SVP, Senior Lead Counsel - Employment & HR

The SVP, Senior Lead Counsel 1 (Employment & HR) is a senior level position responsible for serving as subject matter expert and 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.

This role requires a pragmatic, proactive attorney with thorough understanding of Employment & HR, combined with a solid conceptual / practical grounding in the laws and regulations for the geographies in which we operate as it relates to Employment & HR. Provides input into strategic decisions, exercising sound legal judgement to develop proactive, risk-appropriate, and commercially business-oriented solutions. This individual contributor role will be part of a team of lawyers supporting Citi’s Operations and Technology organizations as well as its Global Functions.

 

Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations; Provide counsel to managers regarding compliance with employment laws
• Prepares, executes, and advises the business 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
• Interpret, apply, review and enhance employment policies, practices, and compliance initiatives while identifying areas of risk
• Serves as a recognized subject matter expert 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
• 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
• 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 Employment & HR
• Represent the firm both internally and externally with clients, government bodies or other organizations, typically serving at the most senior level as part of the senior management team
• Anticipate, evaluate, and appropriately respond to developments in local and international Employment & HRs and regulations that impact relevant Citi activities; assist the firm in evolving to meet marketplace and client needs
• 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
• Participate in planning and development initiatives; contribute to objectives by providing thought leadership using knowledge of industry, laws, and regulations
• Monitors management of complex issues and transactions, impacting the Legal Department or the business and escalating necessary issues
• Advise in complex negotiations with vendors, customers, partners, and other parties, 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:

• 7+ years of relevant industry experience, preferably in financial services
• Banking or financial industry experience, including laws related to banking regulations is preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment laws, regulations and practices while staying abreast of regulatory and legal environment, internal policies and industry trends that impact the business
• Experience with complex matters, 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

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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:

Tampa Florida United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$169,040.00 - $253,560.00

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:

Oct 09, 2026

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Automated Processing and AI

We use automated processing, including artificial intelligence, for our legitimate business interests (or our reasonable and appropriate business purposes) to identify and align the candidate's skills and abilities with a specific job opening. Additionally, if you so choose, or consent, we can match your skills and abilities to other suitable roles at Citi.

 

Importantly, all our hiring processes and decisions, including determining your suitability for a role, are conducted, checked, and decided by individuals. Our automated processing and AI do not involve relying on automatic or autonomous decision-making. Please refer to any Jurisdictional Considerations, with specific provisions for your country (where relevant) for further details.

 

Illinois residents – AI Notice and Right

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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.

 

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.