Senior Legal Counsel, Canada
About The Position
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a thriving bio-pharmaceutical company, providing strategic legal and compliance support across a broad range of operational and commercial matters. This role will support Gilead Sciences Canada, Inc., based in Mississauga, Ontario. We are seeking a highly accomplished legal professional who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is passionate about partnering with the business to drive meaningful outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to act as a trusted advisor, shaping key decisions and influencing strategy within a highly regulated and innovative industry. The successful candidate will provide expert legal advice and counsel to the Canadian business on a wide range of strategic and operational initiatives. The role includes supporting business partners across multiple functions—including Sales & Marketing, Medical Affairs, Public Affairs, Commercial Operations, Market Access, Government Affairs, and Regulatory—to ensure compliance with applicable Canadian laws and regulations, drive operational excellence, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
Requirements
- Requires a Juris Doctorate and called to the Bar of Ontario.
- 8+ years of experience in private practice and/or in-house roles.
- Experience advising on statutes, regulations, guidance documents, and ethical standards governing the pharmaceutical industry including the Food and Drugs Act & Regulations, anti-bribery laws, privacy laws, Competition Act, patent laws, PAAB’s Code of Advertising Acceptance, IMC Code of Ethical Practices.
- Fluency in English with excellent professional proficiency.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in technology tools used by the Legal Department including Imanage, Team Connect, CoPilot, and Microsoft Teams is helpful.
Responsibilities
- Act as a strategic legal partner to cross-functional teams, supporting both day-to-day operations and key business initiatives.
- Advise business partners on various commercial and medical initiatives in a way that advances the company’s strategy while addressing legal risks and protecting the company’s integrity and reputation.
- Provide legal guidance on advertising, promotion, and interactions with healthcare professionals and organisations.
- Support corporate governance, internal policies, and compliance frameworks, and assist with internal reviews.
- Identify opportunities to streamline contracting processes, templates, and playbooks.
- Analyse emerging pharmaceutical regulatory trends and provide proactive legal guidance to the organisation.
- Develop and deliver training to build employee awareness of local legal and compliance obligations.
- Ensure compliance policies and procedures are up to date and support efficient operation of compliant business activities.
- Manage and coordinate with external counsel on legal matters, including disputes, regulatory issues, and specialised advice.
Benefits
- discretionary target annual bonus
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
