Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a Global MedTech Company – Minneapolis, MN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering global medical technology company in their search for a distinguished Chief Legal Officer (CLO). Based at their corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, MN, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity for a legal professional with a passion for innovation, healthcare, and strategic growth. The CLO will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and will be the principal legal advisor to the company, its board of directors, and senior management.
Our client is a market leader, renowned for developing life-changing medical devices and technologies that improve patient outcomes worldwide. In this highly dynamic and regulated industry, the CLO will be instrumental in navigating complex legal landscapes, mitigating risk, and enabling the company to achieve its ambitious strategic objectives. This role requires a leader who is not only a brilliant legal mind but also a pragmatic business partner, capable of providing insightful, actionable counsel that balances legal considerations with commercial goals. You will be responsible for building, leading, and mentoring a high-performing global legal and compliance department, fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and excellence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience within the MedTech, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology sectors, with a proven track record of managing the multifaceted legal affairs of a publicly traded, global organization. This includes overseeing corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property strategy, litigation, global compliance programs, and commercial transactions. Your leadership will be critical in safeguarding the company’s assets, ensuring its ethical operation, and championing its mission to advance global health.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a Global MedTech Company – Minneapolis, MN
Executive Leadership & Strategic Counsel
Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive team on all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters. Provide strategic legal guidance on business initiatives, long-range planning, and corporate strategy to drive sustainable growth.
Corporate Governance & Securities
Oversee all corporate governance matters, including Board and committee support, corporate secretarial functions, and compliance with NYSE/NASDAQ listing standards. Manage all SEC filings, including 10-Ks, 10-Qs, 8-Ks, and proxy statements, ensuring timely and accurate disclosures.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Lead the legal aspects of all M&A activities, strategic alliances, and joint ventures, from due diligence and negotiation to integration. Structure, draft, and negotiate complex transaction agreements and manage external counsel effectively.
Global Compliance Program
Design, implement, and manage a robust global compliance program that ensures adherence to all applicable laws and regulations. This includes a deep focus on healthcare-specific regulations such as the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, HIPAA, GDPR, and other international data privacy laws. Ensure strict adherence to FDA regulations and global healthcare laws governing medical devices.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
Partner with the R&D and business development teams to develop and execute a comprehensive global IP strategy. Oversee the management of the company’s patent and trademark portfolios, including prosecution, licensing, and enforcement, to protect its technological innovations.
Litigation & Risk Management
Manage and oversee all litigation, government investigations, and disputes. Develop proactive strategies to mitigate legal risks across the organization, including product liability, employment, and commercial disputes. Select and manage outside counsel to ensure high-quality, cost-effective representation.
Commercial Contracts & Transactions
Provide legal support for all commercial activities. Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide range of complex agreements, including sales, marketing, distribution, supply chain, clinical trial, and licensing agreements.
Labor & Employment
Advise Human Resources and management on a full range of employment law issues, including employee relations, compensation and benefits, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and litigation avoidance.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a global team of legal and compliance professionals. Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture that positions the legal department as a valued business partner. Manage the department’s budget and resources efficiently.
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with a Global MedTech Company – Minneapolis, MN
Education & Bar Admission
Juris Doctor (JD) 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 licensed or registered as in-house counsel in Minnesota.
Executive Legal Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive legal experience, with a significant portion spent in-house at a publicly traded company. At least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., General Counsel, Deputy GC, or CLO) is required.
Industry-Specific Knowledge
Deep and demonstrable experience in the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industry is mandatory. A thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory complexities unique to the MedTech sector is essential.
Corporate & Securities Expertise
Extensive experience with corporate governance for a public company and deep expertise in U.S. securities laws and SEC reporting and compliance.
Transactional Leadership
Proven track record of leading the legal aspects of sophisticated M&A and other strategic transactions.
Global Perspective
Experience managing legal matters for a multinational corporation with operations in key international markets (e.g., EMEA, APAC).
Leadership & Business Acumen
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Must possess strong business acumen and the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical business advice. A proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
Integrity & Judgment
Unquestionable ethics, integrity, and sound judgment. Must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (e.g., RSUs, stock options) that aligns your success with the long-term growth of the company.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents, along with wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to support work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to Minneapolis, MN.
Professional Development
A budget for continuing legal education (CLE), professional memberships, and other development opportunities to ensure you remain at the forefront of your field.
Additional Perks
Other executive-level perquisites may include life insurance, disability coverage, and an executive physical program.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary legal executive ready to make a significant impact within a world-class MedTech organization, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
To submit your application or to learn more about our executive search capabilities, please visit our practice area page. Discover more opportunities on our Legal & Compliance Executive Search page. We look forward to connecting with you.
