Technology Transactions – Life Sciences Transactions + Licensing Associate Attorney

Morrison Foerster; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Parental leave

HSA/FSA

401(k)

Wellness program

Flexible time off

Bar dues coverage

Pro bono support

Matching gifts

Job summary

Morrison Foerster seeks a qualified Life Sciences Transactions attorney in San Diego who will work within our Technology Transactions Group and Life Sciences + Licensing practice. You will advise on licensing, collaborations, manufacturing and supply agreements, and strategic partnerships for a broad client base, from startups to global companies.

The role offers exposure to cross-border deals and collaboration with top-tier lawyers across IP, corporate, regulatory, and litigation disciplines.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and CA license to practice in California.
• 3–6 years of relevant experience at a top law firm or in-house legal department with life sciences focus.
• Experience with life sciences regulatory, business issues; interest in agriculture/food is a plus.
• Superior drafting, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and clients with high responsiveness and attention to detail.
• Undergrad or advanced degree in biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy, business, or similar areas preferred but not required.

Skills

Drafting

Analytical

Negotiation

Communication

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Overview

MoFo is a destination law firm for talented, ambitious attorneys who value collaboration, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. We are known around the world not only for delivering innovative yet practical client service but also for serving as an incubator for our top-notch talent.

MoFo consistently receives top-tier rankings from leading directories and publications, speaking to our legal capabilities, dedication to creating an inclusive workplace, and commitment to our communities.

Our Technology Transactions Practice Group

As part of MoFo's preeminent Technology Transactions Group, MoFo's market-leading Life Sciences Transactions + Licensing team advises clients at every stage of product and company lifecycle - from discovery and development through commercialization and exit. We represent a broad spectrum of industry participants, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, medical device and diagnostic innovators, agricultural and plant biotechnology companies, food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, research institutions, investors, and digital health companies.

MoFo's Life Sciences Transactions + Licensing team advises clients with respect to a wide range of areas including the following:

• License agreements
• Collaboration, research, and development agreements
• University and research institution licensing transactions
• Patent licensing and commercialization agreements and strategies
• Plant trait, germplasm, and agricultural technology licensing and development agreements
• Distribution, supply, commercialization, and manufacturing transactions
• Plant trait, germplasm, and agricultural technology licensing and development agreements
• Clinical trial arrangements including contract research, development, and manufacturing transactions
• Intellectual property management and audits
• Risk mitigation strategy in connection with licensing intellectual property
• Supporting corporate transactions (e.g., venture financings, M&A, joint ventures) by conducting IP and commercial contract due diligence, and preparing and reviewing key transaction documents
• Interfacing with clients, in-house counsel, and counterparties in a fast-paced, deal-driven environment
• Collaborating across practice areas (e.g. corporate, IP, regulatory, litigation) on multidisciplinary matters

Joining MoFo's Technology Transactions Group and Life Sciences + Licensing practice means working at the forefront of the industry on deals that drive innovation in biotech, pharma, medtech, digital health, agriculture, and food. You'll gain hands-on experience with high-impact transactions - including licensing, collaborations, manufacturing and supply agreements, and strategic partnerships - from a broad range of clients, from early-stage emerging growth companies to global public companies. Our practice offers unmatched exposure to complex, cross-border work and close collaboration with top-tier lawyers across IP, corporate, regulatory, and litigation disciplines. We're a collegial, mentorship-driven team, committed to your growth and success. Learn more about the team and the work you can do at https://www.mofo.com/capabilities/technology-transactions.

Who You Are

• You have a J.D. from an accredited law school and are licensed to practice in California.
• You have 3-6 years of relevant experience at a top law firm or in-house legal department, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked extensively in the life sciences.
• You have experience with the legal, regulatory, and business issues unique to the life sciences sector. Experience with, or a strong interest in, transactions in agriculture (including plant biotechnology) and food (including CPG) is a plus.
• You have superior drafting, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• You have demonstrated an ability to manage multiple matters and clients simultaneously with a high level of responsiveness and attention to detail.
• An undergraduate or advanced degree in the biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy, business, or similar areas is preferred but not required.

Own Your MoFo Career

MoFo empowers its lawyers at every level to take ownership of their careers and is transparent about what it takes to succeed and advance at the firm. The firm's commitment to our attorneys' growth extends throughout their careers.

• MyMoFo, a best-in-class and transparent framework for success, provides associates with clear and consistent expectations at every experience level.
• MoFo Navigate, our mentoring and sponsorship programs, takes a holistic approach to professional growth. By encouraging collaboration and leveraging insight across departments and geography, and over the course of each attorney's career, MoFo Navigate creates a support system dynamic enough to respond to the changing needs of all of our attorneys as they grow and develop.
• MoFo NEXT, our dedicated Center for Career Advancement, offers services such as career visioning, crafting communication materials, executive presence resources, interview techniques, and networking skills.
  

What We Offer

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options, backup child and elder care, and more.
• Tax free health accounts: HSA and FSA.
• 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plans.
• Global wellness program, including free access to health care advocates, Employee Assistance Program, Talkspace, and Calm apps.
• Flex Time Away and reduced schedule arrangements.
• Paid annual fees for primary state bar registration, and up to two professional associations. Additional bar memberships may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
• Dedicated in-house pro bono counsel to assist with identifying pro bono organizations and matters to work with.
• Matching gift programs for law school and charitable organization donations.

Inquiries

For questions regarding this position, please contact Aidan Hussin Attorney Recruiting Manager.

Morrison Foerster accepts applications for this position on an ongoing basis, until filled.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances.

Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, health/welfare benefits (including parental, adoption, and fertility benefits), flexible time off, and paid holidays. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience (including class year); and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications.

San Diego, CA annual salary range: $260,000 to $365,000