Senior/Principal Associate - Life Sciences - Oxford

What does the role involve? 

We are looking for a senior commercial solicitor to be based in Oxford, to undertake a wide range of work for our life sciences clients and other technology-based clients. Our life sciences team is one of the largest specialist sector practices in the UK and advises businesses ranging from start-ups and fast growing developing businesses to large multinationals (e.g. global pharma and medtech organisations), as well as universities, research institutes, medical research charities and government organisations. We advise life sciences businesses across the full sector spectrum, including in relation to biotech, biopharma and vaccines, medical devices and diagnostics, tech bio and agbiotech. The work will include advising on: 

• IP licensing and partnering transactions 
• clinical trial arrangements 
• research collaborations 
• promotional arrangements 
• other commercial contracts (including supply and manufacturing transactions) 
• IP advisory and protection 
• regulatory issues in life sciences 
• data protection 
• due diligence for corporate and broader commercial transactions relating to life sciences. 

As part of our top-ranked team, you will be working with our head of life sciences James Fry, as well as other members of our large and friendly commercial IP and IT team. 

Why should I apply? 

You will be joining a fast growing life sciences team, working with some of the most exciting life sciences businesses. 

What experience is required? 

You will have 5+ years post qualification experience gained in a large regional or City firm, or in-house. You will have good technical skills in commercial law and proven experience with life sciences businesses. You will be an enthusiastic and commercially-minded lawyer prepared to turn your hand to a wide range of work. 

What skills and attributes would I need? 

• Excellent written English and a keen eye for detail 
• Excellent technical ability and the flexibility to apply legal and commercial skills to a diverse range of contracts and arrangements 
• Ability to build relationships with clients, potential clients and multipliers, providing outstanding client service with good listening, negotiating and questioning skills 
• Good time and paper management skills 
• Self-starting, with common-sense and initiative with an enthusiasm to work as part of a team in line with the firm's values 
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills, including ability to work with others, influence, persuade 
• Good research skills and IT skills, including an ability to use online information sources 
• An interest in commercial law and how it impacts on relationships between life sciences businesses 
• A thirst to understand what makes life sciences businesses work and an ability to ask the right questions about what clients are trying to achieve from their commercial relationships 
• An ability to understand the environment that clients work in and to deliver advice that advises 
• An ability to assimilate a lot of information quickly and focus on the key issues 

Pre-employment screening 

Please note that, in the event that we make an offer for a role, we will conduct pre-employment screening that includes, but is not limited to, a basic DBS check, right to work check, any disciplinary history recorded with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role.  A full policy of the screening the firm undertakes is available on request.

Disclosure and barring service check and security clearance 

This post is also subject to a satisfactory response from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (to check for any previous criminal convictions and cautions) and, given the nature of the work-type, you may also be required to undergo national security vetting to SC level – the latter can be undertaken following commencement of employment. 

And finally 

Mills & Reeve is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment in which all our people can thrive. We hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our firm stronger, and we have a collaborative culture that celebrates different perspectives and values respect for one another, working together, and openness and integrity. Our approach to flexible working means that we work in a way that achieves the right balance for our people, our clients and for our business.