Paralegal

Overview

Ready to join a team committed to developing and commercializing gene therapies for patients and families devastated by rare neurological genetic diseases? AveXis is advancing cutting-edge science, starting with our proprietary gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We are in the midst of an incredible journey and are looking for passionate individuals to join us on this important mission.

AveXis, a Novartis company, is dedicated to developing and commercializing novel treatments for patients suffering from rare and life-threatening neurological genetic diseases. Our initial product is a proprietary gene therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pediatric patients with SMA. In addition to developing a treatment for SMA, AveXis also plans to develop other novel treatments for rare neurological diseases, including Rett syndrome and a genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene.

In close coordination with the Senior Paralegal and the entire legal team, the Paralegal applies knowledge of legal concepts to support the legal department and businesses on a variety of legal, regulatory and compliance matters.

Responsibilities

• Works independently and supports the Senior Paralegal on a variety of legal matters, including negotiation with outside/opposing counsel and resolution of legal issues (e.g. Confidential Disclosure Agreements, Consulting Agreements, Master Service Agreements, Supply Agreements).
• Effectively and regularly supports the Senior Paralegal in communicating with legal counsel, staff and business to understand goals and achieve objectives.
• Works in coordination with the Senior Paralegal on legal issues.
• Supports the Senior Paralegal in researching legal issues and relevant topics relating to business operations. Investigates facts and applicable law and searches pertinent sources.
• Represents Company externally to customers, vendors, opposing counsel and government agencies and supports the Senior Paralegal in resolving legal issues using negotiation and legal experience.
• Represents Legal Department internally to Company staff and timely meets their legal support needs.
• Demonstrates independent judgment and critical thinking to proactively identify issues, appreciate commercial/operational impacts and report on findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the Senior Paralegal in analyzing contracts and other documentation to evaluate legal position.
• Drafts legal documents, communications and reports under minimal attorney supervision.
• Follow-up on delegated assignments; knowing when to act and when to refer matters to the Senior Paralegal, attorneys or outside counsel.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree and a Paralegal certificate from an ABA-certified paralegal program and at least 2 years of paralegal experience in a corporate law department.
• Experience evaluating information to determine compliance with standards, laws, and regulations.
• Experience with project management (for example: planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives).
• Experience using time management skills such as prioritizing/organizing and tracking details and meeting deadlines of multiple projects with varying completion dates.
• Experience using advanced analytical skills to independently review, draft, negotiate and prepare documents.
• Experience using written communication and grammatical skills to draft/compose legal documents, communications and reports.
• Experience utilizing interpersonal and team-building skills to foster collaboration and establish positive relationships.
• Ability to work discreetly on confidential Company personnel matters and maintain confidentiality.
• Intermediate level skill in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry a plus.

The level of this position will be based on the final candidate's qualifications.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AveXis is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, sexual orientation or veteran status.

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