Corporate Transactions Paralegal

Job Description

Description

We are seeking a Paralegal III to join the Corporate Transactions organization in the Offices of the General Counsel to provide support for our Company's Business Development & Licensing organization and other Corporate Transactions client organizations, including reviewing, drafting and advising on confidential disclosure agreements, research agreements, material transfer agreements and service agreements.

Responsibilities

• Hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of 3 days per week in person in the Rahway office.

• Analyzes and advises transactional clients regarding agreement provisions, and drafts and negotiates contract language for agreements supporting global operations. 

• Consults with and advises transactional clients and our Company scientists regarding the business implications of agreement provisions. 

• Agreements range from routine confidential disclosure agreements to research agreements, services agreements, evaluation agreements, consortia agreements, material transfer agreements, license agreements, master services agreements and other agreements involving granting and/or receiving intellectual property rights from third parties. 

• Requires a solid understanding of contract drafting and interpretation of issues involved in commercial transactions and the ability to address complex issues that arise in negotiating these types of agreements. 

• Requires ability to adapt language to solve specific issues that arise in negotiations, and apply knowledge to respond to counterparties’ language. 

• Requires understanding of our Company stakeholder needs and priorities, and the ability to balance those with competing priorities. 

• Applies knowledge of industry to adjust negotiations and drafting based on counterparty (universities, government agencies, or biotechs). 

• Responsible for identifying and addressing necessary updates to templates.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Review, draft and/or develop legal documents and communications independently.

• Independently handle legal and/or factual research, as appropriate.

• Independently negotiate a wide array of legal documents.

• Screen requests for legal advice/support, and review information provided from client for completeness, as needed.

• Respond to questions and inquiries with sound advice on complex issues under the direction of an attorney, as appropriate. 

• Lead and/or guide delivery of a broad range of initiatives to streamline processes and tools that improve overall productivity of legal support.

• Cultivate, maintain and influence relationships with stakeholders, and lead negotiations.

• Coach others to critically evaluate data to identify issues and provide counsel under the direction of an attorney, as appropriate.  

Education Requirements:

High School degree required

Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal certificate preferred

Work Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of legal principles, strategies and technology, and advanced legal advisory skills, especially within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry.

• Highly effective at communicating sound advice to employees and third parties under the direction of an attorney, as appropriate.

• Understanding of the specific legal challenges around a specialty area and ability to use that knowledge to shape decisions that support appropriate business goals.

• Accuracy and attention to detail in analyses, drafting and communications.

• Ability to speak and write clearly and succinctly, including ability to explain/ articulate complex legal issues to a wide range of audiences.  

• Ability to craft and deliver effective and influential communications that are tailored to the target audience, and ability to emphasize key points and ideas in communications.

• Effective time management to meet fast-paced or demanding deadlines includ