Associate Director, Litigations and Investigations Lead US

Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com .

This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from certain states may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines. Candidates interested in remote work are encouraged to apply.

Purpose and Scope:

The Associate Director, Litigation & Investigation, is a key member of the Legal LIEG Team and is responsible for providing practical, timely and high-quality legal services for litigation and investigation matters in the U.S. as well as across the other commercial divisions. This role manages all aspects of litigation and investigations (both internally and externally), analyzing and strategically resolving complex litigation and investigations, proactively identifying potential risk areas, developing best practice processes, and recommending creative and strategic options and courses of action in a manner that fosters the Company’s business interests, advances the Company’s goals and minimizes risks.

This is a strategic position and is accountable for supporting the supporting the achievement of the Company’s Corporate Strategic Plan ( “CSP” ) objectives, proactively identifying and mitigating risks to the Company’s ability to achieve its objectives under the CSP and balancing global business opportunities with associated legal and compliance risks in a complex and fast-evolving regulatory environment.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Managing and developing/implementing strategies for litigation, arbitrations and disputes with a particular focus on matters arising in the US, but also supporting matters that arise in other jurisdictions.

Managing and developing/implementing strategies for internal and external investigations, with a particular focus on matters arising in the US, but also supporting matters that arise in other jurisdictions.

Provides legal services to the Company’s businesses on a broad array of complex issues related to litigation, including the ability to provide prompt and timely advice on complex issues from accumulated knowledge and experience with minimal supervision.

Leads and manages projects that involve complex or difficult legal issues requiring a high degree of legal skill and business acumen with minimal supervision.

Provides legal support, including day-to-day counseling, to clients on proactive approaches to maximize opportunities and minimize risk/exposure to the Company.

Managing the response to governmental and other third-party subpoenas received by US-based entities.

Providing updates to management and business clients on changes in legal developments affecting the pharmaceutical industry, especially in the areas of litigation and investigations.

Coordinating and working closely with the Corporate Communications function on all matters managed by the LIEG Team.

Cooperating and coordinating with Corporate Risk Management on the global and divisional risk management programs as well as insurance claims-related issues.

Supporting the implementation of the strategy of and management of electronic discovery processes, including external vendor management.

Providing legal support to clients (counseling and litigation) on alliance relationships and potential disputes with company’s business partners both globally and locally, closely coordinating and collaborating with other members of Legal, as may be necessary or appropriate.

Retaining, supervising and directing outside counsel effectively and efficiently managing legal expenses consistent with global legal budget for the LIEG Team and the LIEG Tower, coordinating closely with the Legal Innovation function.

Supporting a legal culture of excellence in his/her team, which includes driving and fostering: (1) an agile, adaptive culture; (2) a value based organization based on Legal’s strategic plan and mission; (3) a culture of innovation, transparency and trust; (4) proactive identification/mitigation of risk in a balanced approach; (5) empowerment and engagement of the team members; (6) a collaborative culture with close coordination with other members of Legal and IP as appropriate to leverage synergies and efficiencies; (7) a culture of compliance and good corporate governance; and (8) a continuous expectation of high performance, where “ok” is not good enough.

Leading other projects as may be requested by the General Counsel, the Legal Head of the LIEG Team, and/or the Executive Director, Litigation & Investigations Lead for the US, Japan & Greater China.

Organizational Context:

Member of Legal Litigation & Investigation function (“LIT Team”) under the Litigation, Investigations, Employment & Governance Tower (“LIEG”).

Provides full range of legal support for litigation and investigation issues to the US Commercial Division as well as the other commercial divisions.

Works closely and collaborates with other teams reporting into the Legal Head of LIEG ( “Legal LIEG Team” ), as well as the other teams reporting into the General Counsel.

Qualifications:

Required

Law Degree, LL.M. or equivalent.

At least 5-7 years of experience working in a large law firm or in-house legal department.

Understanding of U.S. litigation processes and procedures, including e-discovery and document preservation obligations, with a solid understanding of such processes and procedures globally.

Ability to grasp legal issues quickly, exhibit strong analytical problem solving and decision-making skills, exercise sound judgment and provide practical and constructive legal advice.

Deep understanding of the legal issues affecting the pharmaceutical industry, including regulatory processes for prescription drugs, anti-kickback, fraud and abuse, anti-bribery and anti-corruption and antitrust laws. Strong knowledge of global regulatory environment that affects decision-making across Astellas’ global business. In-depth understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including IP, manufacturing, R&D, regulatory and commercial elements.

Strong ability to grasp legal issues quickly, exhibit strong analytical problem solving and decision-making skills, exercise sound judgment, and provide practical and constructive legal advice in a time-sensitive dynamic, fast-paced complex global environment.

Strong negotiation and communication skills (both oral and written). Ability to communicate legal issues in a clear and understandable manner.

Strong work ethic and ability to manage large workload, multi-task, focus on critical priorities, and otherwise effectively meet client needs. Ability to produce high quality work under deadline pressures.

Team player and able to build relationships, both internally and externally.

Strong organizational skills. Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to motivate others.

A strong commitment to integrity and professionalism and demonstrated passion for excellence.

Benefits:

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation, Sick time, plus national holidays including Heritage Days, and Summer and Winter Breaks

401(k) match and annual company contribution

Company paid life insurance

Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions

Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions

Referral bonus program

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans.

LI*CH1

Category Litigation, Investigations, Employment and Governance

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans