Senior Counsel, Art Finance

The Company

Christie’s, the world’s largest art business, is an incredibly exciting and enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our specialist art departments or in our more operational-focused teams we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this over 250-year-old company, steeped in history, bringing constant innovation whilst not forgetting our age-old values; Respect, Passionate Expertise, Exceptional Client Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Business Judgement and Innovation. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is constantly inspiring to work with industry leaders across all segments of the business.

Why this Role Matters

Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, is looking for a finance attorney to oversee the legal aspects of its Art Finance business globally.  The Senior Counsel, Art Finance will be based in New York as a member of the Americas Legal & Risk Department.  She/he/they will manage the legal aspects of Christie's Art Finance business globally and serve as a key legal and business partner to assist the Managing Director of Christie's Art Finance to prospect for, negotiate, structure and close art and collectible car-based loans around the world.  You will work within a global team of attorneys and other professionals to develop best practices and deliver high-quality legal and risk management services to the company.

How you will make an impact

• Advise on all areas of an international art and car-based lending business and client due diligence

• Draft, negotiate, close and administer art-based loans, including drafting and negotiating the loan agreement and all ancillary agreements and documentation

• Participate in and, in certain cases, drive business development efforts for prospective borrowers, including through direct interaction with prospective borrowers and their advisors or counsel

• Evaluate, refine and update templates and processes for underwriting and administering an art-based lending business

• Advise the Company on international, national, federal and state regulations impacting a lending business, including licensing requirements and international tax matters

• Develop and maintain best practices for the legal aspects of the lending business

• Manage outside counsel and its spend with respect to lending matters

• Management and lead a small team of lawyers and legal personnel

• Draft, negotiate and/or review various commercial and other agreements

• Educate and train business colleagues on various legal matters

What you will bring to the team

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school with admission to at least one state bar (preferably NY)

• 10-12 years of experience in private practice, with experience in the legal aspects of finance (domestic and international) and asset-backed lending preferred

• Experience in securitization transactions or other similar financings beneficial

• A background and knowledge of art law and interest in the art world is desirable but not essential

• Excellent legal and analytical skills including drafting, negotiation and presentation skills

• A sound understanding of commercial and corporate law principles

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Works collaboratively while maintaining an independent mind

• Exhibits sound commercial judgment when balancing legal risks against business benefits

• Isn’t afraid to make decisions – particularly when time pressured

• Develops productive internal and external relationships

• Possesses strong and effective time management skills and is able to juggle many projects at once

• Willing to travel

What’s great about working for us

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (On average, Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums)

• 401(k) Savings Plan – Christie’s provides a matching contribution up to 5% (subject to IRS limits)

• Life Insurance - 3x base salary (100% paid by Christie’s)

• Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie’s)

• Generous time-off and leave policies; including 100% Paid Family Leave up to 16 weeks.

• Fitness Reimbursement Program: reimbursement of eligible fitness fees and memberships up to $600 per year

• Annual Discretionary Performance Bonus Plan

• Commuter Benefits - Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with