Corporate Counsel, Licensing

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

The Corporate Counsel, Licensing takes a supporting role in setting the material terms of the many significant and complex business transactions undertaken by the company, the drafting and negotiation of definitive and ancillary agreements reflecting those terms, and the organization of processes necessary and helpful for Exelixis to transact efficiently and effectively. This function also supports these transactions after execution, working with Legal and operational colleagues to help ensure that the company’s R&D activities are carried out with efficiency and reflect an appreciation for an appropriate level of business and legal risk.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a wide range of contracts in support of the Business Development, Alliance Management, and Research and Development organizations (which may include confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, licensing agreements, acquisition agreements, strategic transactions, consulting agreements, material transfer agreements, simple and complex clinical trial agreements, clinical advisory board agreements, and various vendor services agreements, supply agreements, and master agreements).

• Supports optimization of internal processes by drafting summaries of the critical legal, financial, and operational terms of strategic agreements, enabling the company to enforce and maintain compliance with those terms effectively. 

• Acts as a legal point of contact for ongoing collaboration, licensing, and acquisition agreements in support of alliance management efforts.

• Supports legal diligence for licensing and acquisition activities.

• Prepares redlines and supports negotiations for licensing and acquisition activities.

• Provides general guidance to junior attorneys and contract managers.

• Assists with maintaining up to date form agreements consistent with industry standards and applicable laws.

• Assists in identifying operational and legal risks and communicating those risks to appropriate internal decision-makers for discussion and resolution.

• Cultivates strong and highly effective cross-functional relationships and communication with internal colleagues to effectively address legal and business questions.

• Effectively represents the company.

• Handles miscellaneous legal tasks on an as-needed basis.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directing work only (no direct reports, but directing work to a CMO, Consultant or 3rd party.)

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Education:

• BS/BA degree, preferably in life sciences or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

• JD degree required and a minimum of three (3) years of related experience.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience

• Must be admitted to practice, preferably in California.

Experience

·Experience as an attorney in a law firm or in-house legal environment in the biotechnology or pharmaceuticals industry.

·Complex contract drafting and negotiation experience required. 

·Pharmaceutical licensing experience is required.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Possesses clear and concise verbal and written communication skills and must have excellent interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), document management systems, and redlining software).

• Must be detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, with the ability to re-prioritize on short time frames.  

• Can quickly separate the mission-critical from the nice-to-haves and the trivial.

• Ability to make complex decisions based on the data available; drives to the finish on all projects.

• Acts responsibly and conscientiously.

• Works under pressure to meet specific deadlines.

• Works well both independently and in a team environment; addresses differences fairly and equitably; treats everyone as a preferred internal client. 

• Dedicated to quality, reliability, and highest professional standards in all work tasks.

• Must be a self-starter and quick learner.

• Must have good judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Primarily working indoors, in an office environment.

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