ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.
ABOUT SOTHEBY’S FINANCIAL SERVICES
Sotheby’s Financial Services, the only full-service art financing company, enables clients to unlock the liquidity in their fine art and collectible assets through technology and innovation. With the spirit of a fintech startup, the stability of a large established organization, and its position at the center of the art ecosystem, the SFS team unites around the goal of leading the future of art financial services. We have a bold and exciting journey ahead, and we can't wait to make it happen together.
THE ROLE
Sotheby’s Financial Services (SFS) is seeking a business-minded and self-motivated attorney to join its U.S. legal team. The attorney will be responsible for providing transactional and legal support to the SFS business, focusing on loans backed by fine art and collectible assets, consignor advances, as well as other transactional initiatives in the U.S. and abroad. This position is based in New York City.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Draft, review and negotiate various agreements, including term loan and revolving credit facilities, security agreements, collateral documents and guarantees.
- Provide legal advice to the SFS team on structuring finance transactions backed by fine art and collectible assets, including collectible cars, for clients in multiple jurisdictions.
- Conduct due diligence and facilitate transaction closings.
- Contribute subject matter expertise to the development of playbooks, templates, and operational best practices.
- Ensure that policies and procedures are followed and that all related documents reflect negotiated terms and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
- Partner internally to identify opportunities for process improvement, scalability, and enhanced service delivery.
- Lead trainings for business partners on legal issues.
- Participate in negotiations with borrowers, outside counsel and counterparties.
- Provide additional legal support that the business requires at the direction of the General Counsel.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- 5+ years of relevant legal experience in banking/finance, with experience in an in-house legal department preferred.
- Bachelor’s Degree and JD. Admitted, active and in good standing with the New York State bar.
- Strong work ethic and ability to multitask, prioritize and manage numerous projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to responsiveness, accountability and timely follow-through, with the ability to manage stakeholder expectations and communicate proactively regarding priorities, timelines and legal risk.
- Strong attention to detail and quality of work product.
- Exceptional drafting, communication, analytical and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent business judgment and ability to assess legal risk while also thinking strategically and providing practical advice.
- Practical approach to legal drafting and problem solving and ability to translate legal issues into clear, “plain English” guidance for non-lawyers.
- Team player who will roll up their sleeves and take on additional responsibilities, while also being able to work independently and think strategically.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.
- Comfort working within, and demonstrates strong adoption of, established legal processes and technology platforms, including matter management, contract lifecycle management, workflow and reporting tools.
The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $200,000-$230,000. 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.
To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the US, please click here.
To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the UK, Hong Kong, France and Switzerland, please click here.
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.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of relevant legal experience in banking/finance
- Experience in an in-house legal department
- Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor (JD)
- Admitted, active and in good standing with the New York State Bar
- Transactional experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating term loan and revolving credit facilities, security agreements, collateral documents and guarantees
- Experience conducting due diligence and facilitating transaction closings
- Experience advising or structuring finance transactions secured by fine art, collectible assets or collectible cars
- Strong drafting, communication, analytical and interpersonal skills
- Excellent business judgment and ability to assess legal risk while providing practical advice
- Ability to multitask, prioritize and manage numerous projects in a fast-paced environment
- Comfort with established legal processes and technology platforms, including matter management, contract lifecycle management, workflow and reporting tools
Sotheby's Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Sotheby's and has not been reviewed or approved by Sotheby's.
-
Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as broad, spanning medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, and company-paid life insurance. Mental health benefits and disability coverage are also included as part of the package.
-
Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) plan with company matching. Additional financial supports such as flexible spending accounts and an employee stock purchase plan are also referenced.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off policies are characterized as generous, including paid time off, paid holidays, and sick days. Paid parental leave and family-related supports are also included in the overall offering.
Sotheby's Insights
What We Do
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and 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.
Gallery
