A former in-house leader for Caterpillar Inc. has left the construction equipment-maker to lead the legal department at global advisory and investment firm Gordon Brothers.

As Gordon Brothers’ Boston-based general counsel, Leslie Zmugg will oversee the firm’s worldwide legal operations, including corporate governance, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, compliance and employment matters, according to an announcement Tuesday. She also serves as strategic counsel and corporate adviser on Gordon Brothers’ executive and investment committees.