Head of Legal Counsel, 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 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 :

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 :

75% 401k match up to 7%

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

Trust-Based Time Off

Charitable Matching Gifts program

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.