return to work: 80% work at full-pay for eight weeks post-Maternity leave to ease you back into work. Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/days of childcare or eldercare per year. Christie’s Family Network: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea.