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| POSITION DESCRIPTION | AUSTRALIAN BIOTECH INDUSTRY MARCH 2009 |
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Chief Legal Counsel |
| Position Code: | 7 | | Career Level: | 7 |
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Responsible for
Advising Senior Management on their individual and corporate legal obligations and rights so as to protect the organisation's interests. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, legal demands and ethical standards that affect business activities. |
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Reports To
Chief Executive/Managing Director. |
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Supervises
Legal Officers, Corporate Counsel/Commercial Specialists/Business Assurance Analyst. |
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Main Activities
Ensuring Senior Managers/Board of Directors are kept informed of new and proposed legislation which may affect the organisation’s activities, and compliance with all existing laws and government regulations. Advising on impact of Court decisions.
Researching legislation affecting the organisation, passing advice onto relevant managers to ensure that the company operates fully within the law with special reference to its methods of business, its contractual relations & its process of negotiation.
Advising on business acquisitions/divestments (whether assets or corporations), ensuring protection of the company’s intellectual property rights (trade marks, patents, designs, copyright and confidential information) and maintaining registration and renewal of all business names.
Identifying and briefing management on potential and actual legal exposures and taking appropriate proactive and remedial measures. Providing legal advice concerning tax, insurance, property, advertising, sales agreements and trade practices.
Negotiating, drafting & interpreting contracts, assisting management in the early stages of negotiations with third parties, ensuring that contractual terms & conditions for supply & acquisition of products are protecting the company’s interests. Reviewing/updating standard contracts & drafting additional standard contracts where required.
Resolving legal disputes/claims, and initiating/defending legal proceedings as necessary. May appear in court to represent the organisation and brief counsel on legal matters, ensuring that the organisation is effectively represented in any legal action taken against it.
Maintaining statutory records and filing returns.
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Key Skills
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to interpret legal requirements and apply to relevant business operations.
General managerial experience.
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Internal Contacts
Regulatory Affairs Manager, all Divisional and Functional Managers. |
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External Contacts
Government Departments and Regulatory Bodies, External Solicitors and Appraisers. |
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Typical Experience
At least 15 years relevant commercial experience coupled with a law degree. Will be a registered Solicitor. |
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Other Comments
Alternative Titles: Group Counsel or Chief Manager, Legal Affairs, may also have Company Secretary responsibilities. |
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