Overview
This role supports a global central laboratory services organization delivering laboratory, regulatory, and compliance solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors, CROs, and lab partners.
Location: Atlanta, GA; Raleigh, NC; or Remote (U.S.)
Role Summary
As Senior Counsel, you will report to the Chief Legal Officer and serve as a trusted legal partner to business teams, advising on global commercial transactions that support complex clinical trials.
You will oversee the contract management team and handle drafting, negotiation, and management of agreements across central lab services, global laboratory alliance networks, and technology platforms. Responsibilities also include regulatory and compliance advisory, support for strategic transactions, and continuous improvement of legal processes and tools.
Responsibilities
- Draft, negotiate, and manage the full lifecycle of commercial agreements (including NDAs, MSAs, SOWs, COs, DPAs, BAAs, amendments, and similar documents) with pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors, CROs, global laboratory alliance partners, logistics providers, and technology vendors.
- Serve as the primary legal advisor to commercial, operations, and project management teams by translating complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance.
- Advise on regulatory and compliance matters across global operations, including multi-jurisdictional commercial regulations and data privacy.
- Develop, maintain, and update internal policies, standard operating procedures, and contract guidelines to align with evolving legal and regulatory requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement of legal processes, templates, playbooks, and contract workflows to reduce cycle times, increase self-service capabilities, and scale legal support.
- Manage and mentor the contract management team by setting priorities, establishing performance standards, and supporting professional development.
- Identify and assess legal and commercial risks in new and existing business relationships; proactively escalate issues to the Chief Legal Officer with recommended courses of action.
- Support strategic transactions (e.g., laboratory alliance expansions, new service line launches, potential acquisitions or partnerships) through due diligence and drafting/reviewing transaction documents.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Ability to independently evaluate complex legal issues and provide commercially pragmatic solutions in clear, accessible language.
- Ability to synthesize large volumes of information and present concise, well-structured recommendations to stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly assess risk and opportunity.
- Proven collaboration with strong analytical and advisory skills and effective cross-functional consultation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trusted relationships across business functions and seniority levels.
- Confident communicator able to influence outcomes in negotiations and internal discussions.
- Self-directed, with ownership from issue identification through resolution.
- Meticulous attention to detail and polished contract drafting/redlining skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under tight timelines in a fast-paced environment.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word.
- Proficiency in CRM (e.g., Salesforce), CLM (e.g., LinkSquares), legal AI (e.g., GC AI), and e-sign (e.g., DocuSign).
Education and Experience
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
- 5–7 years of experience advising on commercial and operational matters, preferably in laboratory services, clinical research, life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated environments.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervises the contract management team, including contract managers and contract specialists supporting global commercial operations.
- Sets team priorities and allocates workload to meet business timelines, balancing deal volume with individual development goals.
- Reviews and approves team outputs, including contract drafts, redlines, and negotiation summaries.
- Establishes performance standards, conducts performance evaluations, and creates individualized development plans.
- May provide guidance and work direction to cross-functional colleagues or outside counsel on specific projects without direct supervisory authority.
Travel Requirements
- Approximately 10% of working time, primarily to the Raleigh, NC headquarters for team meetings, business reviews, and cross-functional collaboration.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $190,000 to $220,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and geographic considerations.
- Comprehensive benefits package including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Other benefits (additional details available through Human Resources)
Equal Opportunity Employment
This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. It does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), creed, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Other Notes
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This job description does not imply that requirements are the exclusive standards of the position; incumbents may be assigned other related duties as required.