General Counsel

Our Mission

Blackrock Neurotech is 100% focused on improving human lives through neuroscience research and technology. The passion and dedication behind this mission has nurtured a dynamic, enjoyable and fulfilling corporate environment in which learning, and growth are commonplace. We operate in an innovative field that requires our staff to meet the highest standards. Every step of the way, we encourage one another by providing continuous motivation and promoting a healthy work environment.

Disclosure

In order to provide a safe and productive work environment, all offers of employment at Blackrock Neurotech are contingent upon a thorough background check. A criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate from an offer of employment.

Job Title: General Counsel

Job Reports To: CEO

Location: Salt Lake City or Remote

Position Overview:

Blackrock Neurotech, a pioneering leader in the neurotechnology field, is seeking an experienced and dynamic General Counsel to oversee all legal functions of the organization. This role encompasses managing corporate legal affairs, intellectual property (IP) strategy, compliance, risk management, and leading a legal team across the US and Europe. The ideal candidate will have deep subject matter expertise and a proven track record in building and leading teams within regulated industries.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in legal roles, preferably as both a lawyer and legal counsel.
• Expertise: Deep expertise in corporate law, IP management, compliance, and risk management.
• Leadership: Proven ability to build and lead legal teams.
• Industry Experience: Experience in regulated industries, preferably medical technology or comparable sectors.
• External Counsel Management: Strong experience in working with and managing external counsel.
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate Legal Affairs:

• Housekeeping: Manage corporate legal affairs for Blackrock Neurotech and its subsidiaries across the US and Europe. This includes maintaining corporate records, ensuring proper governance practices, and overseeing subsidiary management.
• Contracts: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents including supplier contracts, partnership agreements, and HR-related legal documents. Ensure that all agreements comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Advisory: Provide legal advice on new laws, existing laws, and legal rights impacting the company. Stay informed on legal developments and advise executive members accordingly.

IP Management:

• Strategy Development: Develop and implement the company?s global IP strategy to protect and leverage the company's intellectual property assets.
• Negotiations: Negotiate IP deals with inventors, collaborators, and partners. Handle IP-related transactions, including spin-offs and licensing agreements.
• Management: Oversee the management of IP portfolios, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Ensure timely filings and maintenance of IP rights.

Compliance:

• Program Implementation: Design and implement an adequate compliance program that meets the requirements of various national jurisdictions globally.
• Regulatory Updates: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry-specific compliance requirements, including emerging COVID regulations and export control requests. Advise the company on compliance with the Sunshine Act and other relevant regulations.

Risk Management:

• Framework Development: Build and oversee a holistic risk management framework for the organization. Identify and assess potential risks, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Crisis Management: Design and implement crisis management programs to prepare for and respond to potential legal issues and emergencies.
• Litigation Management: Oversee and manage legal risks related to litigation and other disputes. Craft and review legal strategies in response to any litigation.

People Management:

• Team Building: Build and manage a team of 5-10 professionals specializing in corporate law, IP, risk management, and compliance.
• Leadership: Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the legal department. Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members.

Interaction with External Advisors:

• Management: Manage relationships with external law firms and experts, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness. Conduct oversight of outside counsel and manage associated expenses.
• Coordination: Interface between internal stakeholders and external advisors to ensure alignment and effective communication.

Additional Key Roles and Priorities:

• Compliance Oversight: Ensure the corporation has an adequate compliance program in place and maintain good working relationships with senior management.
• Licensing and Record Retention: Review the corporation?s licensing practices and establish a record retention policy.
• Document Management: Maintain comprehensive records of legal documents and proceedings, creating a searchable repository with email reporting for milestones and deadlines.
• Legal Representative: Act as the business?s legal representative in various matters, including overseeing the legal review process for a wide range of documents.
• Filings and Statutory Requirements: Facilitate filings of licensing forms and other statutory requirements, including drafting conflict of interest policies for NIH grants.