Senior Counsel - M&A & Strategic Investments Lead

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Job Overview

The Senior Lead Counsel (Proprietary M&A and Strategic Investments Legal) is a senior level position responsible for serving as subject matter expert and legal advisor to business stakeholders, functional partners, and the Legal Management Committee by providing counsel and thought leadership on all aspects of legal matters related to M&A and Strategic Investment transactions undertaken by the firm globally. The overall objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance across M&A and Strategic Investments and Citi Businesses and Functions. This role requires a pragmatic, proactive attorney with thorough understanding and grounding in the laws and regulations for the geographies in which we operate as it relates to M&A and Strategic Investments. Provides input into strategic decisions, exercising sound legal judgement to develop proactive, risk-appropriate, and commercially business-oriented solutions. This is not a manager.

What You'll Do

• Prepares, executes, and advises the business on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures (including sell downs or spin offs), strategic joint ventures and strategic investments involving businesses or assets that are or will be integrated into Citi's management and financial reporting structure.
• Responsible for legal issues and other disputes through preventative and proactive legal advice and identifying risk relating to M&A and Strategic Investment transactions.
• Serves as a recognized subject matter expert to senior management or key regional management and/or primary advisor to senior business stakeholders, functional partners (e.g., Risk, Compliance, Finance, CAO, CCO), the Legal Management Council (LMC), Practice Group Heads, and/or Regional/Country Leadership on legal issues related to M&A and Strategic Investments.
• A recognized subject matter expert who substantially influences the way things are done within Citi and/or the legal/financial services industry as it relates to M&A and Strategic Investments; their area of responsibility and has primary accountability for the end results.
• Responsible for providing Citi businesses and functions with legal counsel; supporting strategic initiatives and product/service launches, providing subject matter expertise and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management/leadership on all manners of legal matters related to M&A and Strategic Investments.
• Represent the firm both internally and externally with clients, government bodies or other organizations, typically serving at the most senior level as part of the senior management team.
• Anticipate, evaluate, and appropriately respond to developments in local and international laws and regulations that impact relevant Citi activities as it relates to M&A and Strategic Investments; assist the firm in evolving to meet marketplace and client needs.
• Proactively identify, evaluate, and contribute to the appropriate management of legal, regulatory, and reputational risk by collaborating with ICRM & Risk, following relevant legal developments, participating in internal projects, and performing other related tasks.
• Participate in planning and development initiatives; contribute to objectives by providing thought leadership using knowledge of industry, laws, and regulations.
• Monitors management of complex issues and transactions, impacting the Legal Department or the business and escalating necessary issues.
• Advise in complex negotiations with counterparties, vendors, customers, partners, and other parties, escalating when necessary.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.

What we’ll need from you

• Relevant industry experience, preferably in financial services.
• Banking or financial industry experience, including laws related to banking regulations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of 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.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing assignments in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Bar license or legal qualification in good standing to practice law in the United Kingdom (England and Wales).

Education

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree.

Regrettably, immigration and/or relocation support is not offered for this role.

What We Can Offer You

We work hard to have a positive financial and social impact on the communities we serve. In turn, we put our employees first and provide the best-in-class benefits they need to be well, live well and save well. By joining Citi, you will not only be part of a business casual workplace with a hybrid working model (up to 2 days working at home per week), but also receive a competitive base salary (which is annually reviewed), and enjoy a whole host of additional benefits such as:

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

Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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