General Counsel

As the senior in-house attorney, the Corporate Counsel will have overall responsibility for managing legal matters within the Company. Interacts with senior management, the Board of Directors, and external organizations and stakeholders including outside counsel, potential partners, government agencies, and others. The Corporate Counsel addresses legal issues by ensuring good Corporate Governance, by proactively working to mitigate potential legal problems, and by analyzing and providing the legal perspective on key management matters. S/he develops, negotiates, and manages corporate agreements in the US and abroad. This is a hands-on position.

Job Duties:

Provides strategic legal support and guidance to advance the company’s business with consideration to legal risks. Identifies and resolves highly complex and significant legal issues related to the company for compliance with applicable policies and procedures, and a wide range of legal, regulatory and compliance matters
Interacts with the Board of Directors on a variety of matters. Contributes in the preparation of Board and shareholder materials, including preparation of Board and Committee Minutes and support of Board and Committee Meetings and Annual Shareholders Meetings. Ensures that all documents are in compliance with corporate ethics, polices, and any relevant regulations
Oversees outside Counsel in managing the legal matters of the Company
Provides advice to internal stakeholders on contract interpretation, dispute resolution, intellectual property and legal and business risk matters
Serves as a business partner to Corporate Development, R&D and Finance. Participates in the negotiation and drafting of contracts, licenses, and other legal agreements, including CDAs, MTAs, MSAs, SOWs, manufacturing agreements, license agreements, partnership agreements, clinical trial agreements, purchasing terms and conditions, supply agreements and various term sheets, collaboration, partnership, evaluation, licensing and other agreements
Provides legal review of financial filings, including: 10-K and Q, legal support on financial transactions, generally ensuring compliance with law, support on corporate governance matters
Works with outside IP counsel to support the organization in developing the strategy and management of the Company’s intellectual property portfolio.
Proactively identifies business and legal risks, offers creative solutions and counsel and collaborates with management to mitigate risks. Ensures that the executive management team is informed of new laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting the company, and assists with development of policies and training, as needed
Develops policies and procedures, and standard template language to be used in contracts and other company documents
Provides advice and counsel on a broad spectrum of employment law issues
Complies with all applicable laws and Company policies regarding health, safety, and environmental policies
Job Requirements:

JD [Juris Doctor] degree from an accredited law school with membership and in good standing at a state bar (Maryland preferred) and at least 10 years of experience as an attorney with at least 5 years in a life science company or representing life science clients. BS/MA/MS/PhD in life sciences or related area a plus
Must have experience as an attorney handling commercial transactions and corporate legal issues related to the pharmaceutical and/or biotech industry
Ability to identify unmet needs and future legal issues and proactively proposes strategies to optimize outcomes and results for the company and manage risk
Ability to independently negotiate with business partners on matters of strategic importance
Experience in general securities and corporate law with an emphasis on representing public and private companies, including, compliance matters for publicly traded companies, i.e. coordinating and providing legal advice on corporate governance, Delaware corporation law, SEC filings including proxy statements, 8-Ks, 10-Ks and 10-Qs, Section 16 and other public disclosures, Sarbanes-Oxley and NASDAQ compliance and disclosure matters
Ability to rapidly acquire clear understanding of complex issues and deliver sound and concise legal advice in a solution-oriented manner with general guidance
Keeps informed of new laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting the company
Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills; detail oriented
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to thrive in a dynamic and fast paced environment
Able to work with sensitive and confidential information
Requires occasional travel [approximately 10%]
Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

legal attorney: 10 years (Required)
life sciences: 5 years (Required)
License:

Bar (Required)