Senior Corporate Counsel, Contracts

Exelixis • Alameda, CA

26d

About The Position

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE: The Senior Corporate Counsel, Contracts takes a supporting role in setting the material terms of the many 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 plays a transactional oversight role, working with Legal and operational colleagues to help ensure that the company’s R&D activities and transactions 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 with a very high degree of independence in support of the Research and Development organizations (which may include confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, licensing agreements, consulting agreements, materials transfer agreements, simple and complex clinical trial agreements, clinical advisory board agreements, and various vendor services agreements, and manufacturing agreements for cGMP drug supply). Acts as a legal point person for ongoing agreements in support of R&D efforts. Reviews redlines, supervises negotiations and provides general guidance to junior attorneys and contracts managers. Assists with maintaining up-to-date form agreements consistent with industry standards and applicable laws. Identifies and defines operational and legal risks and is able to communicate 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.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree, preferably in life sciences or a related field; an advanced life science degree is preferred.
• JD degree is required and a minimum of six to eight years of relevant experience.
• Must be admitted to practice law, preferably in California.
• Experience as an attorney in a law firm or in-house legal environment in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Complex contract drafting and negotiation experience required, including a significant volume of contracts in support of drug Research & Development activities.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a wide range of contracts with a very high degree of independence in support of the Research and Development organizations (which may include confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, licensing agreements, consulting agreements, materials transfer agreements, simple and complex clinical trial agreements, clinical advisory board agreements, and various vendor services agreements, and manufacturing agreements for cGMP drug supply).
• Acts as a legal point person for ongoing agreements in support of R&D efforts.
• Reviews redlines, supervises negotiations and provides general guidance to junior attorneys and contracts managers.
• Assists with maintaining up-to-date form agreements consistent with industry standards and applicable laws.
• Identifies and defines operational and legal risks and is able to communicate 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.

Benefits

• comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
• Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan.
• Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees