Corporate Associate Attorney (Licensing)

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate Attorney (Licensing) to join a leading Am Law 100 firm in its San Diego office.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an associate attorney interested in sophisticated licensing, commercial contracting, and technology transactions within the life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and software sectors.

About the Role

The Licensing & Technology Transactions team works closely with cutting-edge companies developing groundbreaking technologies and therapeutics. As a Corporate Associate Attorney, you will draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements, support strategic corporate transactions, and advise clients on intellectual property, regulatory considerations, and deal structures across all stages of the product and company lifecycle.

This role offers substantial client contact, the ability to interact with scientists and business leaders, and meaningful responsibility on impactful transactions.

What You’ll Do

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including:

  • Licensing, collaboration, development, and research agreements

  • Clinical trial, manufacturing, supply, and service agreements

  • Patent license agreements and IP assignments

  • Material transfer agreements, NDAs, and distribution agreements

  • Strategic alliance and commercialization arrangements

• Advise clients on contract interpretation, risk assessment, and compliance issues

• Conduct due diligence on IP assets and contractual obligations in corporate transactions

• Review high-volume commercial documents such as confidentiality agreements and terms and conditions

• Collaborate with scientists, executives, and cross-functional business teams to align legal strategies with operational and commercial goals

• Stay current on regulatory and legal developments affecting life sciences and technology transactions

What We’re Looking For

• A highly skilled Associate Attorney with 3 years of experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts for life sciences or technology clients

• Strong understanding of intellectual property issues, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights

• Experience with software licensing, SaaS agreements, and technology transactions preferred

• Familiarity with data privacy considerations and emerging issues involving AI

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain exceptional attention to detail

• A collaborative mindset and professionalism when working with clients, colleagues, and cross-disciplinary teams

Qualifications

• JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school

• Admission to practice in California (or eligibility to sit for/admit via reciprocity)

• Background in biology, immunology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field strongly preferred

• Experience supporting biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, digital health, or related technology clients

Compensation & Benefits

The annualized salary range for this Associate Attorney position is $260,000 – $310,000, depending on experience and other permitted job-related factors. Attorneys are bonus-eligible and receive access to a comprehensive benefits package.