Associate Counsel

Company: PAREXEL
Location: Durham
Posted on: September 10, 2020

Job Description:

Job Description: Home Based in NC or Office Based in Durham, NC The Attorney/Associate Counsel is primarily responsible and accountable for independently drafting and negotiating a variety of commercial contracts, with an emphasis on revenue-generating contracts with our customers. The successful candidate will have frequent interactions with internal stakeholders across multiple business units and functional groups and will be responsible for ensuring that all contracting processes are followed, including obtaining and documenting all approvals required in connection with each contract. In addition to the drafting and negotiation of customer-facing commercial contracts, the Associate Counsel will also draft, negotiate and close a variety of vendor contracts and other agreements relating to the Company's operations. The ideal candidate will have deep contracting expertise, substantial experience supporting global clinical trials, first-rate legal and business acumen, excellent leadership and customer service skills, and a positive "can-do" attitude. The ability to understand risks, balance competing interests, and provide rapid, practical and appropriate legal advice to the Company's strategic business units (SBUs) and functional units is critical to success for this position. The Associate Counsel will participate in and contribute to the on-going review and improvement of relevant processes, guidelines and procedures relating to the Company's operations. The work requires cross-functional and cross-SBU collaboration within the Company. This is a client-facing position. It is expected that the Associate Counsel will establish productive relationships with our internal and external clients and business partners and foster a client-focused approach with respect to the performance of all Legal & Risk Management responsibilities. Key Accountabilities * Assume leadership role in the negotiation, drafting and review of certain commercial contracts - world-wide scope - and assist senior attorneys on critical negotiations as needed. * Establish strong, collaborative relationships with team members responsible for commercial contracting, including Business Development, Strategic Business Units, Clinical Operations, Business Operations and Finance. * Ensure that the contracting process results in high-quality contracts that are completed in a quick and efficient manner. * Ensure that the contracting process generates client goodwill that can be used as the foundation for long-term, collaborative relationships. * Work closely with other members of the Legal & Risk Management department and provide training and mentorship to certain members of the team. * Support the Company's ethics and compliance activities. * Manage risks through practical, business-oriented counseling and the application of Company policies, processes, guidelines and procedures. * Maintain a positive, "results-oriented" work environment, building partnerships and modeling teamwork. * Communicate in an open, balanced and effective manner. * Ensure contractual documents are processed and appropriately maintained in relevant systems. QualificationsMinimum Work Experience * Strong professional experience as an attorney, minimum 5+ years law firm training (large multi-national law firm preferred) , and/or 5+ years in-house experience negotiating commercial contracts for a global corporation (preference for life sciences or technology). Skills * Ability to analyze complex business and legal issues/risks in order to advance practical solutions. * Exceptional legal drafting skills with an affinity for using language to achieve compromise. * Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to take a business and client-focused approach to work. * Process-oriented and proactive approach to contract drafting and negotiation. * Able to engage team members in order to improve performance and achieve objectives. * Initiative, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness. * Independent worker and self-starter. * Ability to manage and prioritize multiple and varied negotiations with enthusiasm and attention to detail. * Possess financial and business acumen. * Ability to establish project management plans with internal and external stakeholders and drive negotiations in accordance with aggressive timelines. Education * JD and Bar Admission (or foreign equivalent) required Minimum Work Experience --- Strong professional experience as an attorney, minimum 5+ years law firm training (large multi-national law firm preferred) , and/or 5+ years in-house experience negotiating commercial contracts for a global corporation (preference for life sciences or technology).EEO DisclaimerParexel is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, which in the US includes race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Keywords: PAREXEL, Durham , Associate Counsel, Other , Durham, North Carolina