Employment Attorney – North America

The Role:

The candidate will report to the global head of employment law for Morningstar. In this role, you will also work with two other global employment attorneys – one based in Romania and the other in India. The employment legal team is part of the broader Morningstar legal function, which includes commercial, corporate, privacy, regulatory and litigation teams. As North America employment counsel, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal advice and guidance on all employment-related matters within Morningstar in North America (the U.S. and Canada). We are willing to offer training in Canadian law and applicable legal practices. You will work closely with the People & Culture team.

This will include advising on People & Culture initiatives, policies, employee relations matters, employment aspects of M&A transactions, handbooks, best practices in hiring, talent development etc. as they apply to North American jurisdictions. Your expertise will play a vital role in ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations, managing employee relations, and minimizing legal risks associated with employment issues. You will also contribute to key People & Culture initiatives and strategic objectives for the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and support to the organization on a broad range of employment law matters in North America, including but not limited to employment contracts, terminations, disciplinary actions, workplace investigations, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour compliance and employee benefits, and employment aspects of M&A transactions.
• Develop and review employment policies, procedures and contracts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in North America.
• Partner with external legal counsel, as needed, to seek specialized advice on complex legal matters.
• Stay abreast of changes in employment laws and regulations in North America and advise the organization on potential impact and necessary actions.
• Advise and assist People & Culture and management in handling employee relations matters, including performance management, grievances and disciplinary actions.

Qualifications:

• Qualified/licensed lawyer in the U.S.
• 7-10 years of experience at a reputable law firm as an employment lawyer in good standing with the bar.
• Willingness to learn Canadian employment law.
• Some in-house experience as an employment lawyer preferred.
• Demonstrated experience handling a wide range of employment law matters.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with ability to provide clear, concise and practical legal advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to effectively interact and collaborate with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage external counsel effectively and control legal fees.

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:

• Financial Health
• 75% 401k match up to 7%
• Stock Ownership Potential
• Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission

• Physical Health
• 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
• Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
• 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

Total Cash Compensation Range

$

Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive

Morningstar’s hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. While some positions are available as fully remote, we’ve found that we’re at our best when we’re purposely together on a regular basis, typically three days 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.