Legal Specialist

This role is in the Legal Issuance Solutions team supporting the Global Issuance businesses. The team works closely with the product structuring and trading desks in London, New York and Asia, providing essential partnership to the product lawyers supporting those desks, as well as to business management and, where applicable, sales teams. The team acts as an important partner to provide advice and assistance at all stages of the structured product lifecycle, including assisting in the structuring of transactions, managing the trade execution process, advising on regulatory matters and drafting, reviewing and negotiating documentation of all types.

The Legal Issuance Solutions team is responsible for managing high volume, fast “flow” issuance and assisting with maintenance of Citi's structured debt issuance programmes, negotiating distribution agreements, advising the business on relevant legal and regulatory issues, and automation initiatives. As the business operates on a global basis, the role involves direct responsibility for transactions in Europe and regular contact with colleagues in the US and Asia.

This Legal Negotiator role is a non‑attorney position, responsible for representing the Legal Function in providing Transaction Management advice and support to Citi’s businesses and functions. The Transaction Management area is responsible for supporting the negotiation, transaction processes, documentation, and execution of business transactions (e.g., establishing a trading or banking relationship, entering transactions or services with Citi, documenting trading in securities between two or more parties).

This role requires a pragmatic, proactive professional with a thorough understanding of the business covered by the team and its products and services. A thorough understanding of the contractual terms and legal implications of Citi’s documentation is essential. Excellent communication and diplomacy skills are required to provide direction to Citi businesses in discussions on contractual provisions, including the risks of modifying or amending such terms and provisions.

What you’ll do:

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts and required documentation for the relevant GMI Business.
• Conduct business negotiations in a timely, thorough, and efficient manner.
• Engage with the firm’s institutional clients and their internal/external counsel and collaborate with Citi’s first line, legal, second line, and other internal constituents during negotiations.
• Use in‑depth knowledge to address queries from Citi businesses and clients regarding contractual documentation and escalates to senior attorneys as required.
• Manage a number of transactions simultaneously.
• Stay abreast of new and changing regulatory and legal issues and industry initiatives and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Work on document templating and automation projects to improve existing processes and procedures and create efficiencies, including embracing technology solutions.
• Advise the Risk function and business partners on risks and associated documentation requirements based on product and relevant jurisdiction(s).
• 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, and adhering to Policy.

What we’ll need from you:

• Relevant industry experience, preferably with some experience working in an in‑house legal role within financial services.
• In‑depth knowledge of legal customs and practices, knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry.
• Contractual and documentation negotiation experience in a large institutional setting.
• Proven record of completing complex documentation within very tight time deadlines.
• Ability to manage complex documentation with organization and detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and project management skills, and the ability to interact and communicate effectively with senior management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook.

What we can offer you:

• Comprehensive training on Citi’s issuance businesses and the products offered.
• Opportunity to build on pre‑existing project management and prioritization skills.
• Deepening understanding of the regulatory environment relevant to the issuance and sale of structured investment products.
• Work on investment products across the full range of asset classes, including equities, rates, commodities, and FX.

We work hard to have a positive financial and social impact on the communities we serve. We put our employees first and provide best‑in‑class benefits to support well‑being, life and savings. By joining Citi Belfast, you will be part of a business‑casual workplace with a hybrid working model (up to 2 days working at home per week), a competitive base salary (annually reviewed), and a host of additional benefits such as:

• Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days plus bank holidays, increasing with tenure.
• Discretionary annual performance‑related bonus.
• Private medical insurance packages to suit your personal circumstances.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Pension Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Special discounts for employees, family, and friends.
• Access to an array of learning and development resources.

At Citi, we are committed to ensuring our workplace is comfortable for everyone to bring their whole self every day. We want the best talent around the world to be energized to join us, motivated to stay, and empowered to thrive. Citi is an equal‑opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity, please review Accessibility at Citi. View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.