ABOUT SOTHEBY’S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
THE ROLE
The Associate General Counsel, Corporate and Securities attorney will work autonomously on the legal support to a range of corporate and financing matters, both transactional and advisory, and to provide support to the CSCCS and Sotheby’s General Counsel on major matters. These may be specific to the US, international or global.
The Vice President is expected to identify and analyze legal issues and risk, draft or review key documents, present clear recommendations to senior leaders, manage external counsel and costs and maintain legal compliance and support on a wide range of issues as set out below.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Growth: Organic and Acquisitions
- Act as trusted legal advisor on a variety of growth or change matters such as acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, commercial partnerships, setting up in new jurisdictions/lines of business
- Carry out all legal work internally including drafting and negotiating documents and project management
- Support management’s analysis on potential targets, growth opportunities and issues with existing matters with thoughtful analysis of legal and regulatory risks and challenges and engineer pragmatic solutions
- Work closely with a range of internal stakeholders to ensure appropriate operational changes are understood and embedded
Treasury: Banking and Capital Markets
- Lead legal support on selected Treasury financings (new, extended or amendments) which may include term loans, bonds, and real estate
- Review and advise on legal terms of existing financings to guide management on options and provide ongoing maintenance eg reviewing compliance certificates
- Support intra-group financing arrangements to maximize use of group capital and liquidity
Corporate Advisory and Support
- Provide legal advice on US incorporated entities including business as usual activities such as board resolutions, corporate constitutions, schemes of delegation and group structures
- Advise on executive compensation schemes such as long-term incentive plans
- Review and provide input to US centric financial reporting eg maintaining risk factors
- Advise on New York Real estate matters as needed
- Own external Law firm relationship management and optimization
- Supporting or leading change projects due to change in law/regulation or to support business needs
- As requested, management of Sotheby’s global trade mark portfolio
- Drive ad-hoc project work such as large supplier outsourcing agreements, client contractual arrangements, etc
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- 4+ years qualified legal experience with broad corporate and financing experience
- Ideal experience coming from a law firm or equivalent role within the legal department of a large corporate/financial institution
- Licensed to practice law in the State of New York and in good standing or otherwise in compliance with the in-house counsel registration rules
- Currently holds a notary licence for New York or willing to get one
- Excellent analytical and drafting skills are vital, able to produce clear, high-quality writing
- Ability to provide clear guidance and workable solutions on complex and sensitive issues with the appropriate balance of commercial risk sometimes under critical time pressure
- Excellent relationship management and people skills, with the ability to get along with a broad mix of people and personality styles.
- Able to form and maintain strong working relationships within Legal & Compliance, with clients and stakeholders, and work well within a team environment
- Strategic thinker with good general understanding of business and a willingness to learn and expand knowledge and expertise
- Able to think on your feet, multitask and prioritise. Capable of working independently across jurisdictions and time zones and efficiently with a flexible attitude to work and colleague coverage. Willing to accommodate other time zones when necessary
- A confident presenter with the gravitas to advise senior management, influence individuals and manage challenge within the organisation
- In house legal experience is a plus. Ability to work in additional languages a bonus
- Art law/art industry experience is not required
The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $200,000-$250,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.
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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.
