Sr Legal Counsel, Sustainable 1 and Environmental Solutions

S&P Global, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 146,000 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a qualified lawyer to support their Commodity Insights Legal team. This dynamic role involves managing a small team and collaborating with various stakeholders on legal and regulatory matters. You will negotiate contracts, provide compliance support, and enhance your skills in a client-facing environment. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work on impactful projects within a global team. If you're a strategic thinker with a strong background in commercial law and a passion for sustainability, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Flexible Time Off

Continuous Learning Opportunities

Financial Planning Assistance

Family Perks

Qualifications

• 10+ years PQE in commercial law, preferably in-house.
• Strong knowledge of contract law and international legal considerations.
• Experience in ESG and environmental services.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small team of legal and paralegal professionals.
• Negotiate and draft commercial contracts and licenses.
• Advise on legal issues regarding regulatory and compliance matters.

Skills

Commercial Law

Contract Negotiation

Regulatory Compliance

Interpersonal Communication

Project Management

ESG Expertise

Attention to Detail

Education

Qualified Lawyer

Tools

Microsoft Office

Contract Databases

Project Management Tools

Job description

About the Role:

Grade Level (for internal use): 13

The Team: In this role, you will support the Head of Commodity Insights Legal – Exchange, Market Relationships & Innovation within the Energy Transition, Sustainability & Services business line of S&P Global Commodity Insights. You will be a key partner to Sustainable 1 and Environmental Solutions, collaborating with legal, risk, compliance, commercial, product, and business colleagues, including senior management, to address ESG and Environmental Registry related matters.

The Impact: You will respond to internal client inquiries and provide support in handling legal and regulatory matters. This includes negotiating and drafting contracts, responding to RFPs, and assisting with special projects related to legal, contract, compliance, risk, communications, and marketing policies and procedures. You will also manage a small team of legal and paralegal professionals.

What’s in it for you: You will work in a dynamic, client-facing environment with opportunities to develop negotiation and drafting skills, regulatory compliance expertise, and project management skills. You will gain technology and operational knowledge, governance development experience, and the chance to work independently and as part of a global team. Additionally, you will manage a small team of legal and paralegal professionals, supporting Sustainable 1 and Environmental Solutions, and the broader S&P Global Commodity Insights organization.

Responsibilities:

• Managing a small team of legal and paralegal professionals
• Supporting S&P Global Commodity Insights’ global Sustainable 1 and Environmental Solutions businesses, including serving as the primary contact for internal and external issues, negotiating key client contracts, supporting team negotiations of international contracts, advising on regulatory matters, reviewing operations and projects, developing templates, delivering training, working with outside legal advisers, and more.
• Negotiating, drafting, and advising on commercial contracts, licenses, vendor agreements, confidentiality agreements, software licenses, and amendments.
• Responding to RFPs as part of a team.
• Working directly with clients during contract negotiations, ensuring legal compliance.
• Assisting in policy development, management, communication, and training on legal, regulatory, and compliance issues.
• Advising on legal issues such as regulatory, antitrust, IP, and trade secrets law.
• Supporting legal risk management and dispute mitigation.
• Updating boilerplate/standard forms in response to market and industry changes.
• Protecting intellectual property and managing legal risks.
• Managing outside counsel as needed.
• Participating in or leading projects, including due diligence for acquisitions/divestitures.
• Providing legal support for new and existing products.

Compensation/Benefits Information: (Applicable to US candidates)

The anticipated base salary range is $146,109 to $252,227, depending on location, experience, skills, and certifications. The role is eligible for an annual incentive plan but not for additional bonuses or sales commissions. Additional benefits are available; more info can be found here.

What We’re Looking For: An inquisitive, confident, and self-motivated individual comfortable working independently and in a global team. Attention to detail, strong EQ, communication skills, and a global mindset are essential.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Qualified lawyer with at least 10 years PQE in commercial law, preferably in-house with technology/regulatory expertise.
• Experience in ESG, financial, and environmental services industries.
• Support within a regulated business environment.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, IP, and international legal considerations.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage expectations, and handle multiple priorities.
• Independent yet collaborative, with a positive attitude.
• Quick learner with strong organizational skills.
• Strategic thinker with high emotional intelligence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, contract databases, and project management.

Right to Work Requirements (US): Must have indefinite right to work in the US.

What’s In It For You?

Our Purpose: We believe that progress requires catalysts—information, imagination, people, and technology—to unlock potential and change the world. We focus on transforming data into essential insights to help companies, governments, and individuals make an impact.

Our People: Over 35,000 worldwide, driven by curiosity and a shared belief in the power of insights to build a prosperous future. We innovate in sustainability measurement, energy transition analysis, and workflow solutions, empowering impactful decisions. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a respectful and collaborative culture.

Our Values: Integrity, Discovery, Partnership. We uphold these values to power global markets and build trusted relationships.

Benefits: We support your well-being and growth through comprehensive health, flexible time off, continuous learning, financial planning, family perks, and more. Details vary by country; see here for more.

Inclusive Hiring & Opportunity: We promote fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity, valuing diverse perspectives to foster innovation and market leadership.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

S&P Global is committed to equal opportunity employment. Qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, or other protected statuses. Only electronic applications are accepted.

If you need accommodations during the application process, email [e-mail] for assistance.