Senior / Corporate Counsel - Legal & Risk
The Company
Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & 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 260 year old company, steeped in history, bringing constant innovation whilst not forgetting our age old values: Passionate Expertise, Exceptional Client Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Business Judgment & 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
How You’ll Make an Impact
Provide comprehensive legal services to the art business and operations teams, including handling all aspects of contract negotiations, in a commercial and pragmatic way
Draft, review and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, including consignment, exhibition/loan, and commercial agreements
Educate and train business colleagues on a wide array of legal matters and internal policies and procedures, including relevant regulations
Provide support for auction house issues pertaining to art law, import/export, cultural property and local, state and federal regulation, leading initiatives and projects, identifying and mitigating legal risks
Assist business colleagues in navigating and resolving commercial disputes
Work with legal and business colleagues across the globe on international transactions
Advise on all aspects of day-to-day legal issues
Potential for management responsibilities
Occasionally liaise with and supervise external counsel
What You’ll Bring to the Team
J.D. degree from a top-tier accredited law school with admission to at least one state bar (preferably NY)
8-15 years of experience in private practice and/or in-house, with experience in broad areas of business law
A background and knowledge of supporting organizations on matters relating to art law and an interest in the art world will be beneficial 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
Makes sound, reasoned decisions under time pressure
Develops productive internal and external relationships
Possesses strong and effective time management skills and is able to juggle many projects at once
Engages as a practical legal advisor, continually improving commercial skills, strengthening relationships and striving to be a credible business partner and not a legal technocrat
What’s great about working for us
Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (Generally Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums)
401k Savings Plan - Christie’s matches dollar for dollar on the first 5% an employee elects to contribute
Life Insurance - 3x base salary up to $400k (100% paid by Christie’s)
Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie’s)
Generous time-off and leave policies; including 8 weeks Paid Family Leave
Robust Wellness Program
Onsite weekly yoga class
Discounted or subsidized Gym Memberships to Equinox, NYSC & NYHRC
Annual Performance Bonus plan
Commuter Benefits - Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with a Christie’s contribution of $21 per month
Back Up Child & Elder Care - Each employee receives up to 10 days of back-up Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons
‘Art & Soul’ – Each employee receives one paid day per year to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice
Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits
*Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time
Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie’s Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.
Closing Date: September 11th, 2026
*Posted salary range does not include discretionary bonus compensation and/or overtime pay.
Skills Required
- J.D. degree from a top-tier accredited law school
- Admission to at least one state bar, preferably New York
- 8-15 years of experience in private practice and/or in-house legal work
- Experience in broad areas of business law
- Excellent legal and analytical skills
- Drafting, negotiation, and presentation skills
- Understanding of commercial and corporate law principles
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining independent judgment
- Sound commercial judgment when balancing legal risks against business benefits
- Ability to make reasoned decisions under time pressure
- Strong time management and ability to manage multiple projects
- Background and knowledge supporting organizations on art law matters
- Interest in the art world
What We Do
Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business renowned for its expert live and online auctions and bespoke private sales. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate, and education. With a presence in 46 countries, it serves a global clientele through flagship hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Geneva.
