Head of Legal Counsel, DBRS

This job is with Morningstar, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

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 kills, other languages are an advantage

Total Cash Compensation Range

$255,000 - 450,000 USD Annual

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That's why we champion your wellness through a wide-range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide :

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 plansand coverages

Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual

Company-provided long- and short-term

disabilityinsurance

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

MentorshipOpportunities

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 collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office 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.