Senior Counsel, Innovation 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.

Senior Counsel, Cell Therapy & Biologics - Innovation Law

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is seeking a Senior Counsel, Innovation Law, based at our R&D center in Seattle, WA or San Diego, CA. The attorney will support clients across multiple functional areas to build and leverage BMS’ intellectual property interests, with a focus on cell therapy and biologics. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well across functions and geographies are a must.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive IP legal support for cell therapy and biologics programs, including CAR‑T and next‑generation modalities.

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications, including drafting, filing, and managing responses to office actions on a global level.

• Develop and implement advanced IP strategies to protect BMS's innovations and support business goals.

• Lead cross-functional collaboration efforts working closely with R&D, regulatory, commercial, and other departments to achieve project milestones.

• Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and provide strategic counsel on patentability and infringement issues.

• Manage patent portfolios, including conducting patent landscape analyses and developing patent strategies to protect BMS's innovations.

• Provide due diligence support for business development activities, including evaluating IP portfolios of potential partners and acquisition targets.

• Draft and negotiate license and research collaboration agreements.

• Manage relationships with outside counsel to ensure high-quality and cost-effective legal services.

• Regularly engage with business and technical teams to provide IP-related guidance and support.

• Stay updated on changes in patent laws and regulations and ensure compliance with all relevant legal requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Registered to practice before the USPTO.

• J.D. degree or equivalent and admission to at least one state bar.

• 8 or more years of patent law experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology field, or an equivalent combination of patent law and pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences (or equivalent).

• An advanced degree and/or scientific research experience preferred.

• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills.

• Service‑oriented focus with ability to work as part of cross‑functional teams and drive results.

• Highest integrity, excellent judgment, and the ability to proactively recognize and assess business risk and communicate legal issues to patent, legal, and general management.

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:

San Diego - CA - US: $257,030 - $311,462 Seattle - WA: $257,030 - $311,462

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 ben