Morningstar DBRS
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Head Legal Counsel, DBRS
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Morningstar DBRS
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 worldwide. We rate more than 4,000 issuers and 60,000 securities, positioning us among the top four credit rating agencies globally and a market leader in Canada, the U.S. and Europe across multiple asset classes. We are registered in Canada, the U.S. and Europe with the relevant regulators, and are recognized as a credit rating agency by regulators and central banks in various jurisdictions.
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 team, the HLC will operate at a strategic level in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment; advise senior executives and assist in making informed and balanced decisions to shape the business. The HLC will need to think strategically about international growth while efficiently managing multiple commercial matters simultaneously.
Responsibilities
Providing legal support to commercial business initiatives and supporting the business development team in negotiating engagement letters, confidentiality agreements, RFPs and due‑diligence inquiries with 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 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 credit analytics teams in relation to this.
Negotiating, drafting, and reviewing commercial contracts related to data service providers, sponsorship agreements, procurement contracts and other agreements.
Working closely with the Compliance, Regulatory, Marketing & Communications, and People & Culture teams to ensure proper management of legal compliance, regulatory responsibilities, commercial practicality and protection of the organization’s reputation.
Ensuring that commercial activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and the commercial requirements of business partners.
Assisting in the management of litigation and employment matters affecting Morningstar DBRS.
Supporting Facilities, Accounting, Finance and other functions as appropriate to address company needs.
Working with the Privacy team to review processes and ensure compliance with all applicable data‑protection legislation.
Assisting the corporate secretarial department with matters affecting the board of directors and related matters.
Serving as a resource in maintaining corporate filings, opening new market offices, and coordinating legal aspects of corporate organization, licensing and other corporate matters.
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; additional jurisdictions are an advantage.
At least 10 years of corporate, transactional or financial services experience with a proficient knowledge of securities law.
Experience with and knowledge of 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 language skills; other languages are an advantage.
About Us Morningstar DBRS empowers investor success by bringing greater transparency and diverse opinions to the credit rating industry. We have a robust global presence and are committed to providing industry‑leading, independent ratings that reflect best practices and high analytical standards.
SENIORITY LEVEL Director
EMPLOYMENT TYPE Full‑time
JOB FUNCTION Legal
Compensation And Benefits Base Salary Compensation Range:
$196,914.00 – $354,466.00 USD Annual
Incentive Target Percentage:
45% Annual
Benefits
Financial Health
75% 401(k) match up to 7%
Stock ownership potential
Company‑provided life insurance – 1x salary + commission
Physical Health
Comprehensive health, dental, vision benefits; potential premium discounts and company‑provided HSA contributions (up to $500‑$2,000 annually)
Additional medical wellness incentives – up to $300‑$600 annually
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
Legal and Compliance Disclosures We require that personal and any related investments be disclosed confidentially to our Compliance team. Investments will be reviewed to ensure they meet our Code of Ethics requirements. If conflicts are identified, holdings must be liquidated immediately. Certain employee accounts may need to be held with an approved broker.
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Head Legal Counsel, DBRS
role at
Morningstar DBRS
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 worldwide. We rate more than 4,000 issuers and 60,000 securities, positioning us among the top four credit rating agencies globally and a market leader in Canada, the U.S. and Europe across multiple asset classes. We are registered in Canada, the U.S. and Europe with the relevant regulators, and are recognized as a credit rating agency by regulators and central banks in various jurisdictions.
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 team, the HLC will operate at a strategic level in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment; advise senior executives and assist in making informed and balanced decisions to shape the business. The HLC will need to think strategically about international growth while efficiently managing multiple commercial matters simultaneously.
Responsibilities
Providing legal support to commercial business initiatives and supporting the business development team in negotiating engagement letters, confidentiality agreements, RFPs and due‑diligence inquiries with 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 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 credit analytics teams in relation to this.
Negotiating, drafting, and reviewing commercial contracts related to data service providers, sponsorship agreements, procurement contracts and other agreements.
Working closely with the Compliance, Regulatory, Marketing & Communications, and People & Culture teams to ensure proper management of legal compliance, regulatory responsibilities, commercial practicality and protection of the organization’s reputation.
Ensuring that commercial activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and the commercial requirements of business partners.
Assisting in the management of litigation and employment matters affecting Morningstar DBRS.
Supporting Facilities, Accounting, Finance and other functions as appropriate to address company needs.
Working with the Privacy team to review processes and ensure compliance with all applicable data‑protection legislation.
Assisting the corporate secretarial department with matters affecting the board of directors and related matters.
Serving as a resource in maintaining corporate filings, opening new market offices, and coordinating legal aspects of corporate organization, licensing and other corporate matters.
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; additional jurisdictions are an advantage.
At least 10 years of corporate, transactional or financial services experience with a proficient knowledge of securities law.
Experience with and knowledge of 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 language skills; other languages are an advantage.
About Us Morningstar DBRS empowers investor success by bringing greater transparency and diverse opinions to the credit rating industry. We have a robust global presence and are committed to providing industry‑leading, independent ratings that reflect best practices and high analytical standards.
SENIORITY LEVEL Director
EMPLOYMENT TYPE Full‑time
JOB FUNCTION Legal
Compensation And Benefits Base Salary Compensation Range:
$196,914.00 – $354,466.00 USD Annual
Incentive Target Percentage:
45% Annual
Benefits
Financial Health
75% 401(k) match up to 7%
Stock ownership potential
Company‑provided life insurance – 1x salary + commission
Physical Health
Comprehensive health, dental, vision benefits; potential premium discounts and company‑provided HSA contributions (up to $500‑$2,000 annually)
Additional medical wellness incentives – up to $300‑$600 annually
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
Legal and Compliance Disclosures We require that personal and any related investments be disclosed confidentially to our Compliance team. Investments will be reviewed to ensure they meet our Code of Ethics requirements. If conflicts are identified, holdings must be liquidated immediately. Certain employee accounts may need to be held with an approved broker.
#J-18808-Ljbffr