Corporate Counsel, Contracts

Exelixis•Alameda, CA

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The Corporate Counsel, Contracts supports Exelixis’ contracting needs by collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to provide strategic, business-focused legal counsel and contract-management expertise. The role helps set material terms for business transactions, drafts and negotiates definitive and ancillary agreements, and organizes processes that enable the company to transact efficiently and effectively. It also provides transactional oversight to help ensure company activities and transactions are efficient and reflect an appropriate level of business and legal risk. For the Research and Development business unit, the Corporate Counsel is a key legal contact for clients in Discovery and Biotherapeutics, Clinical Development and Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, and Manufacturing. The role provides proactive legal advice, contract support, and risk-based guidance while helping facilitate business operations and protect the company’s legal and commercial interests. Agreements may include confidentiality, collaboration, licensing, consulting, material transfer, clinical trial, clinical advisory board, vendor services, and cGMP drug-supply manufacturing agreements. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. It is based in Alameda, California, requires no travel, and operates in a modern collaborative office with necessary equipment, including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree and three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Admission to practice law; California admission is preferred.
Attorney experience in a law firm or in-house legal environment in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
Experience drafting and negotiating complex contracts, including a significant volume of contracts supporting a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company.
Ability to independently draft, review, analyze, and negotiate complex agreements while balancing legal risk, business objectives, and organizational priorities.
Ability to identify key contractual issues, provide practical recommendations, and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders.
Clear, concise verbal and written communication and strong interpersonal communication skills.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, document management systems, and redlining software.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, reprioritize quickly, distinguish mission-critical work from lower-priority items, and meet specific deadlines under pressure.
Ability to make complex decisions based on available data and drive projects to completion.
Responsible and conscientious approach; ability to work independently and in a team, address differences fairly, and treat colleagues as preferred internal clients.
Commitment to quality, reliability, and high professional standards; self-starter, quick learner, and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

BS/BA degree, preferably in life sciences or a related field.
Advanced life science degree.
Admission to practice law in California.

Responsibilities

Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts for client groups across the organization.
Serve as a legal point person for ongoing agreements; review redlines, oversee negotiations, and provide general guidance to junior attorneys and contracts managers.
Help maintain current form agreements consistent with industry standards and applicable laws.
Identify and define operational and legal risks, and communicate them to appropriate internal decision-makers for discussion and resolution.
Build effective cross-functional relationships and communicate with internal colleagues to address legal and business questions.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and review of work product for junior legal professionals as needed.
Represent the company effectively.
Handle miscellaneous legal tasks as needed and perform other duties as assigned.
Comply with company policies and standards.

Benefits

401(k) plan with generous company contributions.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life and disability insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus program, or a sales-based incentive plan for field sales staff.
Opportunity to purchase company stock and receive long-term incentives.
15 accrued vacation days in the first year.
17 paid holidays, including a company-wide winter shutdown in December.
Up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.
Workplace equipment including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs.