Lead Counsel II (Vice President) is a senior level position responsible for providing legal guidance and thought leadership to the business. The overall objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance to the business.

This role requires a pragmatic, proactive attorney with thorough understanding of the Business, combined with a solid conceptual / practical grounding in 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.

This Lead Counsel II (Vice President) Role within APAC Client Solutions (Legal) team will primarily address Contract Negotiation for (a) Commercial Cards business; (b) Cash Management; and (c) Liquidity (within APAC). There is a possibility that person filling this role may also have to address Investor Services and/ or Trade. There is a possible opportunity to be able to learn and manage negotiation for 5 products – which exists only within Client Solutions team. Hence, this role will be a key driver to success for business as a hub and touch point for Business; other Legal Regions; In-Business Product; and other internal stake holders. The person filling this role will also get an opportunity to draft standard clauses alongside Product Legal team and have their opinion also noted. Liaising with various country Product personnel, other departments will also be involved. There may also be possible opportunities to engage with clients or their legal counsels for live agreement negotiation. Seeking approvals and documented deviations will also be part of the record keeping work which is managed by the person filling this role. Presentation of noteworthy deals and deviations therein to other regions within Client Solutions and others in Legal team will also be part of this role. The person filling this role will be expected, basis their collective experience in negotiation, to guide junior team members regarding negotiation and drafting aspects. The person being selected for this role will be expected to review standard formats, and review edits in accordance with deviation guidelines/ escalation matrix while ensuring that approvals are duly documented.

The current APAC Client Solutions team within Legal Department comprises of 6 personnel. This includes 5 individual contributors and 1 Group Manager. The Team currently manages negotiation for all deals in APAC for Investor Services; Commercial Cards; Cash; and Liquidity (with strict turnaround timelines given). We've also been earmarked for additional assignment of one more product for active negotiation i.e. Trade.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing legal counsel to the Business, participating in strategic initiatives, providing subject matter expertise and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management on legal matters impacting the business
• Partners with legal peers to objectively evaluate business proposals by applying institutional knowledge and risk appetite against industry standards, widely accepted business practices, laws, rules, and regulatory guidelines, escalating as appropriate
• Collaborates across internal lines of business, control/support functions and/or external counsel to achieve coordinated and efficient outcomes on matters of common interest; coordinate closely with the Legal team on a regional and global basis
• Participates in BUSINESS planning and development initiatives; contributes to business objectives by providing thought leadership using knowledge of industry, laws, and regulations
• Proactively identifies, evaluates, and contributes to the appropriate management of legal, regulatory, and reputational risk by collaborating with ICRM & Risk, following relevant legal developments, participating in internal projects, escalating as appropriate
• Manages day-to-day legal activities as a subject matter expert in area of responsibility and provide advisory services to business partners
• Monitors management of complex legal issues and transactions, 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

Qualifications:

• 6-10 years of relevant industry experience, preferably in financial services
• Banking or financial industry experience, including laws related to banking regulations
• Knowledge of international 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 interpersonal, organizational and relationship management skills
• Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing assignments in a demanding, fast-paced environment
• Bar license in good standing to practice law

Education:

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree

Job Family Group:

Legal

Job Family:

• Legal
• Product

Time Type:

Full time

Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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