General Counsel, Moody's Analytics (New York)
At Moody's, we unite the brightest minds to turn today's risks into tomorrow's opportunities. We do this by striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to be who they are-with the freedom to exchange ideas, think innovatively, and listen to each other and customers in meaningful ways. Moody's is transforming how the world sees risk. As a global leader in ratings and integrated risk assessment, we're advancing AI to move from insight to action-enabling intelligence that not only understands complexity but responds to it. We decode risk to unlock opportunity, helping our clients navigate uncertainty with clarity, speed, and confidence. We are seeking candidates who model our values: invest in every relationship, lead with curiosity, champion diverse perspectives, turn inputs into actions, and uphold trust through integrity. 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. Moody's is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Moody's also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about a reasonable accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications For San Francisco positions, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment consistent
