Director, Product Counsel

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.•Princeton, NJ

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference. Please note that this position can be based in Princeton, NJ, or San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average. The Director/Senior Director, Product Counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to assigned pharmaceutical brand(s), providing strategic and day-to-day legal support across the full product lifecycle. Provides legal expertise and counsel for all promotional, medical, clinical, and access‑related activities impacting assigned product(s). Serves as the Legal representative on the Medical, Legal, and Regulatory (MLR) review committee. Ensures all materials are developed in accordance with Company standards and all applicable laws and regulations. Partners closely with cross‑functional teams to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate legal and compliance risk while enabling business objectives. Supports Commercial, Medical Affairs, Market Access, and Research & Development (R&D) functions, as well as internal and external investigations, as needed. May interact with government agencies, law firms, trade organizations and other external agencies.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate Degree - ABA accredited law school and must be active member of the California or New Jersey State Bars or qualified as Registered In-house Counsel in either State.
Eight (8) or more years of relevant legal experience.
Experience within the healthcare/pharmaceutical industry is required.
Deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and eventually Acadia product(s) and business model.
Strong problem-solving skills - demonstrates and exercises creativity and initiative with a solutions-oriented mindset.
Demonstrated ability to operate as a trusted business partner, able to gain trust at, and work with, all levels of organization.
High level of integrity with the ability to maintain the protection of proprietary and confidential information.
Strong written and verbal communications skills - able to effectively collaborate and communicate with client groups, senior management and executives within the company.
Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously independently.
Embraces the ideas of others and cultivates a collaborative environment in order to complete assignments effectively.
Strong knowledge of FDA advertising and promotion regulations, healthcare compliance laws, and industry standards.
This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication both in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedule or business needs. This position is geographically based.

Nice To Haves

Previous product counsel experience preferred.
R&D, clinical, and/or labeling experience is preferred.
Experience with AI governance is a plus.

Responsibilities

Acts as lead legal counsel for assigned pharmaceutical brand(s) across pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases.
Provides strategic legal guidance and works closely with leadership on brand strategy, messaging, and execution to support business objectives while managing legal risk.
Serves as a core member of brand and cross-functional teams, including Commercial, Medical Affairs, Market Access, R&D, Compliance, and Regulatory Affairs. Legal representative of MLR committee, providing timely legal review of all promotional and non-promotional tactics and materials.
Provides legal advice and counseling on various issues, including but not limited to Food & Drug Administration (FDA) labeling, clinical operations, marketing strategies, direct-to-consumer advertising campaigns and programs, patient support programs, customer interactions, healthcare professional (HCP) engagements, sales training, social media, and commercial sponsorships.
Counsels on federal and state healthcare laws and regulations, including Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act.
Proactively identifies risks, opportunities and mitigating actions, and collaborates across business functions to implement, while enabling innovation.
Assists with employment law matters and/or investigations as needed.
Assists with leading, engaging, coaching and developing teams in the Legal department to foster high performance amongst team.
Stays informed of new laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting the company, and assists with the development of policies and training as needed.
Assists with providing oversight to teams and external partners. May serve as a manager.
Performs other duties as needed or assigned.

Benefits

Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
15+ vacation days
13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
10 days of paid sick time
Paid parental leave benefit
Tuition assistance