Assistant General Counsel NEW

Position Summary:

The Assistant General Counsel, IP Transactions & Technology, is a key legal IP role in our department, encompassing IP transactions, technology, and risk assessment with extensive internal client engagement; the role is an additional role, reporting into the Global Intellectual Property (IP) function.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for counseling a business area on IP and technology-focused agreements, obligations, transactions, research, innovation, and associated related rights
• Directly drafting agreements of varied complexities for early product development-related activities including collaboration agreements, innovation agreements, co-development terms, procurement-related activities, MOUs, NDAs, MTAs, licensing, and innovation agreements, and more, as assigned
• Responsible for counseling internal business clients and negotiating with external entities in relation to agreements, transactions, licensing enforcement matters, brand issues, policy development, operations involvement, and risk mitigation solutions
• Performing as a trusted advisor and legal business partner to internal clients in developing strategy, drafting agreements reflecting business needs, and performing at a high level within an intellectually intense environment
• Conducting IP due diligence in connection with any potential acquisitions or divestitures
• Resolving routine and moderately complex IP matters with minimal supervision
• Developing and reporting on associated competitive data analytics with a client focus

Basic Qualifications:

• Scientific undergraduate degree
• Juris Doctor or equivalent post-graduate legal degree
• At least six (6) years in practice and experience in providing legal counsel on associated matters with a major corporation or law firm
• Clear and proven understanding of the global interplay of IP rights, valuation, due diligence, IP ownership, licensing, and transactional rights alignment, as well as being able to develop a negotiation and IP strategy benefitting the business’ assets while optimizing the balance of competing issues. 
• Proven experience (with a clear understanding), with tangible examples, of the role of IP in the context of product lifecycle management.
• Familiarity with patent systems in major jurisdictions
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the US.
• Active State bar registrations in good standing
• Demonstrated ability to perform successfully in cross-functional teams
• Be able to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and exercise sound legal judgment
• Capable of providing legal and strategic guidance to senior management and functional organizational leadership
• In addition to top-notch legal skills, must have excellent interpersonal, strategic thinking, communication, and organizational skills.
• Applies innovative problem-solving skills and judgment to assist in managing corporate risk
• Delivers work product within business constraints in a demanding environment while balancing competing client requests

Additional Skills & Preferences:

• Advanced degree(s) in chemistry or biochemistry
• Familiarity with the animal health or crop science industry
• Strong business acumen and mindset towards collaboration
• Previous in-house experience
• Preferred litigation, IPR, opposition, transactional, agreement, and M&A/D experience
• Six Sigma certification