The Lead Counsel 2 is a senior level position responsible for providing Citi businesses and functions with legal counsel and thought leadership on all matters related to digital payments and banking. The overall objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance across a broad range of practice areas in coordination with the Legal team.
This role requires a pragmatic, proactive attorney with thorough understanding of digital payments and banking, 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 business-oriented solutions.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for providing Citi businesses and functions with legal counsel; supporting strategic initiatives and product/service launches, providing subject matter expertise and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management/leadership on all manners of legal matters related to digital payments and banking
- Partners with legal peers to objectively evaluate business decisions by applying institutional knowledge against industry standard, widely accepted business practices, laws, rules, and regulatory guidelines, escalating as appropriate
- Collaborates across internal lines of business, control/support functions and/or external counsel to achieve coordinated and efficient outcomes on matters related to digital payments and banking; coordinates closely with legal peers aligned to associated businesses
- Participates in planning and development initiatives; contributes to 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 where appropriate
- Manages day-to-day legal activities as a subject matter expert in area of responsibility and provide advisory services to business partners
- Monitor 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:
- 6-10 years of relevant industry experience, preferably in financial services
- Banking or financial industry experience, including laws related to banking regulations
- Comprehensive 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
- Excellent leadership, 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 - Enterprise------------------------------------------------------
Time Type:
Full time------------------------------------------------------
Most Relevant Skills
Please see the requirements listed above.------------------------------------------------------
Other Relevant Skills
For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.------------------------------------------------------
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.
View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.
Skills Required
- 6-10 years of relevant industry experience
- Banking or financial industry experience
- Comprehensive knowledge of international laws and regulations
- Experience with complex deals
- Effective communication and negotiation skills
- Bar license in good standing
Citi Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Citi and has not been reviewed or approved by Citi.
-
Healthcare Strength — Benefits coverage is positioned as comprehensive, including health, dental, and vision insurance plus on-site clinics, prescription drug support, and disability coverage. Family-building support such as fertility assistance is described as a notable differentiator within the overall package.
-
Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are framed as strong, highlighted by a 401(k) with matching and additional plan options like a Roth 401(k). Financial support is reinforced through discounts and broader financial guidance resources tied to the benefits ecosystem.
-
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing support extends beyond insurance through programs like an Employee Assistance Program, counseling/legal resources, and gym or wellness reimbursement. These offerings increase the perceived total rewards value even when cash compensation sentiment varies by role.
Citi Insights
What We Do
Citi's mission is to serve as a trusted partner to our clients by responsibly providing financial services that enable growth and economic progress. Our core activities are safeguarding assets, lending money, making payments and accessing the capital markets on behalf of our clients. We have 200 years of experience helping our clients meet the world's toughest challenges and embrace its greatest opportunities. We are Citi, the global bank – an institution connecting millions of people across hundreds of countries and cities.
