The Director, HR Legal is a Senior Lead Counsel 2 (Employment & HR) role and is a senior level position responsible for serving as subject matter expert and key legal  advisor to business stakeholders, functional partners, and the Legal Management Committee by providing counsel and thought leadership on all aspects of legal matters related to Employment & HR. The overall objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance across Employment & HR and Citi Businesses and Functions. The role will support the Banking organization and also provide legal support for enterprise business strategies and initiatives including Board committee reporting.

This role has a significant degree of responsibility and authority. This role requires solid conceptual / practical grounding in the laws and regulations for the geographies in which we operate as it relates to matters of Employment & HR. This role has authority to negotiate and make independent decisions on issues / activities that have critical impact or influence on the company.  This role is not a manager.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations; Provide counsel to managers regarding compliance with employment laws
• Serve as a partner and advisor on employment contracts, claims of discrimination, and employment-related arbitration
• Advise on all matters pertaining to human resources within the organization, specifically discrimination, employment contracts, immigration law, workplace safety, data retention, and privacy
• Audit employment policies, practices, and compliance initiatives while identifying areas of risk
• A recognized subject matter expert who substantially influences the way things are done within Employment & HR service within Citi and/or the legal/financial services industry; their area of responsibility and has primary accountability for the end results
• Serves as a partner to senior management or key regional management and/or primary advisor to senior business stakeholders, functional partners (e.g., Risk, Compliance, Finance, CAO, CCO), the Legal Management Council (LMC), Practice Group Heads, and/or Regional/Country Leadership on issues of Employment & HR
• Key stakeholder in senior forums covering strategy, risk management, Employment & HR governance, franchise reputation and/or highly complex or high-risk issues arising as part of job remit
• Provides critical inputs and/or has shared responsibility with more senior management to determine and execute future strategy for the part of the organization that is managed
• Exercises operational responsibility for planning, finances/budgeting and execution of end results
• Accomplish results by leveraging networks/connections, colleagues, and peers at competing institutions
• Lead workstreams to analyze key implications of emerging and existing laws that impact the geography
• Actively participate in various risk review and control forums while demonstrating keen awareness of issues that could cause financial, reputational, or legal consequences
• Negotiates, coordinates, and monitors management of complex issues with senior leaders inside and outside the Legal Department to advise and influence strategy, and makes key decisions within area of responsibility, escalating where necessary
• Proactively identify, evaluate, and contribute to the appropriate management of legal, regulatory, and reputational risk by collaborating with ICRM & Risk, following relevant legal developments, participating in internal projects, and performing other related tasks
• 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:

• 10+ years of specific relevant Employment & HR experience with some experience working in an in-house legal role in financial services
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational and relationship management skills
• Experience in working with regulators/regulatory bodies is preferred
• Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing multiple assignments simultaneously in a demanding, fast-paced environment
• Knowledge and expertise on specific laws, rules and regulations and enforcement actions related to Employment & HR while staying abreast of the changing regulatory and legal environment, internal policies and industry trends that impact the business
• Experience with complex deals, demonstrated ability to analyze issues and develop recommendations
• Effective communication and negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain trusted relationships
• Bar license in good standing to practice law

Education:

• Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree

This job description provides a high-level review of the types of work performed. Other job-related duties may be assigned as required.

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Job Family Group:

Legal

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Job Family:

Legal - Enterprise

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Time Type:

Full time

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Primary Location:

New York New York United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$170,000.00 - $300,000.00

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

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Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

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Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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Anticipated Posting Close Date:

Jul 29, 2025

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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.

 

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