Lead Counsel, IP & Commercial
Lead Counsel, IP & Commercial
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Job Description
Believer Meats is an innovative start-up revolutionizing the food industry through the development and commercialization of cultivated meat products. Leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology we aim to provide sustainable ethical and high-quality meat alternatives to consumers worldwide. As we prepare to bring our first product to market we are seeking a Legal Counsel Intellectual Property & Commercial to join our team in the greater Raleigh NC area or Chicago IL.
JOB SUMMARY
This is a global individual contributor role reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer. The role will serve as the companys intellectual property (IP) subject matter expert while also supporting broader legal needs including internal and external contracts commercial agreements and liaison with external counsel. Approximately 25% of the role will be focused on contracts and general legal matters. The ideal candidate brings deep IP expertise with the flexibility and curiosity to support a dynamic high-growth biotech organization in a hands-on cross-functional environment. This position requires both strategic insight and practical execution with high accountability for delivering legal solutions that support the companys innovation and business objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the lead IP counsel responsible for developing and executing the global intellectual property strategy including patents trademarks and trade secrets.
- Evaluate current patent portfolio and identify opportunities to strengthen IP protections aligned with the companys scientific and commercial priorities.
- Partner with R&D and other internal stakeholders to assess patentability freedom to operate and IP risk mitigation strategies.
- Draft file and manage patent applications with a focus on life sciences and biotechnology.
- Coordinate with and manage outside IP counsel on patent prosecution trademarks and potential disputes.
- Provide general legal support including drafting and reviewing commercial agreements NDAs vendor contracts and research collaborations.
- Act as a liaison with external legal counsel to manage workflows oversee legal budget allocation and ensure consistency in legal approaches.
- Contribute to legal support on transactions including M&A and strategic partnerships as needed.
- Provide timely practical and business-focused legal advice to internal stakeholders across jurisdictions.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admitted to practice law in at least one U.S. state
- 8 years of relevant legal experience including substantial work in IP law with a focus on patent prosecution and portfolio strategy.
- Demonstrated experience in life sciences biotechnology or related fields; familiarity with cultivated meat or alternative proteins is a strong plus.
- Experience supporting contract drafting and negotiations for R&D commercial and vendor agreements.
- Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues to non-legal stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage external counsel relationships effectively across geographies.
- Self-motivated adaptable and comfortable operating in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
EEO STATEMENT
Believer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to age race color genetic information marital status national origin disability religion sex sexual orientation gender identity veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by law with respect to recruitment hiring training promotion and other terms and conditions of employment.
We also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about accommodation during the application process or employment please contact HR ().
Required Experience:
Senior IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
