Corporate Legal Counsel

Morningstar•Chicago, IL

16d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Group: This Corporate Legal Counsel is an attorney role providing legal advice and counsel to Morningstar. In this regard, the role will work with the rest of the Corporate Legal team in connection with its various coverage areas, including strategic transactions and corporate governance. This role will also lead the charge helping the overall Legal team work more efficiently by using AI tools to assist with research, document preparation, workflow improvement, and daily operations. This is an entry-level attorney role ideal for someone who wants to pursue a career as an in-house corporate attorney and is tech-savvy, detail-oriented, and interested in how AI can improve legal processes. This role is based in our Chicago office, where we are in-office 4 days/week. Key Responsibilities: Providing legal advice and counsel to Morningstar, in conjunction with the more senior members of the Corporate Legal team, on matters in their coverage areas, including strategic transactions and projects, corporate governance, securities compliance, entity management and maintaining governance policies and procedures. Working side-by-side, and collaborating, with the other attorneys in the Corporate Legal team (who are all based in the Chicago office) and engaging with a broad range of corporate stakeholders also based in the Chicago office. Driving enhanced Legal team performance using AI by identifying opportunities where AI can save time and improve accuracy, supporting team members in learning and using AI tools effectively, creating simple solutions to enhance team performance and productivity, sharing updates on useful new AI tools relevant to the entire Legal team. Collaborating closely with other teams in the Chicago office piloting or testing AI tools to share best practices, learnings and cost-effective solutions. Providing support with the maintaining and organization of records and databases (including helping with AI-enhanced retrievability), as well as using tools to monitor and track deadlines and transaction timelines. Performing other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the Legal team. Qualifications: JD degree from an ABA-accredited university. Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university. Member in good standing of a state bar, or working towards qualification. Interest in broad areas of corporate and transactional legal matters, including disclosure and reporting, corporate governance, investments, and international expansion. Prior work experience in a corporate setting preferred. Strong interest in legal operations and emerging AI technologies. Excellent writing, editing and organizational skills. Ability to learn new tools quickly and explain them to others. Detail oriented with good judgement about confidentiality and responsible use of AI. Excellent work ethic and high degree of professionalism. 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 $147,550.00 - 265,575.00 USD Annual Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive 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. 001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity How to Apply for a Job at Morningstar Step 1 When you find a position you're interested in, click the 'Apply' button. Please fill out this form completely, attaching your resume and cover letter in the approved format. Read the job requirements carefully and make sure to attach writing or design samples as required. Applicants must submit their resume and other information through our corporate website to be considered for a job at Morningstar. No phone calls, please. Step 2 You will receive an email notification to confirm that we've received your application. Step 3 If you are called in for an interview, a representative from Morningstar will contact you to set up a date, time, and location. Be prepared for a rigorous interview process. To make sure you're a good fit for Morningstar and we're a good fit for you, we'll schedule time for you to meet with multiple staff members at all levels of the company. Expect to return for multiple interviews as part of the process. A representative from Morningstar will contact you with the results of your interview—either with a job offer or to let you know our plans for the position. Applicants With Disabilities Who Need Accommodation Morningstar is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call +1 312 384-3900 or email [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note: We only accept calls from applicants who need accommodation related to a disability. Please, no calls with unrelated questions or requests. Please be sure to include the title and location of the open position you’re interested in when you leave a message. US Applicants: Morningstar is an E-Verify program participant. Learn more: This Organization Participates in E-Verify (English) This Organization Participates in E-Verify (Spanish) Right to Work (English) Right to Work (Spanish) EEO is the Law Pay Transparency Notice Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We make all employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other personnel matters—without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics or conduct.

Requirements

JD degree from an ABA-accredited university.
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university.
Member in good standing of a state bar, or working towards qualification.
Interest in broad areas of corporate and transactional legal matters, including disclosure and reporting, corporate governance, investments, and international expansion.
Strong interest in legal operations and emerging AI technologies.
Excellent writing, editing and organizational skills.
Ability to learn new tools quickly and explain them to others.
Detail oriented with good judgement about confidentiality and responsible use of AI.
Excellent work ethic and high degree of professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience in a corporate setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Providing legal advice and counsel to Morningstar, in conjunction with the more senior members of the Corporate Legal team, on matters in their coverage areas, including strategic transactions and projects, corporate governance, securities compliance, entity management and maintaining governance policies and procedures.
Working side-by-side, and collaborating, with the other attorneys in the Corporate Legal team (who are all based in the Chicago office) and engaging with a broad range of corporate stakeholders also based in the Chicago office.
Driving enhanced Legal team performance using AI by identifying opportunities where AI can save time and improve accuracy, supporting team members in learning and using AI tools effectively, creating simple solutions to enhance team performance and productivity, sharing updates on useful new AI tools relevant to the entire Legal team.
Collaborating closely with other teams in the Chicago office piloting or testing AI tools to share best practices, learnings and cost-effective solutions.
Providing support with the maintaining and organization of records and databases (including helping with AI-enhanced retrievability), as well as using tools to monitor and track deadlines and transaction timelines.
Performing other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the Legal team.

Benefits

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