Senior Counsel, Head of IP Policy & Advocacy

Overview

This role involves leading the intellectual property (IP) policy and advocacy strategy for a major biotechnology organization focused on developing innovative medicines. The Senior Counsel, Head of IP Policy & Advocacy, will be responsible for protecting the organization's intellectual assets, supporting long-term scientific investment, and promoting balanced IP systems that encourage innovation and patient access globally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a cohesive IP policy strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Shape external narratives on intellectual property rights and counter misinformation that threatens innovation incentives and IP system integrity.
• Identify emerging IP policy risks and opportunities.
• Advise senior leadership on IP policy matters.
• Serve as the organization's IP policy advocate with policymakers, regulators, and key external stakeholders.
• Engage with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office leadership, Congress, trade associations, academic experts, and think tanks to influence legislation, rulemaking, and guidance.
• Coordinate amicus efforts supporting significant patent litigation.
• Represent the organization as a speaker or panelist at trade organization meetings.
• Facilitate the writing and publication of papers advocating the organization's IP positions.
• Drive cross-functional and cross-regional coordination on advocacy efforts.
• Support responsible collaborations and licensing.
• Promote education and alignment on IP policy issues internally.
• Lead the IP Policy Team, comprising attorneys with expertise in patent prosecution, litigation, biosimilars, trademarks, and AI.
• Collaborate closely with Government Affairs, Legal, Regulatory, Commercial, Litigation, and other teams to manage IP policy risks and opportunities across jurisdictions.
• Keep senior leaders and business partners informed of relevant developments.

Requirements

• J.D. or LL.M. degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 4 years practicing Intellectual Property law.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 or more years of experience practicing Intellectual Property law.
• Background in patent prosecution or patent litigation combined with IP policy work.
• Active involvement in trade organizations and/or patent associations.
• Excellent analytical, legal drafting, oral, and written communication skills.
• Strong management and leadership abilities.
• Client service focus with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize workflow, meet deadlines, and manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with an annual discretionary bonus program.
• Stock-based long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive employee benefits package including retirement and savings plans with company contributions.
• Group medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Award-winning time-off plans.
• Flexible work models where applicable.

Location

• This is a remote position with a preference for candidates located on the U.S. East Coast, ideally in the Washington, DC area.

Additional Information

• There is no application deadline; applications will be accepted until a sufficient number is received or a candidate is selected.
• Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process.