Senior Counsel – Pharma IP & Litigation

AstraZeneca GmbH; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca is seeking a Senior Counsel to lead IP litigation and high-stakes disputes from its Wilmington, Delaware office. The role supports US and global teams in BioPharmaceuticals and reports to the Deputy General Counsel.

Key duties include managing litigation budgets, coordinating with outside counsel, advising on contracts, and guiding risk management across product lifecycle. The ideal candidate has strong litigation experience in pharma and a track record of strategic partnership with

Qualifications

• Law degree and admission to the bar in at least one state.
• 5+ years in a corporate legal dept or major law firm, pharma preferred.
• Experience handling sophisticated IP disputes.
• Experience preparing pleadings, motions, and discovery in IP litigation.
• Ability to calibrate risk and enable clear decision-making.
• Strong communication, presentation skills under pressure.
• Willingness to work in a team with leadership within legal and business.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead IP litigations, contract disputes, and product liability matters.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and AstraZeneca stakeholders on strategy.
• Establish litigation budgets and monitor costs within budgets.
• Provide timely legal advice on commercial risks across therapy areas.
• Advise on contracts and strategic opportunities with customers/partners.
• Suggest mitigation strategies for fraud, market access, and compliance risks.
• Collaborate across the legal team and promote professional development.
• Demonstrate leadership and improve ways of working within teams.

Skills

IP litigation

Contract dispute mgmt

Legal strategy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Law degree and bar admission

Job description

AstraZeneca is seeking a Senior Counsel to lead IP litigation and high-stakes disputes from its Wilmington, Delaware office. The role supports US and global teams in BioPharmaceuticals and reports to the Deputy General Counsel.

Key duties include managing litigation budgets, coordinating with outside counsel, advising on contracts, and guiding risk management across product lifecycle. The ideal candidate has strong litigation experience in pharma and a track record of strategic partnership with