General Counsel

Overview

General Counsel - Hybrid

Rockville, MD

The Emmes Company, LLC ("Emmes") is a global, full-service Clinical Research Organization dedicated to excellence in supporting the advancement of public health and biopharmaceutical innovation. We believe in the power of truth, so much so that we named our company Emmes, which means truth. Through decades of experience we have learned that collaborative relationships thrive and human health benefits when truth is our compass.

Our "Character Achieves Results" culture is driven by five key values that guide our actions in the way we conduct research and distinguish us as an organization: Integrity, Agility, Passion for Excellence, Collaborative Partnerships and Intellectual Curiosity. We are a trusted partner to clients who share our passion for improving public health in a world of ever-changing scientific research.

If you share our motivations and passion in research, come join us! You will be joining a collaborative culture that empowers every Emmes employee - from entry level through top executive - to contribute to our clients' success by sharing ideas openly and honestly.

Primary Purpose

The General Counsel is the head of the Legal Department and is responsible for the legal affairs of the entire company. The role involves providing legal counsel to the board of directors, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and other senior management. The General Counsel must possess a strong initiative, as well as excellent management and leadership skills, and strong business acumen. Applies enterprise risk management solutions and mitigation strategies aligned with corporate objectives to optimize operational performance. Establishes strategic plans on operational matters in collaboration with senior leaders across the business and ensures effective achievement of objectives. Facilitates the overall control of staff planning, budgeting, and managing expense priorities. Interacts with executives, major clients, and government officials regularly.

Responsibilities

• Develops and leads corporate legal strategy to promote and protect the company's matters and assets.
• Develops, leads and supports internal audit and corporate compliance programs, including but not limited to data privacy and protection, federal government contracting compliance, etc.
• Oversees the delivery of legal services and contract support resources to accomplish corporate goals, strategies, and priorities.
• Maintains proper corporate interactions with relevant local, state and federal governmental bodies, customers, and partners.
• Advises the CEO and other senior corporate officers on a variety of issues.
• Participates in the formulation of general management policy as a member of the Operations Executive Management Team.
• Manages a team of corporate counsel, contracts managers and other members of the Contracts and Legal Department who are involved in the drafting, evaluating, negotiating and executing of a wide variety of different contracts covering a range of transactions.
• Oversees the maintenance of records for correspondence and documentation in relation to established contracts and those in progress.
• Communicates and presents information to stakeholders about all contract-related matters.
• Advises and supports Contracts and Legal Department staff on legal template language and clauses for negotiation positions.
• Monitors contracts status including close-outs, extensions or renewals according to company needs.
• Solves any legal- or contract-related problems that may arise with other parties and internally with the company itself.
• Provides guidance on one or more functions, including assignment of projects to staff, establishment of internal Legal Department budgets, and resource allocation within the Department.
• Ensures function successfully integrates work output or services with other internal departments.
• Reviews and trains staff to review government, commercial and nonprofit contracts and task orders, both domestic and international, and negotiates terms and conditions.
• Reviews and trains staff to review government, non-government, commercial and nonprofit RFPs and advises management on risks and non-routine obligations required.
• Works to resolve and advise staff on escalated issues with internal/external customers by providing sound business solutions that support contractual terms and conditions and company policies.
• Advises staff, senior management and project leads of contractual rights and obligations and provides interpretation of terms and conditions with recommendations to mitigate contractual risks.
• Manages, oversees and conducts interviews, recruiting and performance-based reviews for Legal Department staff.
• Serves as or assigns Legal Department representative for all corporate initiatives and committees requiring departmental or contractual input or representation.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• J.D. from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Member of a State Bar Association.
• 10+ years of experience with leadership in legal and contracts management, including overseeing large, complex government and commercial negotiations in the clinical trial industry.
• Management experience required.
• Experience with international clients.
• Experience clinical trials, especially in a CRO setting, preferred.
• Experience with Private Equity firms and professional services preferred.
• Experience with Employment Law preferred.
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements related to government and commercial contract negotiation, including but not limited to the FAR, DFAR, and other US government procurement regulations.

Emmes requires all US based Clinical Research Associate new hires to be fully vaccinated before their first day of employment. All new hires may also be required to comply with other COVID-19 health and safety protocols, such as masking or testing. Emmes complies with all applicable laws regarding reasonable accommodations or exemptions for religious, medical, or other legally protected reasons.

Why work at Emmes?

At Emmes, your actions and hard work will have a direct impact on public health initiatives, both globally and in our local communities with opportunities for volunteerism through our Emmes Cares community engagement program. We offer a competitive benefits package focused on the health and needs of our growing workforce, including:

• Flexible Approved Time Off

• Tuition Reimbursement

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Work From Home Anywhere in the US

• Maternal/Paternal Leave

• Casual Dress Code & Work Environment

CONNECT WITH US!

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The Emmes Company, LLC is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.