Job Description
The Senior Lead Counsel I is a senior level position responsible for providing legal guidance and thought leadership to the Special Assets ("Special Assets") risk team (Citi's internal workout group) and in particular the Special Assets teams covering Citi Commercial Bank and Latin American remedial matters. The overall objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance to these teams.
This role requires a pragmatic, proactive attorney with thorough understanding of the direction and objectives of Special Assets, 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.
Responsibilities:
Responsible for providing legal counsel to the Special Assets team, participating in strategic initiatives, providing subject matter expertise (in particular, on credit and bankruptcy issues) and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management on legal matters impacting the business
Addresses key legal issues in credit transactions, including credit agreement issues, liability management transactions, loan amendments/waivers, evaluation of rights remedies, and other exit options
Provides legal support to Special Assets in its evaluation of distressed situations, including assisting in overall strategy and review of credit/collateral documentation
Reviews and analyzes credit agreements for liability management exposure, basket availability, covenant levels, and agency issues
Gives advice to business teams regarding litigation and bankruptcy matters, including bankruptcy matters relating to bank products
Objectively evaluates business and restructuring 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 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
Supports the debt capital markets loans legal team on loan origination matters as needed.
Participates in Special Assets planning and development initiatives; contribute 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 the areas of finance and restructuring and provide advisory services to business partners and Special Assets.
Stays up to date on legal developments in the finance and restructuring spaces.
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:
3-5+ years of experience in a restructuring and/or finance practice at a major international law firm.
Familiarity with bank products (e.g. letters of credit, cash management, ISDA-based trades) is a plus (but not required).
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 (including with professional advisors in credit and restructuring spaces)
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
Primary Location:
New York New York United States
Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:
$211,280.00 - $316,920.00
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.
Anticipated Posting Close Date:
Jun 04, 2025
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.
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 review Accessibility at Citi (https://www.citigroup.com/citi/accessibility/application-accessibility.htm) .
View Citi's EEO Policy Statement (https://www.citigroup.com/global/eeo-aa-policy) and the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088\EEOC\KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) poster.
Citi is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Minority/Female/Veteran/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.
