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# Chief Legal Officer with a Biopharma Company – Cambridge, MA


Role Overview for Chief Legal Officer with a Biopharma Company – Cambridge, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of developing transformative therapies for patients with serious and life-threatening diseases. Located in the heart of the biotech hub in Cambridge, MA, our client is driven by a culture of scientific innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to ethical excellence. As they advance their robust pipeline and prepare for significant growth milestones, including potential commercialization and strategic partnerships, they are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Legal Officer (CLO) to join their executive leadership team.
The Chief Legal Officer will be a cornerstone of the executive team, serving as the principal legal advisor to the CEO, the Board of Directors, and senior management. This is a highly visible and impactful role that goes beyond traditional legal counsel; you will be a strategic business partner, shaping the company’s direction and safeguarding its future. The ideal candidate will provide expert guidance on all legal matters, including corporate governance, intellectual property strategy, securities law and SEC compliance, business development, litigation, and regulatory affairs.
You will be responsible for building and leading a high-performing legal function that is agile, business-oriented, and capable of navigating the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of the biopharmaceutical industry. This position requires a leader with exceptional judgment, a deep understanding of the life sciences sector, and the ability to translate complex legal issues into actionable business advice. You will play a critical role in fostering a culture of integrity and compliance, ensuring the company operates at the highest ethical standards as it pursues its mission to bring groundbreaking medicines to patients in need.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Legal Officer with a Biopharma Company – Cambridge, MA
Executive Leadership & Strategy
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing strategic legal and business counsel on all significant company initiatives, including corporate strategy, financing activities, clinical development, and commercialization plans.
Corporate Governance & Securities
Oversee all corporate governance matters, including advising the Board of Directors and its committees on their fiduciary duties. Manage all aspects of the company’s public reporting obligations, including the preparation and filing of Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements, and other SEC filings. Ensure compliance with NASDAQ/NYSE listing requirements.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
Lead the development and execution of the company’s global IP strategy. Oversee the patent portfolio, including prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement. Provide counsel on patentability, freedom-to-operate, and IP-related transactional matters. Ensure alignment of IP strategy with business objectives by staying current with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office guidelines and international IP law.
Contracts & Transactions
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of complex agreements, including clinical trial agreements, research collaborations, licensing agreements, manufacturing and supply contracts, and material transfer agreements. Provide legal support for business development activities, including mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
Regulatory Compliance
Provide legal guidance on regulatory matters, including interactions with the FDA and other global health authorities. Advise on compliance with healthcare laws, including Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, and data privacy regulations (HIPAA, GDPR). Develop and implement robust corporate compliance programs.
Litigation & Risk Management
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across the organization. Manage all litigation, government investigations, and other legal disputes, including the selection and oversight of outside counsel.
Employment Law
Advise 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, state, and local employment laws.
Team Leadership
Build, mentor, and lead an internal legal team and manage relationships with external counsel effectively and efficiently to support the company’s growing needs. Develop and manage the legal department’s budget.
Requirements for the Chief Legal Officer with a Biopharma Company – Cambridge, MA
Education
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school is required. Must be an active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar (Massachusetts preferred).
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive legal experience, with a significant portion spent in-house at a publicly traded biopharmaceutical or life sciences company. Prior experience at a top-tier law firm serving clients in the life sciences industry is highly desirable.
SEC & Corporate Governance Expertise
Extensive, hands-on experience with ’33 and ’34 Act reporting, corporate finance transactions, and advising a public company board of directors on complex governance issues.
Biopharma Industry Acumen
Deep understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing the biopharmaceutical industry, including FDA regulations, clinical trial processes, and product commercialization.
Intellectual Property Mastery
Proven experience in developing and implementing global IP strategies, particularly in the areas of patent law for small molecules or biologics.
Transactional Skills
Demonstrated expertise in structuring, negotiating, and drafting a wide variety of complex corporate and commercial agreements, including M&A, licensing, and collaboration deals.
Leadership & Communication
Exceptional leadership and management skills with a proven ability to build and develop a legal team. Must possess outstanding communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers and senior executives.
Business Mindset
Strong business acumen and the ability to operate as a strategic partner to the business. Must be pragmatic, solutions-oriented, and able to balance legal risk with business objectives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you will be rewarded for your contributions to the company’s success. The comprehensive package includes:

Highly competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
Significant equity package (stock options and/or RSUs) providing a meaningful stake in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
Generous 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
Substantial paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional development allowance to support continued learning, conference attendance, and bar association memberships.
Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
A dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative work environment located in the vibrant biotech ecosystem of Cambridge, MA.
Opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of patients and be part of a groundbreaking scientific mission.

How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary legal executive with a passion for science and a desire to make a significant impact in the biopharmaceutical industry, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role.
For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Legal & Compliance Executive Search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application. JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers.