Managing Associate, Life Sciences (5+ PQE)

Mishcon de Reya; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in London seeks a Managing Associate with over 5 years PQE in life sciences. The role involves leading transactions, developing team members, and engaging with the tech ecosystem. Candidates should have excellent interpersonal skills, a passion for technology, and the ability to advise on complex matters. Competitive package and commitment to a diverse workplace are offered.

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 5 years PQE with excellent knowledge of life sciences.
• Experience in negotiating agreements for life sciences sector clients.
• Ability to provide informed advice and absorb complex information.

Responsibilities

• Develop junior team members and lead transactions.
• Advise clients on business needs related to life sciences.
• Engage with the tech ecosystem to foster growth.

Skills

Transactional commercial matters

Technology matters

Interpersonal skills

Teamworking skills

Client care

Education

5+ PQE in Life Sciences

Experience in natural sciences (desirable)

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Managing Associate, Life Sciences (5+ PQE), London

Client:

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: a9c8bf84d108

Job Views: 14

Posted: 12.08.2025

Expiry Date: 26.09.2025

Job Description:

Our life sciences and digital health practice reflects the full diversity of the sector, ranging from start-ups and venture-backed companies to MNCs, research organisations, grant funders, research parks, CROs, and technology consultancies.

Our clients' technologies include bioinformatics, cell and gene therapy, diagnostics and biomarkers, devices, digital health, AI, data, and agritech, as well as traditional small molecule drug development. We are excited by innovators and entrepreneurs who have a positive impact on the world and are motivated by making great things happen for them.

Situated within our Technology, Life Sciences, and Commercial division, within the wider Innovation department, the life sciences group advises on transactional, regulatory, patent strategy, and related commercial matters. We focus on licensing, partnering, R&D, joint ventures, and other commercialization transactions. This role supports all non-contentious areas within the group and works closely with our funding team on IP issues related to spin-outs and funding rounds. We are also involved in business development.

Our team includes lawyers with PhDs and science degrees, which, while not mandatory, are beneficial. They have a deep understanding of creating and developing technology businesses, enabling us to provide commercially and legally tailored advice.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Managing Associate, you will be a self-starter, motivated, and able to build relationships with clients and counterparties. You will help develop junior team members and lead transactions. You should be enthusiastic about contributing to the growth of the firmwide life sciences practice and engaging with the 'golden triangle' tech ecosystem.

You should have experience in transactional commercial and technology matters, with strong experience negotiating agreements for domestic and international clients in the life sciences sector. Experience working on contracts related to clinical trials, research collaborations, and partnerships with academia is also important.

You need to demonstrate a passion for technological advancement and its commercial application, along with the ability to advise clients on their business needs. Knowledge of life sciences is important, and you should be able to absorb complex information and provide pragmatic, informed advice.

Skills/Experience

• At least 5 years PQE with excellent knowledge of life sciences and sector awareness.
• Experience in transactional commercial and technology matters.
• Experience or training in natural sciences is desirable but not mandatory.
• A passion for technology and its commercial application in the biotech and pharma ecosystem.
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage a varied workload, and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Strong teamworking skills.
• High standards of client care and professionalism.
• Organizational and prioritization skills to meet demanding client needs.
• Personable, confident, and able to foster good relationships with colleagues, clients, and external organizations.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Hunger for business development activities, internally and externally.
• Commitment to self-development.

Please note that this job profile is not exhaustive and may include additional responsibilities as requested by your line manager.

About The Mishcon de Reya Group

The Group is an independent, international professional services firm with law at its core, employing over 1400 people and over 650 lawyers. It includes Mishcon de Reya LLP and several consultancy businesses that complement legal services.

Mishcon de Reya LLP is based in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The firm serves an international client base and provides cross-border, multi-jurisdictional advice across six core practice areas.

The Group includes consultancy businesses in London, Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong, as well as investments in legaltech companies and the Mishcon Academy, its internal learning platform.

In 2024, the Group announced its first strategic acquisition in the legal services market, Flex Legal, and a majority stake in Somos, a group actions management business.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, supporting flexible working arrangements.