Senior Counsel, Litigation

Novo Nordisk A/S; Plainsboro Township (NJ); On-site; USD 152,000 - 267,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk Inc. in Plainsboro, NJ is seeking a seasoned Litigation Counsel to strategically manage assigned litigation and government investigations while guiding policy and regulatory strategy.

You will collaborate with the broader legal team, advise senior stakeholders, and stay ahead of evolving laws affecting the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring ethical leadership and robust risk management across the organization.

Qualifications

• J.D. with 6+ years of relevant litigation and/or government investigations.
• Admission in good standing to the Bar of at least one State, with ability to obtain NJ Bar in-house limited license.
• Healthcare/pharmaceutical industry experience preferred but not required.
• Strong problem-solving skills and initiative.
• Strong collaboration/interpersonal and cross-functional communication.
• Time management and ability to handle multiple projects.
• Strong analytical capabilities and ability to synthesize complex information.

Responsibilities

• Strategically manages assigned litigation and investigation matters and oversees budgets.
• Collaborates with other NNI legal teams and functional support groups to develop strategy and achieve objectives.
• Keeps informed of new laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting the company and pharmaceutical industry.
• Directly advises the Deputy General Counsel, Litigation on issues of legal importance and risk implications.
• Proactively identifies current and emerging risks and mitigations.
• Drives legal communication plans and strategy across functions/organizational lines.
• Upholds ethical behaviour and conduct at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned by senior management.

Skills

Litigation management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Time management

Analytical thinking

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Legal department is comprised of our Legal and Patents functions. We depend on our legal team to help drive growth and maintain the highest level of standards and practices across all of our legal efforts. It’s a tall order, which is why we only hire those who thrive on protecting the interests of our patients, employees and business, all while creating and implementing efficient and innovative solutions. As part of the team, you’ll work with employees across the organization to oversee legal matters and provide guidance on strategies that drive business and policy priorities and shape the reputation of Novo Nordisk Inc. (NNI). At Novo Nordisk, your skills, dedication and ambition will help us change lives for the better. In exchange, we’ll offer you an opportunity to work with extraordinary talent and benefit from a range of possibilities for professional and personal development. Are you ready to realize your potential?

Position

Strategically manages assigned litigation and investigation matters (commercial, false advertising, competition law, antitrust, consumer protection, government litigation, class action, contract, product liability, pharmaceutical pricing, False Claims Act, securities), government investigations, product complaints, and risk mitigation/reporting for Novo Nordisk Inc. Provides strategic support for similar matters for Novo Nordisk A/S and other Novo Nordisk affiliates where applicable. Provides legal counsel to stakeholders on relevant issues involving application of U.S. law, regulations, and industry standards.

Relationships

Reports to Deputy General Counsel, Litigation. Represents Novo Nordisk and serves as point of authority with outside law firms. Regularly collaborates with other attorneys, compliance professionals, and business and commercial stakeholders. May interact with government agencies, trade organizations and other external agencies.

Essential Functions

• Strategically manages assigned litigation and investigation matters (commercial, false advertising, competition law, antitrust, consumer protection, government litigation, class action, contract, product liability, pharmaceutical pricing, False Claims Act, securities), government investigations, product complaints, and risk mitigation/reporting. Oversees associated budgets and drives successful implementation of cost control initiatives
• Collaborates closely with other NNI legal department teams and functional support groups in providing advice and counsel to customer(s). Works closely with leadership from line of business in developing strategy and achieving objectives
• Keeps informed of new laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting the company and pharmaceutical industry, and assists with development of relevant policies and training
• Directly advises the Deputy General Counsel, Litigation on issues that have legal importance and/or risk implications
• Proactively identifies current and emerging risks and mitigating actions
• Helps drive legal communication plans and strategy implementation across functions/organizational lines
• High levels of ownership, accountability and pride by lawyers with respect to their work
• Upholding and modelling ethical behaviour and conduct at all times
• Performs other duties as assigned by senior management

Physical Requirements

0-10% overnight travel required. This position is in Plainsboro, NJ and required to work onsite.

Qualifications

• A J.D. with 6+ years of relevant litigation and/or government investigations required. In‑house experience preferred but not required
• Admission in good standing to the Bar of at least one State required, with ability to obtain NJ Bar in‑house limited license if not already admitted to NJ State Bar
• Experience within the healthcare/pharmaceutical industry or another highly regulated industry is preferred, but not required
• Strong problem‑solving skills - demonstrates and exercises creativity and initiative
• Strong collaboration/interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across all functions
• Strong written and verbal communications/presentations skills - able to effectively collaborate and communicate with and deliver presentations to client groups
• Effective time management skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and independently
• Strong analytical capabilities and ability to synthesize complex information into user‑friendly formats

The base compensation range for this position is $152K to $267K. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. Novo Nordisk offers long‑term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors.

Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flex‑able vacation policy, and parental leave policy.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long‑term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.