Technical Advisor II Strategic Transactions (Life Sciences)

A law firm seeks an experienced Technical Advisor II for its Strategic Transactions team in New York. This role focuses on providing technical expertise in life sciences transactions, particularly in patent analysis, due diligence, and intellectual property issues in the context of mergers, acquisitions, and financing. The successful candidate will collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and other stakeholders to navigate complex life sciences intellectual property matters, from patent validity to freedom to operate analyses.

Duties:

• Draft and review communications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), including reexamination requests and inter partes review papers.
• Analyze technical and legal aspects of patents related to life sciences, including small molecule, peptide, antibody, gene therapy, cell therapy, and diagnostics.
• Conduct due diligence investigations of intellectual property for life sciences companies involved in private or public financing, mergers, and acquisitions. Report findings to senior attorneys.
• Supervise and coordinate paralegal teams and law librarians on matters related to the intellectual property chain of title, liens, and contested proceedings.
• Liaise with counterparties and their experts to gather and interpret complex technical information relevant to disputes and due diligence investigations.
• Review and analyze target companies' intellectual property disclosures and freedom to operate positions within transaction documents for factual accuracy and legal sufficiency.
• Prepare and revise validity and freedom to operate analyses, and report findings to senior attorneys.
• Draft legal opinions and memos on validity, infringement, and freedom to operate, revising them in collaboration with senior attorneys and clients.
• Mentor and train junior Technical Advisors.
• Develop legal and technical arguments related to disputes in the life sciences sector, including research, communication with scientific experts, and review of relevant technical literature.
• In some cases, assist in drafting briefs and expert declarations, working with senior attorneys and experts.
• Support strategic formulation of legal solutions for clients' transactional or operational objectives.
• Align legal and technical arguments in U.S. litigation with similar proceedings in international jurisdictions.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field, or foreign equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in life sciences patent analysis, including due diligence, validity, and freedom to operate analyses.
• Expertise in small molecule, peptide, antibody, gene therapy, cell therapy, and diagnostic assets.
• Experience assisting with intellectual property due diligence in M&A or financing transactions.
• Proficient in conducting searches related to chain of title, liens, and contested intellectual property matters.
• Passed the United States Patent and Trademark Office registration exam, with limited recognition status or registration to handle patent matters.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with scientific experts and clients.

Education:

• Ph.D. degree or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry, or related field.

Certifications:

• Passed the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office registration exam and holds the required status to handle patent matters in the U.S.

Skills:

• Advanced understanding of intellectual property issues in life sciences, including patent validity and infringement.
• Strong ability to draft legal documents, analyze technical issues, and communicate findings effectively.
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior team members.
• Expertise in due diligence processes for life sciences transactions.
• Proficient in reviewing patent disclosures and evaluating freedom-to-operate positions.
• Strong research skills and ability to engage with scientific literature and experts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Parental leave and family support programs.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.

This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a fast-paced, high-impact legal environment while working on complex life sciences transactions.

This law firm has an office in New York that provides legal services and advice on intellectual property matters, with a special focus on patent and other proprietary rights arising within the field of the Life Sciences. Attorneys provide high quality legal representation and creative solutions in bankruptcy and business restructuring, business and securities litigation, capital markets, finance, M&A, and white collar defense. The firm also specializes in health care, private equity, hedge funds, intellectual property, healthcare, and tax law. Clients include New York-based financial and business leaders. This office has a great atmosphere and offers competitive salaries. Pro bono work is also encouraged.