Legal Specialist

Citigroup Inc.; Belfast; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global financial institution is seeking a Legal Negotiator to support its Markets Legal Team in Belfast. In this role, you will review and negotiate contracts, manage transaction processes, and provide legal advice to ensure compliance with applicable laws. Candidates should have experience in financial services and strong negotiation skills. This position offers growth opportunities within the legal field and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days

Annual performance-related bonus

Private medical insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Pension Plan

Paid Parental Leave

Discounts for employees and families

Access to learning and development resources

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts for the relevant GMI Business.
• Conduct business negotiations in a timely and efficient manner.
• Engage clients and collaborate with internal teams during negotiations.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Negotiation

Project management

Legal knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you looking for a career move that will put you at the heart of a global financial institution? Then bring your skills in analysis, problem solving and communication to Citi’s Markets Legal Team.

By Joining Citi, you will become part of a global organisation whose mission is to serve as a trusted partner to our clients by responsibly providing financial services that enable growth and economic progress.

Team/Role Overview

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 role, 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. This role also requires a thorough understanding of the contractual terms and legal implications of Citi’s documentation. Excellent communication and diplomacy skills are required as this role also provides direction to Citi businesses in discussions on the various contractual provisions, including on 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 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.
• Integrate in-depth knowledge of an area to address queries from Citi businesses and clients regarding the contractual documentation and escalates to senior attorneys as required.
• Have responsibility for the management of a number of transactions at any one time.
• Stay abreast of new and changing regulatory and legal issues and industry initiatives and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Get the opportunity to work on document templating and automation projects to improve existing processes and procedures and create efficiencies, including by 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, 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 organisation and detail.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and project management skills, as well as the ability to interact and communicate effectively with Senior management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook.

What we can offer you

This is a role that will offer you the opportunity to build an in‑depth knowledge of the law surrounding financial services. Every day there will be new business challenges that will help you develop new skills that can drive your career. In addition, you will:

• Experience, absorb and apply in practice comprehensive training on Citi’s issuance businesses and the products offered.
• Build on pre‑existing project management and prioritisation skills.
• Develop an understanding of the regulatory environment which is 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. In turn, we put our employees first and provide the best‑in‑class benefits they need to be well, live well and save well.

Additional Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days plus bank holidays; increasing with tenure.
• A 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.

Alongside these benefits Citi is committed to ensuring our workplace is where everyone feels comfortable coming to work as their whole self every day. We want the best talent around the world to be energised to join us, motivated to stay, and empowered to thrive.

Sounds like Citi has everything you need? Then apply to discover the true extent of your capabilities.

Job Family Group: Legal

Job Family: Legal Professionals

Time Type: Full time

Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, colour, 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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