Counsel

Role

Moody’s Legal Department is looking for an experienced commercial lawyer to join the team supporting the LATAM (and wider Americas) Commercial Group of Moody’s credit rating agency business (Moody’s Ratings). In this role, you will gain exposure to all aspects of the Moody’s Ratings business and provide advice to senior management across a full range of legal and regulatory matters. The Counsel position, which reports into Moody’s Ratings Associate General Counsel located in London, presents an opportunity to support a well-established and important part of the company in an exciting phase of its 115+-year journey.

Responsibilities

Assisting head of the global legal Commercial Practice Group and other members of the team generally but with primary responsibility for handling LATAM-related commercial matters for Moody’s Ratings. Responsibilities will include:

• Providing day-to-day support to the LATAM Moody’s Ratings Commercial Group in a broad range of commercial matters.
• Working with other members of the legal Commercial Practice Group supporting the wider Americas (US and Canada) Commercial Group.
• Undertaking the following tasks:

• Drafting and negotiating Moody’s Ratings customer arrangements, including contracts, rating/assessment applications, side letters and regional and local government tenders
• Review and negotiation of confidentiality, hold harmless, non-reliance and engagement letters
• Review of global Sales & Marketing materials
• Development of standard forms, precedents, guidance notes, best practices and training materials
• Preparing and delivering presentations to Commercial staff on legal developments relevant to Commercial matters
• Representing the Commercial Practice Group in wider Moody’s Ratings projects and initiatives e.g. new or enhanced product developments; customer contract-enhancing initiatives, etc.
• Working with other members of the Moody’s Legal & Compliance team, including subject matter experts and Business Unit Compliance Officers.
• Collaborate closely with and manage external counsel on specific matters; assist with budgeting, billing and accounting for legal spend.
• Participate in other projects within the Legal Department which may arise from time to time.

• This job description is issued as a guideline to assist you in your duties, it is not exhaustive and we would be pleased to discuss any constructive comments you may have. Because of the evolving nature and changing demands of our business this job description may be subject to change. You may, on occasions, be required to undertake additional or other duties within the context of this job description, and according to the needs of the business

Qualifications

• Strong academic record.
• Degree in law or other relevant discipline.
• Legal Practice Course or other jurisdictional equivalent.

Experience

• Working in a leading private practice law firm or relevant in-house role with demonstrable experience in general commercial and/or corporate law.
• Experience working in an international environment.
• Experience working with a diverse range of individuals of varying seniorities.
• Experience in drafting and negotiation.
• Knowledge of financial services products / markets preferable.

Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Fluency in the English language and Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills preferable.
• Excellent administration, project management and document management skills.
• Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Self-starter willing to operate independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexible approach: business-minded but understands fully Moody’s legal and regulatory risks.
• Able to quickly grasp diverse and complex issues.
• Able to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Able to present a positive image of Legal Department.