Legal Support - Outside Counsel Engagement Lead, VP
The Lead Legal Support Officer for The Americas is responsible for executing the regional outside counsel strategy by managing key law firm relationships, driving financial discipline, and ensuring operational excellence across North and Latin America. This role acts as a strategic partner to both internal legal stakeholders and external firms to deliver value, consistency, and performance.
Responsibilities:
Law Firm Relationship Management:
* Manage day-to-day relationships with assigned law firms throughout the Americas. * Support the SVP of Outside Counsel Management (OCM) for the Americas in cultivating strong, collaborative partnerships aligned with regional strategy. * Coordinate and participate in regular business reviews and performance discussions.
Pricing & Financial Discipline:
* Implement and maintain agreed-upon rate structures and fee arrangements. * Monitor spend and proactively identify cost optimization opportunities. * Support expansion of the competitive tender process by identifying high value matters or groups of matters suitable for competitive tender, scoping and drafting RFPs, coordinating law firm responses, assisting in the selection process, and delivering training to internal stakeholders
Performance Management & Reporting:
* Track and report on law firm performance utilizing established scorecards. * Escalate risks or performance concerns to the SVP of OCM Americas or designated law firm Ambassador, as appropriate. * Support continuous improvement initiatives within the OCM framework.
Panel & Vendor Management:
* Assist with law firm onboarding, due diligence, and panel management activities. * Maintain accurate firm and vendor data and documentation. * Support the review of Outside Counsel Terms, including proposed modifications, and engagement letters. * Contribute to regional initiatives such as panel reviews, rate negotiations, and technology adoption.
Operational Excellence & Systems:
* Serve as a regional Subject Matter Expert (SME) for e-billing and OCM tools (e.g., Passport, Persuit, Evisort, Dashboard, DocuSign). * Support system enhancements and process improvements. * Provide guidance on rate structures, firm selection, and best practices for engagement. * Escalate complex issues to the SVP of OCM Americas when necessary.
Data Analysis:
* Analyze regional spend and engagement trends to support informed decision-making. * Prepare comprehensive reports and dashboards for key stakeholders. * 6-10 years of relevant industry experience, preferably with some experience working in an in-house legal role within financial services. * Ability to manage complex documentation with organization and detail. * Must possess excellent interpersonal and project management skills, as well as the ability to interact and communicate effectively with Senior management. * Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook. * In-depth knowledge of legal customs and practices. * Knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry.
Qualifications:
* 6-10 years of relevant industry experience, preferably with some experience working in an in-house legal role within financial services * Ability to manage complex documentation with organization and detail * Must possess excellent interpersonal and project management skills, as well as the ability to interact and communicate effectively with Senior management * Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook * In-depth knowledge of legal customs and practices * Knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry * Multilingual in Portuguese or Spanish preferred
Education:
* Bachelors/University degree, Master’s degree preferred
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Job Family Group:
Legal
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Job Family:
Legal Professionals
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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:
$103,920.00 - $155,880.00
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:
Jun 05, 2026
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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._
