Senior Counsel, Patent Litigation

Genentech is hiring a Senior Counsel, Patent Litigation in Global Legal Pharma, based at Roche’s Genentech campus in South San Francisco, California. This role reports directly to the Senior Director of Global Patent Litigation. It is a high-impact role with significant visibility across the business, leading and supporting patent litigation matters globally, with an emphasis on US matters. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Manage and coordinate an active and varied caseload of litigations, appeals, and other adversarial proceedings while advising on substantive legal strategy with foresight and appropriate risk tolerance   
• We are looking for candidates specializing in patent litigations in the life sciences.  Experience with ANDA and/or biosimilar matters, both in court and at the PTAB, is preferred.  Additional experience with investigations, commercial contract disputes, product liability cases, and/or experience in an in-house setting is also preferred, but not required.
• Partnering closely with business clients and legal department colleagues to advise on strategic issues while using a practical and business-minded approach. 
• Developing strategies to avoid or resolve regional, national, and international disputes, including directly negotiating license agreements and settlements. 
• Counseling on multi-jurisdictional litigations or other proceedings, including coordinating with counterparts in the U.S. and around the world.
• Serving as a thought leader for the litigation group in one or more substantive areas.
• Contributing to cross-functional or departmental projects and teams.  
• Working effectively in teams and with a cross-section of stakeholders within the organization.  
• The successful candidate must be able to work closely and independently with internal domestic/international research & development, commercial, manufacturing, partnering, finance and tax units, among other business units.  
• This position requires being in the office three days a week when not away.  
• Business stakeholders and partners are based in both South San Francisco and Basel, Switzerland; working across cultures and time zones is essential to success. 

WHO YOU ARE

• Education & Legal Bar License: Must have an advanced law degree (i.e. JD) and must be currently licensed to practice law, in good standing, in at least one U.S. state, and must be registered or currently eligible as a Registered In-House Counsel in California.
• Experience:  Minimum 7-10+ years of experience in patent litigation, with significant experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences matters.  Trial experience required.
• Subject Matter Expertise:  Deep familiarity with US patent litigation practice.  Experience in coordinating complex, multi-jurisdictional patent litigation.
• Critical Competencies:  Strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills. Creative problem-solver with a business mindset. Knowledgeable and committed to deploying emerging AI-enabled technologies to increase productivity, speed and efficiency in litigation management.
  • Strategic Litigation Expert:
    • Demonstrated experience in resolving challenging legal issues and proven ability to deliver sound, clear, practical legal advice in a business setting. 
    • Superior negotiation skills.
    • Ability to approach complex problems with a creative mindset.
  • Influential Communicator:
    • Excellent judgment and interpersonal skills.
    • Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written.
    • Superior client-relations skills.
    • An awareness and ability to engage with others of diverse backgrounds.
  • Adaptive and Results-Oriented Performer:
    • Ability to prioritize and work with agility across multiple projects.
    • Ability to work both in a team and independently.
    • Aptitude and interest to learn the scientific/technical side of the business.
    • Comfortable with getting outside of one’s comfort zone and stepping into new areas of practice or business.

• Global Operating Model and Travel: Requires adaptability for possible early morning/late evening calls to accommodate global time zones and a willingness to undertake necessary domestic and international travel to ensure effective global support and alignment.
• Other:  A degree (undergraduate or graduate) in a biological science or chemistry preferred but not required.

Location

• This role is located at Roche’s Genentech campus in South San Francisco, California.
• Relocation benefits are not available for this position. 
• This role is NOT allowable for a remote working arrangement.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $203,800 to $378,400. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.  This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits