Corporate Counsel, Contracts

Summary/Job Purpose

The 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 role also plays a transactional oversight role, working with Legal and operational colleagues to help ensure that the company's activities and transactions are carried out with efficiency and reflect an appreciation for an appropriate level of business and legal risk.

The Corporate Counsel, Contracts role supports Exelixis' growing contracting needs by collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders across the organization to provide strategic, business-focused legal counsel and contract management expertise. Responsibilities include drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing a broad range of agreements, which may include confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, licensing agreements, consulting agreements, material transfer agreements, simple and complex clinical trial agreements, clinical advisory board agreements, vendor services agreements, and manufacturing agreements supporting cGMP drug supply.

The Corporate Counsel, Contracts supporting the Research and Development business unit will be a key point of contact for R&D clients, including Discovery and Biotherapeutics, Clinical Development and Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, and Manufacturing departments, by providing proactive legal advice, contract support, and risk-based guidance. Works collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders to facilitate business operations while protecting the company's legal and commercial interests.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a wide range of contracts in support of client groups across the organization
• Acts as a legal point person for ongoing agreements. Reviews redlines, oversees 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.
• May provide guidance, mentorship, and review of work product for junior legal professionals to ensure quality, consistency, and adherence to departmental standards.
• Effectively represents the company.
• Handles miscellaneous legal tasks on an as-needed basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills & Abilities

JD degree is required and 3 years of relevant experience; BS/BA degree, preferably in life sciences or a related field; an advanced life science degree is preferred. Equivalent combination of education and 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 a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Demonstrated ability to independently draft, review, analyze, and negotiate a broad range of complex agreements while effectively balancing legal risk, business objectives, and organizational priorities.
• Skilled in identifying key contractual issues, providing practical recommendations, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to achieve favorable outcomes.
• Possesses clear and concise verbal and written communication skills and 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.