Senior IP Strategy Counsel – Pharma

BioSpace; North Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie's in‑house team seeks an Associate General Counsel for the IP Strategy group, based in North Chicago, IL with a hybrid work model (on site 3+ days/week). The role supports AbbVie’s pharmaceutical products and collaborates with scientists to maximize intellectual property value.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of patent law experience, a JD, and USPTO registration, with strong analytical, communication, and project management skills. International patent experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited law school and USPTO registration.
• Bar admission enabling in-house practice (specific state not required).
• 10+ years of patent law experience.
• Technical background relevant for pharmaceutical patent prosecution (e.g., molecular biology, chemistry, biotech).
• Strong legal, analytical, communication, collaboration, and people skills.

Responsibilities

• Generate and implement intellectual property strategies across therapeutic areas and technologies.
• Partner with IP Prosecution to draft, file, and prosecute patent applications worldwide.
• Work directly with scientists to generate novel IP maximizing AbbVie’s competitive position.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to cross‑functional R&D and business teams on IP matters.
• Challenge and defend patents in IPR, opposition, interference, and post‑grant proceedings.

Skills

Patent law experience

Legal analysis

Communication skills

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Bar admission enabling in-house practice

USPTO registration

Tools

USPTO registration

Job description

AbbVie's in‑house team seeks an Associate General Counsel for the IP Strategy group, based in North Chicago, IL with a hybrid work model (on site 3+ days/week). The role supports AbbVie’s pharmaceutical products and collaborates with scientists to maximize intellectual property value.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of patent law experience, a JD, and USPTO registration, with strong analytical, communication, and project management skills. International patent experience is a plus.