Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a Biopharma Company – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, publicly-traded biopharmaceutical company based in the vibrant Research Triangle Park area of Raleigh, NC. Our client is at the forefront of developing life-changing therapies for patients with rare and complex diseases. We are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Legal Officer (CLO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a paramount role for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment and is passionate about contributing to a mission-driven organization.
The Chief Legal Officer will serve as the principal legal advisor to the CEO, the Board of Directors, and the senior management team. You will be responsible for the global legal affairs of the company, providing strategic guidance on all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters. This role requires a leader with exceptional business acumen, a deep understanding of the biopharma industry, and the ability to translate complex legal principles into actionable business strategies.
You will build and lead a high-performing legal department, fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and excellence. Your leadership will be instrumental in navigating the company through critical growth phases, including clinical development, commercialization, corporate financing, and strategic partnerships. This position offers the unique opportunity to shape the legal and ethical framework of a company poised to make a significant impact on global health.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned legal executive with a proven track record of success within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector. You must be adept at managing a broad range of legal disciplines, including corporate governance, securities law, intellectual property, litigation, and regulatory compliance. Your counsel will be critical in mitigating risk while enabling the company to achieve its ambitious scientific and commercial objectives. This is more than a legal function; it is a strategic business partnership that will directly influence the company’s trajectory and long-term success.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a Biopharma Company – Raleigh, NC
Executive Counsel & Strategic Leadership
Act as a key member of the executive team, providing proactive and strategic legal advice on all company matters. Advise the CEO and Board of Directors on corporate governance, fiduciary duties, and critical legal and policy issues.
Corporate Governance and Securities Law
Oversee all corporate governance matters, including Board and committee meetings, minutes, and corporate records. Ensure compliance with SEC regulations, Sarbanes-Oxley, and NASDAQ listing requirements. Manage the preparation and filing of all SEC documents, including 10-Ks, 10-Qs, 8-Ks, proxy statements, and Section 16 filings.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
Partner with the R&D and business development teams to develop and execute a robust global IP strategy. Oversee the management of the company’s patent and trademark portfolios, including prosecution, freedom-to-operate analyses, and IP-related transactional matters.
Contracts, Collaborations, and Transactions
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of complex agreements, including clinical trial agreements, licensing deals, research collaborations, manufacturing and supply agreements, and M&A transactions. Provide legal support for all business development activities.
Regulatory Compliance and Healthcare Law
Ensure the company’s adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, with a strong focus on those governed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Provide guidance on healthcare compliance matters, including anti-kickback statutes, False Claims Act, PhRMA Code, and privacy laws like HIPAA. Develop and implement comprehensive compliance programs.
Litigation and Risk Management
Manage all litigation, government investigations, and other legal disputes. Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management strategy, identifying potential legal risks and creating mitigation plans. Oversee the company’s insurance programs.
Legal Department Management
Build, lead, and mentor the legal and compliance teams. Manage the legal department’s budget and oversee the selection, retention, and management of outside counsel to ensure high-quality, cost-effective legal services.
Employment Law
Provide counsel to the Human Resources department on all employment-related legal matters, including recruiting, hiring, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and terminations. Ensure compliance with all federal and state employment laws.
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with a Biopharma Company – Raleigh, NC
Educational and Professional Credentials
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a top-tier, ABA-accredited law school. Must be an active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar (with the ability to become a registered in-house counsel in North Carolina).
Executive Legal Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., General Counsel, Deputy GC, or VP of Legal) within a publicly-traded biopharmaceutical or life sciences company.
Public Company Expertise
Demonstrated, hands-on experience advising a public company on corporate governance, SEC reporting, and securities law matters is absolutely essential.
Biopharma Industry Acumen
Deep and comprehensive knowledge of the legal and regulatory landscape of the biopharmaceutical industry. This includes extensive experience with FDA regulations, clinical trial processes, product commercialization, and healthcare compliance.
Transactional and IP Proficiency
A proven track record of leading complex corporate transactions (M&A, licensing, strategic alliances) and managing a global intellectual property portfolio.
Leadership and Management Skills
Exceptional leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire, manage, and develop a team of legal professionals. Proven ability to effectively manage outside counsel and control legal spend.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Superior communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to explain complex legal issues in a clear and concise manner to non-lawyers and to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Business Acumen and Strategic Thinking
Must be a strategic thinker with strong business judgment and the ability to operate as a true business partner to the executive team. A practical, solutions-oriented mindset is critical.
Integrity and Ethics
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, a strong ethical compass, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary commensurate with experience.
Incentive Programs
Eligibility for a significant annual performance-based cash bonus.
Long-Term Equity
A substantial equity grant (stock options and/or RSUs) to ensure you are a key stakeholder in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing legal education (CLE), professional memberships, and industry conferences.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical Chief Legal Officer search. To express your interest in this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and alignment with the requirements outlined above.
All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. We encourage you to learn more about our specialized executive search services by visiting our Legal & Compliance practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can contribute to our client’s groundbreaking work.
