Position Summary
The Counsel, Business Development Transactions Legal position provides legal counsel, guidance, and transactional support to Bristol Myers Squibb’s business development organization. Primary focus: legal counsel to Alliance Management for completed business development agreements (including licensing, collaboration, and strategic partnership arrangements), including post-execution contract support; advising on rights and obligations, governance, and compliance; and supporting dispute-related matters throughout the lifecycle of BMS alliances. Also drafts and negotiates agreements, amendments, and other complex agreements.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, amendments, consents, waivers, and termination notices.
- Provide legal counsel on agreement management, including interpretation of rights and obligations, governance, decision-making, compliance, and operational execution.
- Support transition of newly executed transactions to Alliance Management (knowledge transfer, contract summaries, governance setup).
- Identify, escalate, and resolve disputes and related disagreements in existing agreements, including pre-litigation counseling.
- Develop and deliver training programs, playbooks, and practical guidance for Alliance Management and cross-functional partnering teams.
- Oversee and manage relationships with external counsel to ensure high-quality, timely, and cost-effective support.
- Monitor developments in contract law, relevant regulations, and industry best practices to maintain compliance.
Qualifications & Experience
- J.D. degree and admission to a state bar.
- At least 5 years of legal experience focused on business development, licensing, collaboration, and/or corporate transactions.
- Solid understanding of the bio-pharmaceutical/life sciences industry.
- Strong contract interpretation, analytical, and drafting skills.
- Sound judgment and ability to identify when escalation is required.
- Experience supporting Alliance Management or post-execution contract management preferred.
- Ability to manage multiple alliance matters in a matrixed environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to partner effectively with Alliance Managers.
- High integrity and commitment to BMS values.
Application Instructions
- If you are interested but do not perfectly match the resume requirements, BMS encourages you to apply anyway.