Description

The successful Assistant General Counsel & Chief Patent Counsel candidate will work under the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary with minimal supervision.  Additionally, the successful candidate will oversee intellectual property matters and other corporate legal responsibilities to support the company's strategic and tactical plans.  This position can be in person, remote or hybrid.

Essentials for Working at Ligand     

• Ligand is a dynamic, fast-paced organization committed to creating shareholder value through developing and acquiring royalty revenue generating assets and coupling them to a lean corporate cost structure. To be successful at Ligand, employees must be innovative, efficient, versatile, self-starters who take great pride in their work and want to contribute to something significant.

Essential Role Responsibilities

• Chief Patent Counsel role
  • Provide support and advisory services including general commercial issues, securities regulation compliance, mergers and acquisitions, property, patents and copyright.
  • Conduct initial diligence and evaluation of IP portfolios associated with potential investment by Ligand.
  • Management of Ligand’s patent and trademark matters, including IP docket and task management (e.g. maintenance fee tracking).
  • Document preparation, including basic correspondence and communications with various patent and trademark offices & communication and correspondence with outside IP counsel.
  • Act as liaison with scientific and other department staff regarding the preparation of supporting documentation for patent applications and follow-on filings.

• Assistant General Counsel role
  • Ensure compliance with Company policies and procedures, county, state and federal regulations.
  • Assist management with litigation involving the Company.
  • Draft, review and approve contractual agreements as to legal form and substance.
  • Other duties/special projects as assigned by the Chief Legal Officer.
  • Advise senior management and business team members on various legal matters.

Requirements

• Law degree from accredited law school.
• Admitted to the bar and in good standing.
• Prefer undergraduate degree in relevant scientific discipline (e.g. biology, chemistry, life science, pharmaceutical or related sciences). 
• Five or more years industrial experience as a practicing corporate attorney in or serving the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors.
• Experience with intellectual property diligence in connection with potential M&A activity.
• Knowledge in pharmaceutical product patent law and intellectual property issues including significant experience in docketing intellectual property deadlines and/or processing intellectual property agreements.

Compensation

• Range, dependent on experience: $240,000 – $290,000 yearly.
• Annual incentive bonus
• Generous equity package

Benefits

The company offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, Short/Long term disability and life insurance, as well as 401(k) match, and paid time leave.  The position offers significant flexibility as to in-person, remote or hybrid working arrangements.

Additional Information 

• All new hires are required to go through a background and reference check
• Ligand is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets employer
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
• Ligand celebrates the diversity of life and welcomes all individuals to apply