Senior Counsel, Business Development Transactional Law

Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.

Position Summary

Bristol Myers Squibb is looking for an experienced transactional attorney who will be responsible for providing legal advice, guidance and support for Business Development (i.e., licensing and collaborations), Corporate Development (i.e., mergers and acquisitions), and Alliance Management. The position will report to the Assistant General Counsel, Business Development Transactions Law.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, negotiating, and structuring of transactions, including licensing, co-development/co-commercialization agreements, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and equity investments.

• Identify and resolve critical legal and business issues in transactions, including managing legal due diligence.

• Collaborate with Corporate and Business Development to ensure strategic alignment and escalate material issues as needed.

• Provide counsel to Alliance Management on existing collaborations, with focus on contract interpretation, compliance obligations, governance, and dispute resolution.

• Manage antitrust workstreams in M&A and other business development transactions, from regulatory filings through approval.

• Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the Law & Policy Department and other functions, supporting the growth of a high-performing team and strong cross-functional partnerships.

• Demonstrate strong business acumen and sound judgment in navigating complex, matrixed organizational structures.

• Deliver practical, service-oriented legal advice consistent with Bristol Myers Squibb’s mission and values.

Qualifications & Experience

• J.D. degree and admission to a state bar

• At least 10 years of legal experience

• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex agreements in the bio/pharmaceutical or life sciences sector

• Solid understanding of the bio-pharmaceutical/life sciences industry

• Proven ability to work on multiple, high priority projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders

• Effective problem-solving, risk assessment, and strategic thinking, with demonstrated effectiveness in cross-functional, matrixed organizations

• Leadership and team-building skills, including the ability to mentor, collaborate, and foster alignment across functions

• High integrity, flexibility, and commitment to excellence, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural team

#LI-Hybrid

If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn’t perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.

Compensation Overview:

Cambridge Crossing: $243,470 - $295,033 Madison - Giralda - NJ - US: $221,340 - $268,212 Princeton - NJ - US: $221,340 - $268,212

The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee’s work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience. 

Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers