Corporate Counsel, Legal - Gooding Christie's

Corporate Counsel, Legal - Gooding Christie's

The Company

Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Gooding Christie’s is world renowned for its market-leading automotive auctions, private brokerage, and unparalleled service in the international collector car market with over two decades of operation. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.

Why this role matters

The Corporate Counsel will be based either in Gooding Christie’s Santa Monica, California, location or in Christie’s Rockefeller Center office in New York, New York, and report to the General Counsel of Gooding Christie’s, the market-leading automotive auction house now owned by Christie’s. The Corporate Counsel will support a wide range of commercial transactions and legal initiatives in both the auction and private sale contexts. This role will focus on transactional drafting and negotiation, with particular responsibility for contract form and systems development; international alignment of sale forms; and legal support for strategic growth initiatives. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, highly organized, experienced in high-value, cross-border transactions, and has demonstrated experience managing complex legal projects.

How you'll make an impact

Draft, negotiate, and align consignment agreements, private sale contracts, and auction documents across U.S. and international business lines.

Support the creation, refinement, and harmonization of legal templates, terms, and conditions for both auction and private sale businesses.

Structure and negotiate event-related agreements, including venue licenses, production services, media rights, sponsorships, vendor agreements, and related operational contracts.

Assist with legal aspects of Gooding Christie’s international expansion and integration into the Christie’s global infrastructure.

Provide legal guidance on the launch of new auctions in the United States, online sales platforms, and business initiatives.

Collaborate with global legal colleagues to ensure contract consistency and cross-border legal compliance; occasionally liaise with external counsel on specialized matters.

What you’ll bring to the team

J.D. degree from an accredited law school; with admission to either NY or CA bar

5-8 years of legal experience in private practice and/or in-house roles, with a focus on commercial transactions

Excellent legal drafting and negotiation skills, particularly with complex agreements

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, client-focused environment

Familiarity with art, luxury, or collectibles sectors a plus, but not required

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Collaborative, while maintaining an independent mind

Sound commercial judgment when balancing legal risks against business benefits

Strong and effective time management skills; able to juggle many projects at once

What’s great about working for us

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (On average, Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums)

401(k) Savings Plan – Christie’s provides a matching contribution up to 5% (subject to IRS limits)

Life Insurance - 3x base salary (100% paid by Christie’s)

Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie’s)

Generous time-off and leave policies; including 100% Paid Family Leave up to 16 weeks.

Fitness Reimbursement Program: reimbursement of eligible fitness fees and memberships up to $600 per year

Annual Discretionary Performance Bonus Plan

Commuter Benefits - Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with a Christie’s contribution of $21 per month

Back Up Child & Elder Care – up to 10 days of back-up Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Day- Each employee receives one paid day per year to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice.

Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits

Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie’s Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.

Closing Date: November 5th, 2025

*Posted salary range does not include discretionary bonus compensation and overtime pay.

Compensation RangeSalary: $160,000.00 - $180,000.00

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