Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property & Transactions

About Us:

Founded in 2017 and based in Chicago, Meitheal is focused on the development and commercialization of generic injectable medications and, as of 2022, has expanded its focus to include fertility, biologic, and branded products. Meitheal currently markets over 60 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved products across numerous therapeutic areas including anti-infectives, oncolytics, intensive care, and fertility. As of January 2025, Meitheal, directly or through its partners, has 19 products in the research and development phase, 22 additional products planned for launch in 2025, and 24 products under review by the FDA. Meitheal's mission is to provide easy access to fairly priced products through robust manufacturing, consistent supply, and rapid response to our customers' needs. Ranked #2 in 2024 on Crain's Fast 50 in Chicago, and in the top 100 of Crain's Best Places to Work in Chicago from 2022 to 2024, Meitheal emulates the traditional Irish guiding principle we are named for - working together toward a common goal, for the greater good.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic legal professional to join our legal team as Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property & Transactions. This role will provide critical legal support for our growing biosimilars pipeline, oversee intellectual property strategy and portfolio management (including patents and trademarks), and manage key litigation and transactional matters. This individual will serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on IP-related risks and opportunities and will collaborate cross-functionally to help drive innovation and growth.

The compensation range for this position is $245,000 to $290,000.

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

Why Work with Us?

* Hybrid Work Schedule: Enjoy the flexibility to work remotely three days a week.

* Casual Dress Code: Embrace a relaxed and comfortable dress code that allows you to express your personal style.

* Collaborative Culture: Join a team that values open communication, teamwork, and the exchange of ideas.

* Professional Growth: We offer ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Intellectual Property Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Serve as the primary legal advisor on intellectual property matters, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyright issues.
• Manage the Company's patent and trademark portfolio, including prosecution, enforcement, licensing, and renewals.
• Collaborate with R&D, Regulatory, and Corporate Strategy teams to assess and manage IP risks related to biosimilar and branded product development.
• Oversee IP-related due diligence for business development opportunities, partnerships, and acquisitions.
• Partner with external counsel on patent and trademark filings, oppositions, and portfolio strategy.

Litigation & Legal Risk Management

• Manage and oversee patent, trademark, and Hatch-Waxman litigation, including coordination with outside counsel and internal stakeholders.
• Develop and implement litigation strategies to defend against challenges and enforce the Company's IP rights.
• Stay abreast of legal developments affecting the pharmaceutical and biosimilar sectors and provide risk assessments to senior leadership.

Licensing & Transactions

• Lead or support negotiation and drafting of complex IP-related agreements, including in-licenses, out-licenses, development collaborations, material transfer agreements, and technology agreements.
• Provide legal guidance and transactional support on strategic partnerships and new product opportunities, particularly related to IP assets.

General Corporate and Commercial Legal Support

• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of agreements across multiple business units, including Purchase Agreements, Vendor & Service Contracts, NDAs, Master Service Agreements, Quality Agreements, and Pharmacovigilance Agreements.
• Support compliance with contract lifecycle management systems and internal contract policies and processes.
• Provide guidance on regulatory, compliance, and advertising/promotional matters as needed, especially for biosimilars.

Cross-Functional & Internal Support

• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure IP and legal considerations are integrated early in product lifecycle planning.
• Collaborate with HR on employment-related legal matters, such as policies, employment agreements, and handbook updates.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of internal legal and compliance training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
• 12+ years of experience in a law firm and/or in-house legal department, with a focus on intellectual property, litigation, and transactional work in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Experience managing patent and trademark portfolios, Hatch-Waxman litigation, and licensing transactions.
• Strong understanding of biosimilars, FDA regulatory frameworks, and IP issues affecting the life sciences sector.
• Excellent judgment, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Additional Notes:

• This position will complement the work of the Company's Associate Counsel, who will assume lead responsibilities for legal support of the Company's generic pharmaceutical products and related commercial agreements.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Meitheal Pharmaceuticals is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.