Corporate counsel

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Location

onsite, San Diego, CA, United States

Salary

$206k – $282k/yr

Commitment

Full Time

Level

Senior (5+ years)

Required skills

Legal adviceContract negotiationCorporate lawTransactional supportRisk managementComplianceClinical trial agreementsLicensing agreementsData governanceArtificial intelligenceInformation technologyBusiness developmentAnalytical skillsProblem-solvingCommunicationCollaboration

Job Description

Who We Are:

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role:

A Corporate Counsel provides legal support to the Company’s corporate functions and business operations by advising on complex legal matters and increasingly complex legal issues within defined areas of responsibility. Works under the guidance of more senior attorneys to deliver practical, business-oriented legal advice, support contracting activities, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and Company policies. Executes assigned legal workstreams and contributes to the effective delivery of legal services across corporate initiatives.

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

Legal Advice & Execution

Provides clear, practical legal advice and risk guidance to business partners on complex matters that inform legal strategy for assigned business areas. Supports business activities, potentially including:

  • Clinical development and research activities
  • Business development and alliance management activities
  • Corporate and operational matters
  • Artificial intelligence, information technology, and data governance initiatives

Applies applicable laws and regulations, as well as industry requirements.

Contracting & Transactional Support

Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a variety of agreements, including:

  • Confidentiality agreements
  • Consulting and master services agreements
  • Clinical trial and research-related agreements
  • Licensing, collaboration, and vendor agreements
  • Other routine corporate and transactional documents

Supports corporate transactions, including financing, licensing, collaboration, and business development activities. Ensures agreements align with Company policies, templates, governance requirements, and risk tolerance.

Business Partnership

Collaborates with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and provide responsive legal support. Escalates complex or high-risk issues to senior attorneys, as appropriate. Leads assigned legal workstreams and contributes to cross-functional projects. Maintains strong relationships with business clients and third-party contracting parties to support Company objectives.

Compliance & Risk Awareness

Identifies potential legal risks and brings issues forward for review. Supports implementation of compliance processes and legal guidance. Stays current on relevant legal and regulatory developments.

Operational Support

Assists in development and maintenance of legal templates, processes, and tools. Supports management of outside counsel as directed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree and 6+ years practice as an attorney in a well-regarded law firm and in-house experience with a life sciences company, and/or a reputable, highly rated law firm with a focus on representing life science companies.
  • An active license to practice law in any state.
  • Foundational knowledge of:
    • Corporate contracting and transactions
    • Ability to analyze legal issues and understand business impact with guidance
    • Pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry practices (preferred)
    • Artificial intelligence, information technology, and data governance initiatives (preferred)
  • Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice on complex issues.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to assess ambiguous or complex issues, prioritize risk, and exercise sound judgment.
  • Strong communication, influencing, collaboration, and organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex priorities and build effective relationships across functions and levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and recognize matters requiring broader Legal, Compliance, or senior-leadership alignment.

#LI-TM1 Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer. We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don’t line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

Ready to join the team?

Apply now