I.P. - Technology Transactions (Life Sciences) Associate

Fenwick & West; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 235,000 - 310,000; Full time

Job summary

Fenwick & West is seeking associates with 2–4 years of experience in licensing and collaboration transactions within life sciences tech. The ideal candidate will represent biotechs and big pharma in patent licensing and collaborations to advance therapeutics, diagnostics, and digital health technologies through clinical trials and toward FDA approval.

Experience with AI-native biotech companies—integrating AI/ML into drug discovery or diagnostics—adds value.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years licensing/collaboration transactions experience.
• Experience representing biotechs and big pharma in patent licensing and collaborations.
• Bar admission in the state of office or eligibility to sit/waive into next bar exam.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate standalone commercial transactions in life sciences technology.
• Advise founders and clients on deal strategy and structure.
• Draft and review licensing and collaboration agreements; coordinate with patent and regulatory teams.

Skills

Licensing transactions

Biotech/pharma deals

AI in biotech

Negotiation

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Job Description Summary

Fenwick & West handles complex, innovative technology transactions for some of the most prominent life sciences and technology companies in the United States and abroad. Our technology transactions group also works closely with our corporate group, which is consistently ranked as one of the top Startup & Venture Capital, IPO and M&A practices in the United States, as well as our leading life sciences patent prosecution practice.

Job Description

We are currently seeking associates with two (2) to four (4) years of licensing / collaboration and commercial partnering transactions experience for our growing life sciences technology transactions practice. The ideal candidate will have substantial law firm experience representing biotechs and big pharmas as they license patents and collaborate to advance novel therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostic and digital health technologies through clinical trials and toward regulatory (FDA) approval.

Experience working with AI-native or AI-driven biotechnology companies - particularly those integrating artificial intelligence or machine learning into drug discovery, diagnostics, or life sciences R&D is a plus.

This is an ideal position for candidates seeking to work closely with founders developing cutting edge technologies and negotiate complex standalone commercial transactions that transform both the technologies and participants. The position also suits those desiring both life sciences and broader tech exposure. Superior academic credentials, excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills required.

We require that the candidate must be barred in the state of the office they are submitting their application for or are eligible to sit/waive into the next bar exam.

Benefits And Compensation Details

At Fenwick, we believe that our partners and employees are our most important asset. Helping you and your families achieve and maintain good health - physical, emotional, and financial - is the reason we offer a comprehensive benefit program. We provide benefits to eligible employees under plans such as Healthcare, Life Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Wellbeing. Except as otherwise required by law, temporary employees are generally not entitled to these benefits.

The Anticipated Range For This Position Is

$235,000 - $310,000

Depending on the role, the actual base salary offered may depend upon a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

A discretionary bonus for eligible employees may also be available based on performance. Additional information about employee eligibility for benefits and discretionary bonus will be made available upon request.