Legal Counsel

Overview

This role involves providing strategic and proactive legal counsel to support compliant growth and risk management within a pharmaceutical organization. The position enables the business to execute commercial strategies while ensuring adherence to U.S. and global regulatory requirements. The role is onsite/hybrid with residency required in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts including sales and distribution agreements, market access agreements, promotional services contracts, confidentiality agreements, vendor agreements, patient support program agreements, supply chain contracts, purchase agreements, licensing and development agreements.
• Maintain contract playbooks and clause libraries, coordinating with Finance and Compliance teams.
• Serve as legal reviewer for promotional and advertising materials ensuring compliance with FDA/FTC guidelines, product labeling, and risk communications.
• Provide training and guidance on legal and regulatory compliance related to anti-trust, anti-corruption laws, government programs, and industry guidelines.
• Interpret and operationalize laws such as the False Claims Act, Sunshine Act/Open Payments, state marketing codes, and privacy requirements impacting commercial activities.
• Collaborate with Compliance leadership on healthcare professional interactions, sponsorships, grants, speaker programs, and field force conduct.
• Review pricing strategies, rebate structures, patient affordability programs, and value-based contracting.
• Support trade strategies including GPO/IDN contracting, specialty pharmacy agreements, and chargeback frameworks.
• Lead internal investigations related to commercial incidents and manage outside counsel for disputes, litigation, and regulatory inquiries.
• Oversee litigation activities including counsel selection, budgeting, strategy, document production, and legal holds.
• Deliver onboarding and ongoing training for commercial teams and establish governance processes such as risk reviews and policy updates.
• Advise leadership on a broad range of legal issues and business risks, developing legal and business strategies in response to opportunities and regulatory developments.
• Stay informed on industry laws and regulations impacting business operations and maintain a positive corporate legal posture.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree; admitted to practice law in Minnesota.
• Minimum of 10 years legal experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or medical device industries.
• At least 3 years of in-house counsel experience.
• Experience with commercial litigation and litigation strategy.
• Expertise in contracts, promotional review, pricing/market access, healthcare professional engagements, distribution/trade, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong business judgment, negotiation skills, stakeholder management, and effective written and oral communication.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations and develop practical solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with both generic and branded pharmaceuticals.
• Familiarity with pre-launch commercialization, generic, and rare specialty products.
• Knowledge of global regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA/privacy and transparency regimes.
• Exposure to digital and field sales promotion within regulated environments.
• Experience with supply chain, distribution, and third-party agreements.
• Experience working in a global organization.

Working Conditions

• Onsite/hybrid position based in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• Minimal travel (less than 10%) for sales meetings, national conferences, and vendor audits.
• Work hours aligned with commercial cadence; occasional evening or quarter-end workloads and meetings to coordinate with international headquarters.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plans with employer matching.
• Paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee wellness programs and resources.
• Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), national origin, age, marital status, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, public assistance status, employment status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected category.