Job Summary
The Intellectual Property Transactions (IPT) Group at Ropes & Gray is seeking associates with 3-5 years of licensing and transactional experience to join our Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Boston, or New York offices. This position is designed for attorneys with a strong focus on life sciences, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, who are passionate about advising clients at the intersection of intellectual property, innovation, and business strategy.
We counsel a broad range of clients—from global pharmaceutical companies to emerging biotech startups to medical device leaders—as well as the private equity firms, venture capital funds, and strategic investors that finance and acquire them.
Responsibilities
Associates in this position will be expected to:
- Advise clients on complex transactions relating to intellectual property licenses and collaborations.
- Support strategic M&A, including big pharma-biotech acquisitions, NewCo formations, and carve-outs to establish new companies.
- Draft commercial agreements including manufacturing, supply and distribution, and other commercial arrangements in the life sciences and healthcare industries.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address legal and business challenges in a rapidly evolving sector, including issues relating to data rights, artificial intelligence, digital health, and regulatory compliance.
Required, Education, Experience and Abilities
- 3-5 years of relevant experience in intellectual property transactions, technology licensing, or related practice areas at a multi-office law firm, with a focus on life sciences, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or medical devices is required.
- Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex license agreements and other commercial agreements involving IP, technology, and data assets in the life sciences sector.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex legal and scientific concepts for clients in the life sciences industry.
- Proficiency using AI technologies responsibly and ethically.
- Excellent interpersonal and client service skills, with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and project management.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-volume environment and manage multiple priorities for sophisticated clients.
- J.D. degree from an accredited law school or equivalent; admission to practice in relevant jurisdiction(s) is required.
- Advanced scientific training (e.g., graduate degree in life sciences, chemistry, biomedical sciences, or engineering) and/or USPTO admission is preferred but not required.
Compensation
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Equal Opportunity Statement
Ropes & Gray is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity in all its employment practices and does not discriminate against any individual working at the firm, employee or applicant for employment, on grounds of race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, work authorization status, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, familial status, marital status, military or veteran status, retaliation, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.
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How to Apply
Submit cover letter, resume, and law school transcript.
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