Position Title: Ratings Legal Attorney - CMBS (NY)
Entity: Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: New York, New York
Summary/Overview:
KBRA (Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC) is seeking an experienced structured finance attorney to join our Ratings Legal team. You will support our industry-leading commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) new issuance ratings group, working on conduit, single-asset/single borrower, CRE CLO and other types of CMBS and structured finance transactions. The position is based in our New York office.
The attorneys on the Ratings Legal team work alongside our ratings analysts in the groups they support to identify, evaluate, and articulate key legal and credit features and risks in transaction structures. As integral members of the credit ratings groups, they also engage in investor outreach, contribute to research reports and methodology reviews, and share their knowledge of relevant market and legal developments. Ultimately, the attorneys in Ratings Legal serve as an important safeguard for ensuring the quality, accuracy, timeliness and consistency of KBRA’s ratings.
About the Job:
You will predominantly work with KBRA’s CMBS new issuance ratings group on a wide range of CMBS transactions. Key responsibilities will include:
- Reviewing offering and transaction documents and articulating any legal or credit concerns that emerge
- Identifying and evaluating the potential credit impact of transaction and loan structures
- Coordinating with rating analysts on relevant legal issues
- Participating in rating committees
- Supporting the analytical team with the preparation of KBRA’s market-leading rating and research reports
- Assisting the CMBS Surveillance group with Rating Agency Confirmation (RAC) requests.
You will be successful in this role if you have:
You are extremely motivated, and able to effectively multi-task and to work independently and alongside other members of the ratings group you support.
- Four to eight years of experience focused on CMBS and/or commercial real estate finance
- JD and admission to the New York bar
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent research, analytical and organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as to collaborate with others in a collegial environment
- Skilled at working on multiple transactions simultaneously in an organized fashion and able to meet deadlines
Salary Range:
The anticipated annual base salary range for this full-time position is $200,000 to $240,000. Offer amounts are determined by factors such as experience, skills, geography, and other job-related factors.
Benefits:
- A hybrid work schedule (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays in the office)
- Competitive benefits and paid time off
- Paid family and disability leave
- 401(k) plan, including employer match (100% vested)
- Educational and professional development financial assistance
- Employee referral bonus program
About Us:
Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority pursuant to the Temporary Registration Regime. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.
More Info:
KBRA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.
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Kroll Bond Rating Agency Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Kroll Bond Rating Agency and has not been reviewed or approved by Kroll Bond Rating Agency.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with employer match—often immediately vested—and a pension program are part of the offering. These features strengthen long‑term financial benefits beyond base pay.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, holidays, and paid family/disability leave are part of the package, with generous PTO available in many roles. This breadth of time off stands out within the overall package.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — A predictable hybrid schedule (commonly Tuesday–Thursday in office) and wellbeing resources are standard components. These elements support day‑to‑day flexibility and work‑life balance.
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What We Do
KBRA was established in 2010 in an effort to restore trust in credit ratings by creating new standards for assessing risk and by offering accurate and transparent ratings. KBRA provides the investment community with an alternative solution by delivering timely and in-depth research. KBRA is a full service global rating agency whose mission is to set a standard of excellence and integrity.
