Corporate Associate Attorney (Licensing)

Job Description Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate Attorney (Licensing) to join a leading Am Law 100 firm in its San Diego, San Francisco or Boston office.This is an outstanding opportunity for an associate attorney interested in sophisticated licensing, commercial contracting, and technology transactions within the life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and software sectors.About the RoleThe Licensing & Technology Transactions team works closely with cutting-edge companies developing groundbreaking technologies and therapeutics. As a Corporate Associate Attorney, you will draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements, support strategic corporate transactions, and advise clients on intellectual property, regulatory considerations, and deal structures across all stages of the product and company lifecycle.This role offers substantial client contact, the ability to interact with scientists and business leaders, and meaningful responsibility on impactful transactions.What You'll DoDraft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including:Licensing, collaboration, development, and research agreementsClinical trial, manufacturing, supply, and service agreementsPatent license agreements and IP assignmentsMaterial transfer agreements, NDAs, and distribution agreementsStrategic alliance and commercialization arrangementsAdvise clients on contract interpretation, risk assessment, and compliance issuesConduct due diligence on IP assets and contractual obligations in corporate transactionsReview high-volume commercial documents such as confidentiality agreements and terms and conditionsCollaborate with scientists, executives, and cross-functional business teams to align legal strategies with operational and commercial goalsStay current on regulatory and legal developments affecting life sciences and technology transactionsWhat We're Looking ForA highly skilled Associate Attorney with 3+ years of experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts for life sciences or technology clientsStrong understanding of intellectual property issues, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrightsExperience with software licensing, SaaS agreements, and technology transactions preferredFamiliarity with data privacy considerations and emerging issues involving AIExcellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain exceptional attention to detailA collaborative mindset and professionalism when working with clients, colleagues, and cross-disciplinary teamsQualificationsJD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law schoolAdmission to practice in California (or eligibility to sit for/admit via reciprocity)Background in biology, immunology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field strongly preferredExperience supporting biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, digital health, or related technology clientsCompensation & BenefitsThe annualized salary range for this Associate Attorney position is $260,000 – $310,000, depending on experience and other permitted job-related factors. Attorneys are bonus-eligible and receive access to a comprehensive benefits package.