Head of Legal Counsel, DBRS
3 Days Old
The Group:
Morningstar DBRS is a leading provider of independent credit rating services and opinions for corporate and sovereign entities, financial institutions, and project and structured finance instruments globally. Rating more than 4,000 issuers and 60,000 securities, we are one of the top four credit rating agencies in the world and a market leader in Canada, the U.S. and Europe in multiple asset classes. In addition to registrations in Canada, the U.S. and Europe with the relevant regulators, Morningstar DBRS is also recognized as a credit rating agency by regulators and central banks in various other jurisdictions.
Morningstar DBRS maintains offices in Toronto, New York, Chicago, London, Frankfurt, Madrid and Mumbai and covers entities worldwide.
The Role:
We are seeking a seasoned and experienced attorney to head up the legal team for Morningstar DBRS ("HLC"). The HLC will report directly to the Morningstar Global Head of Regulatory Strategy and Advisory, Legal, a direct report of the Chief Legal Officer. The HLC will have two direct reports - an attorney in Toronto covering North America and an attorney in Madrid covering Europe. The HLC will work closely with Morningstar DBRS's business leaders and will be responsible for the leadership, development and management of legal affairs for commercial activity across all jurisdictions in which Morningstar DBRS carries on business.
As a critical member of the Morningstar DBRS team, the HLC will be expected to operate at a strategic level in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; to advise senior executives and assist in making informed and balanced decisions to help shape and move the business forward. This role requires the HLC to think strategically about the growth of the Morningstar DBRS business internationally but also requires the HLC to efficiently manage a number of different commercial matters simultaneously with an emphasis on getting the work done.
Responsibilities:
Given the amount and variety of activity, coupled with the evolving culture of Morningstar DBRS as a result of continuous growth, as well as the evolving landscape in the various jurisdictions, the HLC will need to be very hands-on and have the ability to deal with a broad range of legal matters.
While not an exhaustive list, here are some examples of day-to-day activities the HLC will be involved in:
Providing legal support to commercial business initiatives and supporting the Morningstar DBRS business development team in carrying out their activities. This will include negotiating and advising on letters of engagement, confidentiality agreements, requests for proposals and due diligence inquiries with/from companies seeking to engage Morningstar DBRS to assign credit ratings
Negotiating and advising on credit rating data feed agreements and website subscriptions; and supporting the Morningstar DBRS data products team in carrying out their activities
Reviewing, negotiating and advising on non-reliance and hold harmless letters from accounting firms and others providing reports in the credit analytical function and supporting the Morningstar DBRS credit analytics teams in relation to this
Negotiation, drafting, and reviewing of Morningstar DBRS commercial contracts related to data service providers, sponsorship agreements, procurement contracts and other agreements
Working closely with the Morningstar DBRS Compliance team, the Morningstar Regulatory team, the Morningstar DBRS Marketing and Communications team and the Morningstar DBRS People and Culture team to ensure that Morningstar DBRS is properly managing legal compliance and regulatory responsibilities as well as ensuring commercial practicality and protecting the organization's reputation
Ensuring that Morningstar DBRS commercial activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and the commercial requirements of those with whom it does business
Assisting in the management of litigation and employment matters affecting Morningstar DBRS
Supporting the Morningstar Facilities, Accounting, Finance and other functions, as appropriate, to address Morningstar DBRS needs
Working with the Morningstar Privacy team, and reviewing Morningstar DBRS processes to ensure that Morningstar DBRS complies with all applicable data protection legislation
Assisting the Morningstar corporate secretarial department with respect to matters affecting Morningstar DBRS, its boards of directors and related matters
Serving as a resource in the maintenance of corporate filings, opening of offices in new markets, managing and coordinating legal aspects (including corporate organization and licensing matters) related to Morningstar DBRS
Keeping abreast of legal developments, particularly those affecting the credit rating agency industry
Other matters as assigned and/or determined from time to time
Qualifications:
Law degree
Must be admitted to practice as a lawyer in Illinois, New York or Ontario; other jurisdictions are an advantage
At least 10 years of corporate, transactional or financial services experience with a proficient knowledge of securities law
Experienced with and knowledgeable about the credit rating business and capital markets
Regulatory/compliance experience is an advantage
Attributes:
Strong business acumen
Leadership skills, gravitas and the ability to influence
Integrity and a high degree of professional ethics
Excellent judgement and analytical skills
First class interpersonal and communication skills
Superior drafting, problem solving, and attention to detail skills
Proven capability to work independently
Strong English languages skills, other languages are an advantage
Total Cash Compensation Range
$255,000 - 450,000 USD Annual
Compensation and Benefits
Financial Health 75% 401k match up to 7%
Stock Ownership Potential
Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
Physical Health Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
Emotional Health Trust-Based Time Off
6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Bonding Leave
Adoption Assistance
Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
Annual Education Stipend
Tuition Reimbursement
Social Health Charitable Matching Gifts program
Dollars for Doers volunteer program
Paid volunteering days
15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. While some positions are available as fully remote, we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis, typically three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
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- Location:
- Chicago, IL, United States
- Salary:
- $200,000 - $250,000
- Job Type:
- FullTime
- Category:
- Legal