---
title: 'Senior Counsel, Sotheby’s Financial Services at Sotheby''s'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-counsel-sotheby-s-financial-services-sotheby-s-new-york-evbn7cer8k0c'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-19'
---

# Senior Counsel, Sotheby’s Financial Services at Sotheby's

- **Company:** Sotheby's
- **Location:** New York, NY
- **Posted:** 2026-06-08
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-19
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sothebys/jobs/6015173004

## Job description

## ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

## ABOUT SOTHEBY’S FINANCIAL SERVICES

Sotheby’s Financial Services, the only full-service art financing company, enables clients to unlock the liquidity in their fine art and collectible assets through technology and innovation. With the spirit of a fintech startup, the stability of a large established organization, and its position at the center of the art ecosystem, the SFS team unites around the goal of leading the future of art financial services. We have a bold and exciting journey ahead, and we can't wait to make it happen together.

## THE ROLE

Sotheby’s Financial Services (SFS) is seeking a business-minded and self-motivated attorney to join its U.S. legal team. The attorney will be responsible for providing transactional and legal support to the SFS business, focusing on loans backed by fine art and collectible assets, consignor advances, as well as other transactional initiatives in the U.S. and abroad. This position is based in New York City.

## RESPONSIBILITIES

- Draft, review and negotiate various agreements, including term loan and revolving credit facilities, security agreements, collateral documents and guarantees.
- Provide legal advice to the SFS team on structuring finance transactions backed by fine art and collectible assets, including collectible cars, for clients in multiple jurisdictions.
- Conduct due diligence and facilitate transaction closings.
- Contribute subject matter expertise to the development of playbooks, templates, and operational best practices.
- Ensure that policies and procedures are followed and that all related documents reflect negotiated terms and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
- Partner internally to identify opportunities for process improvement, scalability, and enhanced service delivery.
- Lead trainings for business partners on legal issues.
- Participate in negotiations with borrowers, outside counsel and counterparties.
- Provide additional legal support that the business requires at the direction of the General Counsel.

## IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

- 5+ years of relevant legal experience in banking/finance, with experience in an in-house legal department preferred.
- Bachelor’s Degree and JD. Admitted, active and in good standing with the New York State bar.
- Strong work ethic and ability to multitask, prioritize and manage numerous projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to responsiveness, accountability and timely follow-through, with the ability to manage stakeholder expectations and communicate proactively regarding priorities, timelines and legal risk.
- Strong attention to detail and quality of work product.
- Exceptional drafting, communication, analytical and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent business judgment and ability to assess legal risk while also thinking strategically and providing practical advice.
- Practical approach to legal drafting and problem solving and ability to translate legal issues into clear, “plain English” guidance for non-lawyers.
- Team player who will roll up their sleeves and take on additional responsibilities, while also being able to work independently and think strategically.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.
- Comfort working within, and demonstrates strong adoption of, established legal processes and technology platforms, including matter management, contract lifecycle management, workflow and reporting tools.

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $200,000-$230,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.

To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the US, please [click here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/docs/pdf/candidate-privacy-notice.pdf).

To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the UK, Hong Kong, France and Switzerland, please [click here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/docs/pdf/final-v1-sothebys-recruitment-privacy-notice-uk-hk-france-and-switzerland-31-january-2022.pdf?locale=en).

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.

## About Sotheby's

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury, providing access to exceptional objects through auctions, private sales, and e-commerce.
- **Entity Type**: Private (acquired by Patrick Drahi in 2019)
- **Headquarters**: New York City, USA (global headquarters at the Breuer building, 945 Madison Avenue) with a network spanning 40 countries
- **Founded**: 1744
- **Founders**: Samuel Baker (first auction under his name on 11 March 1744)

## Core Business
- Primary industry: Fine art and luxury auction house, art marketplace, and art-related financial services.
- Target customers: Collectors, art enthusiasts, institutions, and luxury consumers (B2C and B2B).
- Mission/purpose: “Promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects” and believes in the transformative power of art and culture, committed to inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration.

