AVP, Counsel, Commercial at Sotheby’s

New York, New York, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Art, Luxury Goods, AuctionsIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and JD – admitted, active and in good-standing with the New York State bar
5-7 years of experience at a large firm, including training as a general corporate attorney. Knowledge of art law and/or art industry experience, and in-house experience are each a plus
Strong work ethic and ability to multitask, prioritize and manage numerous projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
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
Excellent business judgment and ability to assess and balance legal risk while also thinking strategically and providing practical advice
Ability to translate legal issues into clear guidance for non-lawyers
Team player who can work collaboratively and who will roll up their sleeves and take on additional responsibilities, while also being able to work independently
Ability to work effectively with individuals at all organizational levels and develop productive internal and external relationships

Responsibilities

Draft, review and negotiate agreements and terms of service for commercial business operations, including for consignments and sales, services, consultants, partnerships, and various other agreements
Provide legal advice on commercial activities, including for auctions, private sales, e-commerce, valuations, advisory services, and other commercial activities, on deal structure, and on legal and reputational risk
Participate in ongoing development of our internal processes with an emphasis on efficiency and scalability, creating playbooks and proactively identifying opportunities for enhancement
Develop and lead trainings for business partners and legal team on commercial legal issues, internal processes, and procedures
Engage as a practical and responsive legal advisor, continually improving commercial skills, strengthening relationships, and serving as a business-forward legal partner to the business

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Contract DraftingContract NegotiationContract ReviewCommercial LawRisk ManagementLegal AdviceAuction AgreementsPrivate SalesE-commerce TermsConsignment AgreementsPlaybooks DevelopmentLegal Training

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the location for this position?

This position is based in New York City.

What experience is required for this role?

Candidates need a Bachelor’s Degree and JD, admitted and in good standing with the New York State bar, plus 5-7 years of experience at a large firm including training as a general corporate attorney. Knowledge of art law, art industry experience, and in-house experience are each a plus.

What key skills are needed for the AVP, Counsel role?

The role requires strong legal and analytical skills including drafting, negotiation, and presentation; a sound understanding of commercial and corporate law principles; strong communication and interpersonal skills; and excellent business judgment to assess legal risk and provide practical advice.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this role?

A strong candidate is business-minded, self-motivated, with a strong work ethic, ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, and skills to serve as a practical, responsive legal advisor who strengthens relationships and thinks strategically.

Sotheby’s

Auction house for fine art

About Sotheby’s

Sotheby's is a global auction house that specializes in selling fine art, luxury items, and collectibles through live and online auctions, as well as private sales. The company provides online estimates to help sellers determine the value of their items, which is a key differentiator from competitors. Sotheby's holds auctions in major cities worldwide, attracting a diverse audience and ensuring a competitive market for high-end items. The goal is to connect buyers and sellers in the luxury market while offering a personalized and discreet experience.

New York City, New YorkHeadquarters

1744Year Founded

$4MTotal Funding

POST_IPO_EQUITYCompany Stage

Real Estate, Consumer GoodsIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

401(k) Company Match

Professional Development Budget

Risks

NFT market volatility poses financial risks for Sotheby's digital collectibles sales.

Recent staff layoffs indicate potential financial instability or auction performance downturn.

The $100 million Breuer building acquisition could strain financial resources if unprofitable.

Differentiation

Sotheby's offers both live and online auctions, catering to diverse client preferences.

The company provides private sales for clients seeking privacy and exclusivity in transactions.

Sotheby's expertise in valuing rare items attracts high-end collectors and investors.

Upsides

Sotheby's collaboration with The Luxury Group offers unique luxury auction experiences.

The acquisition of the Breuer building enhances Sotheby's brand and auction venue prestige.

Sotheby's acceptance of cryptocurrency payments attracts crypto-wealthy buyers.

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