Senior Lead Counsel 2/Director Debt Trading & Reorganization and Credit Derivatives

Queens County Bar Association; New York (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company seeks a Senior Lead Counsel II/Director for Debt Trading & Reorganization. In this role, you will provide expert legal counsel and guidance to support the Spread Products Sales & Trading business, primarily focused on debt trading and credit derivatives. With 10+ years of experience required, this position demands excellent leadership and negotiation skills, along with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape. Ideal candidates will have a Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree and a successful track record within financial services.

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

401(k) Plan

Life, Accident, and Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off Packages

Wellness Programs

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant industry experience in financial services.
• Experience in credit trading and understanding of LSTA documentation.
• Bar license in good standing to practice law.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal counsel supporting strategic initiatives and business decisions.
• Manages day-to-day legal activities and provides senior advisory services.
• Negotiates and monitors complex legal issues.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Judgment

Relationship Management

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Education

Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree

Job description

The Senior Lead Counsel II/Director Debt Trading & Reorganization and Credit Derivatives is a senior level position responsible for serving as strategic business partner and subject matter expert by providing legal counsel and thought leadership to Citi's Spread Products Sales & Trading business. (Note: Citi uses the designation "Spread Products" to refer to credit and credit-related products, the legal coverage of which is separated as between Sales & Trading and Financing & Securitization.) The primary objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance to that business, with particular focus on debt trading (including par loans, distressed loans, bankruptcy claims, private equity and 1145 equity, and illiquid assets). Further, however, the role also includes secondary coverage of other products across the broader Spread Products Sales & Trading business, such as credit derivatives (both stand-alone and embedded) in both the developed and the emerging markets and, accordingly, will provide a successful candidate familiar with the loan trading business the opportunity to broaden their experience.

This role requires thorough understanding of the strategic direction of the Business, combined with knowledge of 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.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing legal counsel to the Business, supporting strategic initiatives, providing subject matter expertise and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management/leadership on all manner of legal matters and risks impacting the business
• Provides advisory services in respect of business decisions by applying institutional knowledge against industry standards, widely accepted business practices, laws, rules, and regulatory guidelines, escalating where appropriate
• Collaborates across internal lines of business and control/support functions to achieve coordinated and efficient outcomes on matters of common interest; coordinate closely with the Legal team on a regional and global basis
• Accomplishes results by leveraging networks/connections, colleagues, and peers
• Serves as business partner and advisor to business stakeholders and functional partners (e.g., Risk, Compliance) by participating in planning and development initiatives; contribute to business objectives by using knowledge of industry, laws, and regulations
• Actively participates in various risk reviews, governance and control forums while demonstrating keen awareness of issues that could cause financial, reputational, or legal consequences
• Proactively identifies, evaluates and contributes to the appropriate management of legal, regulatory, and reputational risk through cross-function collaboration, following relevant legal developments, participating in internal projects, and escalating as appropriate
• Manages day-to-day legal activities as a subject matter expert in area of responsibility and provide senior advisory services to business partners
• Negotiates, coordinates, and monitors management of complex legal issues and make key decisions within area of responsibility, escalating where 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:

• 10+ years of relevant industry experience with some experience working in an in-house legal role in financial services
• Substantial experience in credit trading and a thorough understanding of LSTA documentation
• Experience in bankruptcy and reorganization is preferred
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational and relationship management skills
• Experience in working with regulators/regulatory bodies is preferred
• Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing multiple assignments simultaneously in a demanding, fast-paced environment
• Comprehensive knowledge of international, multi-jurisdictional laws, regulations and practices while staying abreast of regulatory and legal environment, internal policies and industry trends that impact the Credit Products 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
• Bar license in good standing to practice law

Education:

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree

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Job Family Group:

Legal

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Job Family:

Legal - Product

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Time Type:

Full time

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Primary Location:

New York New York United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$170,000.00 - $300,000.00

In addition to salary, Citi's offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

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Anticipated Posting Close Date:

May 14, 2025

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