Legal Counsel

Job Description

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

To support the Head - Legal in Legal function. Providing pro-active, value added and practical legal advice to the business under the direction of Head –Legal on commercial matters, including: (i) market access and pricing matters; (ii) distribution chain risks; (iii) local business development matters; (iv) regulatory and privacy matters; (v) the negotiation and drafting of material agreements; and (vi) working collaboratively with the AZ IP and AZ IP Litigation teams to support them on patent and patent litigation matters.

Handling legal issues as directed by Head-Legal such as :

• Drafting, Review, Negotiation and Finalization of business and commercial agreements/contracts/documents
• Managing and providing legal advice on IP litigations filed by or against the Company
• Managing and providing legal advice in connection with non-IP litigation/disputes (product liability, HR, Trade Association, parallel trade, counterfeiting, commercial matters) initiated by or against AZ; and (ii) any significant internal investigations and all external investigations, including “dawn-raids” (e.g. Competition, Regulatory, Privacy or Tax Authorities) as well as assisting the business in developing / implementing appropriate SOPs to effectively manage such investigations.
• Working with external counsel on specific assigned cases for which jobholder has full responsibility, stringent management of external counsel’s fees on such matters.
• Continuous Training to internal Stakeholders on relevant legal and compliance matters

Internal Key Customers : Compliance, Finance, Regulatory, Operations, HR, Sales & Marketing and other departments as and when required- Local and Regional level

External Customer : External Legal Counsels, government authorities, other Statutory bodies as may be relevant from time to time.

Key Result areas/ outputs

Legal :

• In-depth familiarity with legislations and regulations applicable to a pharmaceutical company especially in areas of Corporate, Commercial, competition and Intellectual Property law
• Assist in the ongoing litigation involving the company and pro-actively manage external counsel in this connection
• Independently draft, vet or review agreements particularly in areas of Commercial and Operations
• Adequate knowledge to ensure a system of effective document management for the legal department.
• Liaise with external counsel as needed for legal matters pertaining to the company, demonstrating good matter management and careful cost control
• Proactively analyse case law developments and changes in legal regulations and highlight their impact on the Company
• Play an active role in day to day activities of the legal function, including development and implementation of local legal systems, processes and trainings.

Others :

• Co-ordination with Advocates on Court matters.
• Represent the Company before the Court/Authorities.
• To provide service/support to internal customers: i) Trademark activities ii) Agreements / POAs etc.

Assist the Head - Legal in other legal matters and such other assignments and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• A qualified LL.B. with at least 10 – 15 years’ experience in Legal area, preferably having worked in a MNC and a listed Company.
• Good working knowledge on legislations and regulations encompassing areas of Corporate, Commercial, IP (primarily patents), Litigation and exposure to Pharma industry would be an advantage.
• Knowledge in handling litigation matters.
• Ability to interact and influence cross functionally and deliver end results.
• Proficient in oral and written communication.

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.