Senior Legal Counsel

About the Role

Novotech is seeking an experienced and commercially minded lawyer to join its global Legal team as Senior Legal Counsel.

This is a broad in-house role supporting Novotech’s US operations operations across commercial contracting, corporate matters, employment, compliance, privacy and strategic initiatives. You will work closely with business leaders to enable growth, manage risk and deliver practical legal solutions that support business objectives.

As a trusted adviser, you will combine strong legal expertise with sound commercial judgement, helping stakeholders make informed decisions in a fast-paced, global environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of a wide range of commercial agreements, including customer, vendor, consulting, confidentiality and partnership contracts.
• Provide practical, risk-based legal advice across commercial, corporate, employment, privacy, compliance and operational matters.
• Partner with Business Development, Clinical Operations and other functions to identify and manage legal and contractual risks.
• Support disputes, investigations, regulatory matters and employment issues, including the management of external counsel where required.
• Support acquisitions, strategic transactions and due diligence projects, including post-acquisition integration activities.
• Assist in the development and continuous improvement of legal, compliance and risk management frameworks.
• Advise on privacy and data protection requirements across relevant jurisdictions.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and deliver commercially focused, solution-oriented advice.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the global Legal team to ensure consistent, high-quality legal support.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified lawyer admitted to practise in a relevant jurisdiction in the US.
• Approximately 12–16 years’ post-qualification experience gained in private practice, in-house, or a combination of both.
• Strong experience in complex commercial contracting and negotiation. 
• Experience supporting multinational organisations and cross-border business activities.
• Experience in life sciences, CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or healthcare sectors.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong commercial judgement and a pragmatic approach to risk management.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively with senior leaders and business partners.
• Practical, solutions-focused mindset with a balance of legal rigour and commercial awareness.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a dynamic, global environment.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.
• Competent leveraging technology and legal operations tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Salary Band – Senior Legal Counsel: $140,000 to $170,000 USD – Salary offered will be based on candidates experience level.

Find out more about working at Novotech at: www.novotech-cro.com/careers

Novotech is proud to offer a great workplace. We are committed to being an employer of choice for gender equality and providing an inclusive work environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.  

Our team members are passionate about what we do, but we understand work is only of the things that is important to them. We support our team members with flexible working options, paid parental leave for both parents, flexible leave entitlements, wellness programs and ongoing development programs. 

We are looking for people who are passionate about working clinical research and biotech, including people who identify as LGBTIQ+, have a disability or have caring responsibilities. 

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every application. We look forward to contacting you regarding your application.