Assistant General Counsel
Our client is an innovation‑focused organization with a strong technical foundation that is seeking an experienced Assistant General Counsel, with a strong background in Intellectual Property and Engineering, to guide its IP strategy and support broader legal initiatives. This is a senior role with direct engagement across technical leadership and executive stakeholders.
Overview
The AGC will lead the company’s intellectual property function while contributing to a wide range of commercial and strategic legal matters. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in IP strategy, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to translate complex issues into practical legal guidance. This role offers meaningful visibility and influence within a multidisciplinary, technology‑driven environment.
Location
The role is located in Virginia, they will consider candidates in the surrounding DMV area who are able to come in on a hybrid basis as well as candidates looking to relocate.
Key Responsibilities
This role reports directly to the General Counsel and serves as the organization’s senior leader for all intellectual property matters.
Intellectual Property Leadership
- Develop and execute the organization’s long‑term IP strategy in alignment with evolving business and innovation priorities.
- Lead the full lifecycle of patent‑related activities, including evaluation of new ideas, coordination with technical teams, portfolio development, and enforcement.
- Oversee programs related to trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and other forms of IP protection.
- Assess IP opportunities and risks, including analyses related to competitive landscapes and potential IP exposure.
- Implement structured processes for reviewing new concepts, evaluating portfolio performance, and facilitating cross‑functional IP decision‑making.
Commercial & Strategic Support
- Draft, negotiate, and advise on agreements involving technology, collaboration, confidentiality, licensing, and other complex commercial arrangements.
- Partner with cross‑functional technical and business teams to support legal needs tied to operations, technical initiatives, and organizational priorities.
- Provide IP‑focused guidance on transactions such as partnerships, acquisitions, or other strategic engagements.
- Deliver clear, actionable legal advice that aligns with both technical considerations and business objectives.
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Function as the primary advisor to senior leadership on IP strategy, risk management, and value‑creation opportunities.
- Manage relationships with outside counsel and provide guidance or mentorship to internal legal resources where appropriate.
- Communicate key IP developments, considerations, and recommendations to executive stakeholders in a concise and strategic manner.
- Monitor changes in the legal and regulatory landscape related to intellectual property and technology, proactively advising on potential impacts.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor degree and active admission required.
- Patent Bar membership required.
- Approximately 12+ years of combined law firm and in‑house experience
- Strong technical foundation supported by an engineering or applied‑science background (electrical, mechanical, or related disciplines).
- Demonstrated expertise in patent strategy, licensing, portfolio development, and IP risk analysis.
- Experience advising on IP in environments involving complex or technical offerings.
The SR Group (US), Inc. is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
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