Associate Director, Legal Contracts (San Diego or Hybrid)

About the role

The Associate Director, Corporate Counsel, Legal Contracts provides a high-quality and diverse range of contractual legal services, exercising discretion, professionalism, and solid judgment. This role drafts and negotiates agreements, protects the company’s interests, ensures compliance with applicable laws, and oversees and optimizes contracts-related policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of agreements across company departments, including:
  • Research and Development agreements (Clinical Trial Agreements, Sponsored Research Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Licensing Agreements)
  • Manufacturing Agreements, Master Services Agreements, Vendor Agreements, Consulting Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements
  • Operations and Commercial agreements
• Draft and negotiate other types of agreements as needed.
• Provide legal advice on contract matters, including structuring, interpretation, compliance, enforcement, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
• Resolve legal and compliance issues through negotiation with sophisticated counterparties.
• Partner with the business to address current and future needs, and resolve internal and external challenges or regulatory issues.
• Assist with optimizing, implementing, and monitoring contracting policies, procedures, and programs in collaboration with business and G&A functions.
• Maintain current knowledge of new laws, case law trends, and regulatory developments related to contracts; recommend improvements.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school and active license to practice law in California (or qualified to practice as in-house counsel in California).
• Minimum of 6–8 years of attorney experience, with combined corporate legal experience at a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, or other life sciences company, and law firm preferred.

Skills

• Experience drafting and negotiating life sciences industry contracts (e.g., Collaboration Agreements, Sponsored Research Agreements, Clinical Trial Agreements, Master Service Agreements, License Agreements, Supply Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements).
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to explain contractual language succinctly.
• Experience using contract management systems.
• Ability to garner cross-functional support with sensitivity and tact, embodying a collaborative mindset.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize cross-functional effects.
• Independent, self-starting, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong internal and external customer service mentality with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to work independently and contribute as part of a team.
• Proven record of creating and managing complex project plans.
• Adaptability to modifications and changes in project plans, demonstrating flexibility.
• Alignment with core values: Courage, Community Spirit, Patient Focus, and Teamwork.

Pay

Compensation based on level and experience, with a range between $173,000–$225,000.