Senior Counsel

LabConnect•Johnson City, TN

2d•$190,000 - $220,000•Remote

About The Position

LabConnect improves lives by partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and clinical research organizations (CROs) to accelerate the development of new medicines around the world. We are an independent, global, one-stop-shop focused on delivering Central Laboratory Services that are tailor-made, timely and flexible to meet the evolving study demands of traditional to increasingly complex trials. Additionally, we provide Functional Service Provider (FSP) Solutions, supporting our clients with scientific and technical expertise, acting as an extension of their team, coordinating all laboratory related needs, advising on strategies for lab data collection and providing end-to-end analytical and logistical solutions. As Senior Counsel, you will report to the Chief Legal Officer and serve as a trusted legal partner to LabConnect's business teams, guiding the global commercial transactions that power the world's most agile central laboratory solutions partner. The ideal candidate brings a pragmatic mindset, sound judgment, customer focus, and a bias for action. You will have oversight of the contracts management team and draft, negotiate, and manage agreements across LabConnect's central lab services, global laboratory alliance network, and technology platforms, working with biotechnology and pharmaceutical sponsors, contract research organizations (CROs), lab partners, and vendors in support of complex global clinical trials. Beyond deal execution, the role encompasses regulatory and compliance advisory, support for strategic transactions, and continuous improvement of the legal function's processes and tools. LabConnect’s vision is a future where study complexity no longer stands in the way of bringing medical innovation to patients. This is an opportunity to shape legal strategy at a company whose mission is to simplify and orchestrate complex medical innovation through excellence in global execution.

Requirements

Ability to independently evaluate complex legal issues and deliver commercially pragmatic solutions in clear, accessible language to business stakeholders
Ability to synthesize large volumes of information and present concise, well-structured recommendations to stakeholders at all levels of the organization
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly assess potential for risk and opportunity
Proven collaborator with strong analytical, advisory, and cross-functional consultation skills
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across business functions and levels of seniority
Confident communicator who can influence outcomes in negotiations and internal discussions
Self-directed professional who takes ownership of matters from identification through resolution
Meticulous attention to detail with polished contract drafting and redlining etiquette
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under tight timelines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word
Proficiency in CRM (e.g., Salesforce), CLM (e.g., LinkSquares), legal AI (e.g., GC AI), and e-sign (e.g., DocuSign).
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
5–7 years of experience advising on commercial and operational matters, preferably in laboratory services, clinical research, life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or similar highly regulated environments.

Responsibilities

Draft, negotiate, and manage the full lifecycle of commercial agreements (NDAs, MSAs, SOWs, COs, DPAs, BAAs, amendments, etc.) with pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors, CROs, global laboratory alliance partners, logistics providers, and technology vendors, ensuring terms protect LabConnect's risk profile while enabling rapid deal execution.
Act as the go-to legal advisor for LabConnect's commercial, operations, and project management teams, translating complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance that accelerates decision-making.
Advise on regulatory and compliance matters spanning LabConnect's global operations, including multi-jurisdictional commercial regulations and data privacy.
Develop, maintain, and update internal policies, standard operating procedures, and contract guidelines to keep pace with evolving legal and regulatory requirements across LabConnect's global operating footprint.
Drive continuous improvement of the legal function's processes, templates, playbooks, and contract workflows to reduce cycle times, increase self-service capabilities for the business, and scale legal support in line with LabConnect's growth.
Manage and mentor the contract management team, setting priorities, establishing performance standards, and fostering professional development aligned with LabConnect's values.
Identify and assess legal and commercial risks in new and existing business relationships, proactively escalating issues to the Chief Legal Officer with recommended courses of action.
Support strategic transactions, including laboratory alliance expansions, new service line launches, and potential acquisitions or partnerships, by conducting due diligence and drafting or reviewing transaction documents.