Senior Legal Counsel

Taylor Root; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist pharmaceutical company is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel – IP & Licensing to provide legal expertise on commercial contracts and IP matters. You will work in a hybrid environment, supporting business development across international markets. The ideal candidate is a UK-qualified lawyer with over 6 years of experience, particularly in the pharmaceuticals sector. This role offers flexibility and opportunities for meaningful impact on patient lives.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid/remote work

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative and innovative environment

Qualifications

• 6+ years PQE, with 4+ years in industry (pharmaceuticals preferred).
• Experience working with external counsel and managing multi-jurisdictional legal matters.
• Strong knowledge of IP law.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Lead on IP licensing and patent litigation.
• Provide legal advice balancing risk and commercial goals.

Skills

Cross-border licensing

Commercial law

Negotiation skills

Corporate law

Interpersonal skills

Education

UK-qualified lawyer

Job description

🔍 We're Hiring : Senior Legal Counsel – IP & Licensing

📍 Location : Hybrid / Remote (with occasional travel to our Leeds office)

🏢 Department : Legal

📣 Reports To : General Counsel

Are you a seasoned legal professional with a passion for intellectual property and licensing in the pharmaceutical space? Join a global organisation dedicated to delivering patient-centric medicines that make a real difference—especially for those with swallowing difficulties or requiring precise dosing alternatives.

About Us

We’re a specialist pharmaceutical company committed to innovation, quality, and inclusive healthcare. Operating internationally, we focus on developing and supplying tailored medicines that meet the needs of diverse patient populations.

The Role

As Senior Legal Counsel – IP & Licensing, you’ll be the go-to legal expert for commercial contracts, patent advice, and licensing matters across our business development and international sales teams. You’ll support operations in the US, Canada, and EMEA, helping shape our legal strategy and governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including in-licensing, out-licensing, and development contracts.
• Lead on IP licensing, patent litigation, and related legal matters.
• Collaborate with R&D and General Counsel to develop and implement IP strategy.
• Provide pragmatic legal advice across jurisdictions, balancing risk and commercial goals.
• Enhance legal governance, templates, and compliance processes.
• Deliver legal training and briefings on industry-relevant legislative changes.
• Promote legal and compliance best practices across the organisation.

What We’re Looking For

• UK-qualified lawyer with 6+ years PQE , including 4+ years in industry (pharmaceuticals preferred).
• Deep expertise in cross-border licensing , development, and distribution contracts.
• Strong knowledge of commercial, corporate, and IP law .
• Experience working with external counsel and managing multi-jurisdictional legal matters.
• Exposure to Private Equity environments is a plus.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven company making a tangible impact on patient lives.
• Work in a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive environment.
• Enjoy flexibility with a hybrid / remote setup and opportunities for professional growth.

📩 Ready to make a difference? Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation.