Legal Counsel - South Europe & Brazil

Position summary:

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking an international pharmaceutical lawyer to support its fast-growing business in the South Europe Brazil (SEB) Region, comprising France, Benelux, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Brazil. The position will support the cystic fibrosis and haematology (cell and gene therapy) disease areas.

The position is based at the SEB Regional HQ in Paris, France, and reports to the Head of Legal SEB/NEA. This is a hybrid role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provision of legal advice to the SEB Region, advising internal clients on a broad range of legal matters, Code issues, ethics rules and internal policies, understanding business drivers and articulating legal concepts simply and clearly;
• Advising and supporting existing and the launch of new pharmaceutical products, including on reimbursement strategy, medical affairs, commercial affairs, corporate communication, government affairs, real world evidence data generation, patient engagement activities and supply / distribution of medicinal products;
• Actively contributing to achieving internal client’s objectives and long-term strategic goals by effectively and efficiently managing risks and maximizing opportunities;
• Reviewing and approving commercial and medical activities and materials, e.g. relating to disease awareness, medical education, promotional activity, strategic plans;
• Drafting of legal agreements and supporting complex negotiations;
• Driving a culture of informed and balanced risk taking and designing and delivering client training on key legal issues;
• Driving and contributing to department and cross-functional governance and process improvement projects;
• Participating in other Legal & Compliance Department initiatives and effectively sharing information with regional and Global colleagues within the Department;
• Acting as a guardian of best corporate practices,
• Efficient and effective use of external counsel.
• Partner effectively with the broader Legal and Compliance (Business Integrity & Ethics) teams (based in France, the UK, US and internationally), and with internal clients as a trusted, reliable and strategic business partner.

Professional Competencies

• Qualified lawyer of proven experience in a law firm and/or in-house legal team;
• Experience of advising or working in the life sciences sector, preferably in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or medical device companies;
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and codes governing the pharmaceutical industry;
• Fluency in English and French. Other languages spoken in the Region are a big plus.

Personal Qualities

• Highest ethical standards and very good legal judgment;
• Solid working knowledge of the laws, regulations and industry standards applicable to the area of responsibility;
• Hands-on problem-solver with strong business acumen and common sense, who sees law as only one of many ways to find solutions and have the ability to question conventional approaches;
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, emotional intelligence and a service-oriented attitude;
• Ability to manage multiple matters and clients in parallel and provide clear, concise advice in a fast-paced work environment;
• Proactive self-starter with strong project management skills, dependable but can set boundaries;
• A person who strives to continuously learn and grow and help others do the same; and
• A team-player who actively works to maintain a trusting and safe work environment among all colleagues.

#hybrid

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com.