Moody's Investors Service

Let's begin! General Counsel, Moody's Analytics (14359)

Moody's Investors Service • $280K — $406K *
New York, NY 10025In-Person
Legal & Accounting
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing.
  • 15+ years of legal experience, with in-house leadership roles in a complex global organization.
  • Deep expertise in commercial transactions and licensing, especially in software, SaaS, and data licensing.
  • Proven track record as a trusted strategic partner to senior executives in multi-product, multinational businesses.
  • Experienced in leading high-performing legal teams across multiple regions.
  • Knowledge in M&A transactions including due diligence and post-closing integration.
  • Strong judgment in balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the chief legal advisor to MA senior leadership, embedding legal strategy into business decisions.
  • Translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into actionable guidance to foster innovation.
  • Engage as a senior executive in business strategy including new product launches and market expansion.
  • Provide legal advice on diverse operational and regulatory matters for the MA leadership team.
  • Lead all legal aspects of commercial transactions, from negotiation through execution.
  • Develop scalable legal workflows and templates, leveraging technology for efficiency.
  • Oversee legal support for M&A activities, advising on due diligence and integration.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous parental leave and paid time off policies.
  • 401(k) plan with both employee and company contributions.
  • Life, disability, and accident insurance coverage.
  • Discounted employee stock purchase plan.
  • Tuition reimbursement program.
Full Job Description
ROLE OVERVIEW

The General Counsel, Moody's Analytics serves as the senior-most legal leader for the MA business segment and a key member of the MA Executive Leadership Team. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer of Moody's Corporation, this executive is the primary legal partner to the MA CEO and her leadership team - embedding legal strategy and risk awareness directly into business decisions, growth initiatives, and product innovation.

This role functions as the 'quarterback' for all MA legal matters, coordinating seamlessly with enterprise legal, compliance, and shared services functions to deliver aligned, efficient, and consistently high-quality legal services across a complex global business. The ideal candidate brings deep commercial and transactional expertise in software, SaaS, data licensing, and information services - combined with the strategic instincts, executive presence, and collaborative disposition of a true business partner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Partnership & Strategic Counsel
  • Serve as the lead legal advisor to MA senior leadership, embedding legal strategy and risk awareness into business decisions, product strategy, and growth initiatives globally
  • Translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into practical, actionable guidance that enables innovation and drives revenue growth
  • Participate actively as a senior executive in business strategy discussions, new product launches, market expansion, and go-to-market planning
  • Advise the MA CEO and leadership team on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and operational matters arising across the business


Commercial Transactions & Product Support
  • Lead legal support for all commercial transactions with customers and partners, including software and data licensing, SaaS subscription agreements, API and platform arrangements, professional services engagements, and strategic partnerships including reseller and distribution arrangements
  • Oversee the full commercial contract lifecycle - from structuring and negotiation through execution - ensuring terms appropriately balance legal risk with commercial objectives across a sophisticated global customer base
  • Develop and maintain scalable contract templates, playbooks, and legal workflows, partnering with Legal Operations and technology teams to leverage AI and automation for maximum efficiency and consistency
  • Lead legal support for new product development, including liability risk management, regulatory compliance, marketing practices, AI-enabled offerings, SaaS, and data licensing models
  • In coordination with the enterprise litigation team, manage responses to legal threats, claims, and commercial disputes from customers, partners, and other MA counterparties


M&A and Strategic Transactions
  • Oversee all legal aspects of M&A activity for the MA business, including term sheets, due diligence, transaction negotiations, regulatory clearances, closing mechanics, and post-closing integration
  • Advise on IP, data rights, and technology-related legal issues arising in the context of strategic investments, joint ventures, and partnerships
  • Partner with external legal advisers, Corporate Development, Finance, and enterprise legal counterparts to ensure coordinated and efficient deal execution


Legal Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance
  • Partner with Compliance, Government Affairs and other corporate services groups to identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks across MA's global operations, establishing a consistent and proactive framework for legal risk management
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments globally that may affect MA's business - including AI regulation, data localization, financial services regulation, and consumer protection - and guide the organization's response
  • Drive consistent application of company policies, governance standards, and legal risk tolerances across the MA business


Enterprise Coordination
  • Act as the central coordination point between MA and enterprise legal functions, including litigation, employment, IP and privacy, compliance, government affairs, finance, and technology
  • Facilitate alignment across legal, compliance, technology, and risk functions - particularly on cross-cutting issues such as AI governance, data strategy, and regulatory change
  • Represent MA Legal in enterprise governance forums and contribute to enterprise-wide legal strategy and initiatives


Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing global legal team supporting a complex, multi-product, international business
  • Build and continuously improve scalable legal processes, templates, and operating models to drive efficiency, consistency, and quality
  • Manage outside counsel strategically, balancing quality, responsiveness, and cost-effectiveness
  • Champion a culture of legal excellence, collaboration, business orientation, and continuous improvement


QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Required
  • J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing
  • 15+ years of legal experience, including significant in-house leadership roles in a complex, global organization
  • Deep expertise in commercial transactions and licensing, with substantial experience in software, SaaS, data licensing, or information services industries
  • Demonstrated track record of acting as a trusted strategic business partner to senior executives in a multi-product, multinational business
  • Significant experience leading and developing high-performing legal teams across multiple geographies
  • Experience advising on M&A transactions, including due diligence, transaction negotiations, and post-closing integration
  • Strong judgment and the ability to pragmatically balance legal risk with commercial objectives across a wide range of counterparties and situations


Preferred
  • Experience at or advising companies in the financial technology, financial data, or analytics sectors
  • Familiarity with AI governance and the evolving regulatory landscape for technology and data businesses
  • Law firm background in corporate, commercial, or technology transactions


KEY SUCCESS ATTRIBUTES
  • Pragmatic, business-oriented mindset - instinctively focused on enabling growth and innovation while managing risk
  • Exceptional communication skills and executive presence - able to engage credibly and persuasively at all levels, from deal teams to the Board
  • True 'generalist-athlete' capability - comfortable advising across a wide range of legal domains and switching fluidly between strategic and operational modes
  • Strong collaboration instincts and enterprise mindset - invested in the success of the whole organization, not just the business unit
  • Technical aptitude and genuine curiosity - enthusiasm for emerging technologies and a drive to apply them to improve the quality and efficiency of legal services
  • Cultural carrier of Moody's values: integrity, inclusion, customer focus, collaboration, and innovation

For US-based roles only: the anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $280,500.00 - $406,650.00, depending on factors such as experience, education, level, skills, and location. This range is based on a full-time position. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for incentive compensation. Moody's also offers a competitive benefits package, including not but limited to medical, dental, vision, parental leave, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, life, disability, and accident insurance, a discounted employee stock purchase plan, and tuition reimbursement.

About Moody's Investors Service

Moody's Investors Service is a bond credit rating business that provides research, credit rating, and financial risk analysis services. The company’s ratings and analysis track debt that covers various countries, corporate issuers, public finance issuers, and structured finance obligations. Additionally, the company also offers predictive ratings, research and investor briefings, pricing and valuation tools, and credit opinions. The company’s primary goal is to help investors analyze the credit risks associated with fixed-income securities. Moody’s Investor Service rates debt securities in several market segments related to public and commercial securities in the bond market. These include government, municipal and corporate bonds; managed investments such as money market funds, fixed-income funds, and hedge funds; financial institutions that include banks and non-bank finance companies; and asset classes in structured finance. Considered one of the Big Three credit rating agencies, Moody’s Investor Service employs approximately 6,100 people worldwide and maintains a presence in 28 countries. Moody’s Investor Service was founded by John Moody in 1999 and is headquartered in New York City, United States.

Moody's Investors Service Careers

Join the esteemed team at Moody's Investors Service, a leading global provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis. This is a prime opportunity to be part of a company that values professional growth, leadership, and innovation in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Moody's Investors Service, the focus is on empowering the financial community to make better decisions through high-quality, independent, and rigorous analytics. The team at Moody's Investors Service is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the transparency, integrity, and efficiency of global markets.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Moody's Investors Service offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships that provide valuable industry experience. The company is committed to fostering a culture of excellence where skilled, passionate, and solution-driven team players thrive.

Innovative Work Environment

Engage in work that matters with a team that combines deep industry expertise with innovation to deliver insights that matter to global markets. Moody's Investors Service is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and data analysis in the financial sector.

Professional Growth and Development

Moody's Investors Service believes in future-proofing careers by offering unmatched opportunities for professional development and advancement. Whether through leadership programs, diversity training, or networking events, employees are equipped to excel in their careers and contribute to the company's success.

Benefits and Culture

The culture at Moody's Investors Service is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and inclusion. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits designed to support their health, well-being, and financial security. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusive growth makes it a leader not just in financial services, but also as an employer of choice.

Join the Team

Discover the range of positions available, from analyst roles to leadership opportunities. Moody's Investors Service is actively hiring and looking for individuals who bring creativity, teamwork, and a strong work ethic to the table.

Prepare for Your Interview

To join Moody's Investors Service, start by tailoring your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview by researching the company's impact on the financial industry and come ready to discuss how your background aligns with the company's goals and values.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Moody's Investors Service by following their career blog. Gain insights from insiders, and stay informed about new job openings and industry news.

Career Advancement at Moody's Investors Service

With a steadfast commitment to nurturing talent and a clear path for career advancement, Moody's Investors Service remains a top choice for professionals aiming to excel in the financial sector. Explore how you can contribute to and benefit from the company's legacy of success.

Search Moody's Investors Service Jobs

Find the position that matches your skills and interests. Moody's Investors Service is looking for dedicated, curious, and innovative professionals to join their team. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Moody's Investors Service.
Learn more about Moody's Investors Service
Industry
Finance & Insurance
Founded
1900
* Ladders Estimates

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