Job Purpose:
To support the Swiss Private Bank Legal Team. Reporting to a Senior Lawyer in the team and the Head of the Swiss Legal Department.
Job Background/context:
The Swiss Legal Department currently consists of 4 Senior Counsels, 2 Junior Counsels and 1 Paralegal / Administrative Support. The Department supports all Swiss Citi Entities, Businesses (Private Bank, Corporate and Investment Bank, Broker-Dealer, Trust) and Departments / Functions in all legal matters. The candidate will support the existing team in providing legal support primarily to the Private Bank Business and related internal Departments and Functions. We are looking for an experienced Legal Counsel who is able to work independently and support the Business in a variety of legal matters. In this position, the candidate will report to a Senior Lawyer in the team and work very closely with the other team members based in Zurich and Geneva as well as the Product Legal Teams in the UK and US.
The Citi Private Bank serves worldly and wealthy individuals and their families with a customized private banking service that crosses borders. Services are offered for Professional Investors, Wealthy Individuals, Family Offices as well as Lawyers and Law Firms.
Key Responsibilities:
• Providing accurate and timely legal advice in relation to Private Bank related Swiss law matters, in particular:
- General legal advice in close cooperation with the Product Legal Teams in the UK and US and the other members of the Swiss Private Bank Legal Team
- Providing legal support to internal partners in various areas, such as:
o Fi nTech and Online Banking Applications
o Outsourcing, Data Protection and Cross-Border Activities
o Operations and Technology as well as IT Support
o Securities Operations and Custody
o Capital Markets (Equity, Fixed Income, Structured Products, FX) and Derivatives (ISDA Documentation, Dodd-Frank, EMIR)
- Supporting the team in major regulatory projects, including: Financial Market Infrastructure Act (FMIA), GDPR and the upcoming revised Swiss Data Protection Act
- Supporting Operations and Technology partners in a global multi-year modernization project re-engineering Citi Private Bank’s Data and Messaging Platform and other key digital projects
- Supporting the Private Bank Front Office teams in various legal matters, including:
o Reviewing and drafting contracts, client documentation, letters, etc.
o Negotiating guarantees, non-disclosure agreements, bespoke contracts and other legal documents
- Supporting local, regional and global management in any Swiss law related matters
- Participating and representing the Swiss Legal Department in various local, regional and global meetings
• Providing accurate and timely legal advice in relation to any other Swiss law matters, as directed by the direct manager or the Department Head
Development Value:
The candidate will be part of a large international organization where team work, professionalism and integrity are an integral part of the provision of legal services. The role provides an excellent opportunity to become familiar with an international financial institution that offers often tailored solutions to its very sophisticated Private Bank clients. The role further offers exposure to a great variety and complexity of legal matters and issues.
Knowledge/Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years of post-graduate legal experience in a Swiss Bank (preferably with an international focus) or in a Swiss or International Law Firm (banking experience)
• Experience in Private Banking related issues, preferably in an international environment
• Experience in projects implementing changes due to new laws and regulations
• Experience and knowledge working on technology and digital projects (e.g. Digital Banking Applications, E-Signatures or similar digital banking initiatives)
Skills:
• Languages: Excellent command of English and French or German (verbally and in writing), additional official Swiss language would be an advantage
• Teamwork: Ability to closely interact, cooperate and work on matters with team members as well as other departments
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to work and communicate with all levels of the organization
• Dedication, accuracy and attention to detail
• Flexibility, positive and problem-solving attitude
• Excellent MS-Office knowledge
• Goal, deadline and process oriented
Qualifications:
• Masters in Law from a Swiss University
• Swiss Bar would be an advantage
Competencies:
• Strong business and legal judgment and commercial attitude
• Analytical approach to identifying, and practical approach to solving issues
• Team player and co-operative, team oriented work style
• Willing to work independently in a small Team and keen to learn and take on new responsibilities
Exceptional candidates who do not meet these criteria may be considered for the role provided they have the necessary skills and experience.
Valuing Diversity: Demonstrates an appreciation of a diverse workforce. Appreciates differences in style or perspective and uses differences to add value to decisions or actions and organisational success.
Citi is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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