Director, Associate General Counsel - Corporate

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director, Associate General Counsel - Corporate is a key member of the Legal Team who assists the Chief Legal Officer in all aspects of managing the Company’s legal affairs. The role requires significant interaction with senior leadership, providing advice on a variety of legal issues, and providing solutions to advance business imperatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advises on a broad range of securities laws and corporate governance matters.
• Assists in the preparation and review of securities filings (annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements, registration statements and Section 16 filings).
• Assists in the administration of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley, Nasdaq regulations, SEC regulations (e.g., insider trading, and Reg. FD) and other regulations applicable to public companies.
• Assists in preparing Board of Directors and committee meeting materials covering topics such as financial reviews, corporate governance and strategic transactions.
• Assists with equity and financing transactions.
• Advises on securities matters relating to corporate and strategic transactions.
• Provides support to finance and stock plan administration functions.
• Develops strong working relationships and trust with key members of business functional groups or business units.
• Works closely with non-attorney staff.
• Works under general direction and keeps manager informed as projects proceed.
• Assists in the development of appropriate training materials and helps conduct training sessions for client groups on topics of interest.
• Effectively manage outside counsel and manage to budget.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts in partnership with key stakeholders and external parties (including outside counsel) as necessary, advising the business on any legal issues and collaborating with other relevant functions on legal and business risks generally
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and training to support and facilitate compliant and efficient contract review, approval, and archiving.
• Provide cross-functional Legal support to the business and bridge critical connections within the organization to solve complex problems and develop new ideas
• Uphold and consistently demonstrate ARS Pharma's Core Values
• Assist Chief Legal Officer with ad hoc Legal/Compliance projects, as needed
• Advise on employment law matters. Work with Human Resources and other stakeholders to provide counsel regarding non-competition matters, employment claims, and internal questions regarding application of employment laws
• Provide legal support on investor relations and corporate communications matters (i.e., provide review of press releases)
• May advise on litigation matters, including pre-litigation claims and alternative dispute resolution matters
• Under the direction of the Chief Legal Officer, lead departmental or cross-functional projects which may include department budget management, legal technology, or corporate operations process enhancements
• Other duties as assigned

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctor degree or equivalent required
• Admitted to practice law in California (member in good standing of CA State Bar or another acceptable jurisdiction)
• Minimum of 5+ years of legal experience required, preferably within a national law firm supporting clients within the life sciences industry, or as an in-house attorney with a pharmaceutical/biotech/med device company

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong securities and corporate governance experience and experience with SEC filings including 10-K, 10-Qs, Proxy Statement, 8-Ks, Section 16 reporting (Forms 3, 4 and 5), and NASDAQ compliance is required.
• Understanding of the Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology industry regulatory environment and has working knowledge of applicable laws and regulations (Anti-Kickback statute, Stark Law, FCPA, False Claims Act, FDA rules) is preferred
• Experience preparing/reviewing complex agreements and experience in a commercial contracting role, with understanding of key contract provisions across various commercial functions and experience with contract lifecycle in the Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Medical Device or Diagnostic industry
• Exercises excellent professional judgment
• Excellent legal drafting skills with attention to detail.
• Strong presence and the ability to work effectively within a team and with other business functions, external auditors, outside counsel and senior-level executives.
• Is highly responsive and works with a sense of urgency to support business functions in achieving business objectives while limiting risks. Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to form and maintain productive partnerships.
• Ability to make effective and credible presentations to employees in company’s business groups at all levels on legal issues facing such business groups. Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.
• Ability to inspire trust and confidence through effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Adaptable and able to plan and manage projects from conception to completion in a dynamic environment with independent follow-through. Ability to efficiently manage and oversee both large and small-scale projects in a timely manner.
• Ability to be proactive, anticipate the needs of clients and managers, exercise independent judgment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to focus on critical priorities with little or no supervision.
• Strong work ethic and ability to produce high quality work under deadline pressures.
• Demonstrates excellent leadership skills and emotional intelligence
• Possesses excellent organizational skills
• Strong understanding of financial statements
• Preserves confidentiality and sensitive information
• Good working knowledge of and/or skill using electronic systems, including the MS Office Suite, legal/document management systems, and online platforms