## Products & Services
- **Auctions**: Live and hybrid digital auctions across 70 categories including Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, Design, collectible cars (via RM Sotheby’s), and real estate (via Concierge Auctions).
- **Private Sales**: Direct, confidential sales for clients seeking discretion.
- **BuyNow Marketplace**: E-commerce platform for immediate purchase of art and luxury items.
- **Sotheby’s Financial Services**: Art lending and capital solutions; has originated more than $12 billion in loans since inception.
- **Sotheby’s Advisory**: Strategic advisory for collectors and institutions.
- **Sotheby’s Institute**: Educational programs on art business and connoisseurship.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed (privately held).
- **Key Metric**: Annual worldwide sales turnover in excess of $7 billion (as of recent reports).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Owned by Patrick Drahi (media and telecom entrepreneur). No other major external investors disclosed.
- **Growth Signals**: First auction house to successfully shift to hybrid digital auction format during the pandemic; pioneered AI and scientific research in-house; expanded to 40 countries with 80 offices; continues to innovate with mobile and web experiences.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Heritage & Trust**: Oldest and largest internationally recognised fine art auction house (since 1744).
- **Global Reach**: Network of specialists in 40 countries and 80 offices covering 70 categories.
- **Innovation Track Record**: First to hold auctions in Asia (1973), first to use satellite bidding (1960s), first to sell a work for over $100 million (2004), and early adopter of e-commerce (2000) and AI (2018).
- **Integrated Services**: Only full-service art financing company (Sotheby’s Financial Services) combined with auctions, private sales, and retail.

## Strategic Focus
- Digital transformation and hybrid auction formats to capture online sales growth.
- Expansion into new luxury categories (e.g., collectible cars, real estate) and geographies (e.g., China).
- Deepening client relationships through data-driven insights and personalized experiences.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and sustainability as core values.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Entrepreneurial, client-first, passionate, and innovative. Values include “dream big, challenge the status quo, relentlessly pursue innovation.”
- **Diversity & Inclusion**: Strong commitment to equality and diverse backgrounds; endorsed by senior management.
- **Benefits**: Competitive compensation, health/dental/vision insurance, fertility and growing family support, 401(k) with company match, paid parental leave, gym reimbursement, education assistance, and access to world-class art museums and galleries.
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid/remote options available for some roles (e.g., Payroll Manager listed as New York/Remote). Offices in major cities globally.
- **Growth**: Internal mobility encouraged; opportunities for cross-functional exposure through Internship, Associates, and Mobility programs.

## Sources
1. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/about) – About Us page (company description, mission, values)
2. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/about/careers) – Careers page (benefits, values, social impact)
3. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/about/our-history) – History page (founding, key milestones, acquisition by Drahi, sales turnover)
4. [greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sothebys/jobs/5988535004) – Job listing page (global headquarters location, financial services stats, office locations)
5. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/) – Homepage (overview of categories and services)

## Other roles at Sotheby's

- [Client Experience Associate](https://feeny.ai/job/client-experience-associate-sotheby-s-paris-azvzzkz2y0hp) — Paris, France
- [Specialist, Sculpture](https://feeny.ai/job/specialist-sculpture-sotheby-s-paris-0w4pwxxtnxkt) — Paris, France
- [Specialist, Handbags](https://feeny.ai/job/specialist-handbags-sotheby-s-abu-dhabi-2kz5v9n2cye2) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates / Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- [2027 Associates Program (Hong Kong)](https://feeny.ai/job/2027-associates-program-hong-kong-sotheby-s-hong-kong-0cbr369z38sj) — Hong Kong, China
- [Shipping Associate](https://feeny.ai/job/shipping-associate-sotheby-s-london-27c1qe9s8r1z) — London, United Kingdom
- [International Senior Specialist, Books](https://feeny.ai/job/international-senior-specialist-books-sotheby-s-new-york-j35mckxk6835) — New York, NY
- [Business Operations Manager, Sales Development](https://feeny.ai/job/business-operations-manager-sales-development-sotheby-s-new-york-5ezx16ksz1jt) — New York, NY
- [AVP, Senior Manager, Facilities](https://feeny.ai/job/avp-senior-manager-facilities-sotheby-s-new-york-5zxsgcx45mem) — New York, NY
- [Product Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/product-manager-sotheby-s-new-york-h59909394622) — New York, NY
- [VP, Product Management](https://feeny.ai/job/vp-product-management-sotheby-s-london-94ct2bypmy3p) — London, United Kingdom