Legal Director - UK and Ireland

Job Description

Legal Director, UK and Ireland

• Reports to Area Counsel, Europe
• Location - Maidenhead, UK (working in office Tue, Wed & Thurs) 
• Part of the Senior Leadership Team

Role Overview

Working closely with the Area Counsel and Europe Legal Leadership team, the role will provide hands-on legal support focused on business-oriented and creative legal solutions on a wide range of matters. 

As a strategic business partner, the individual will focus on continuously building an effective legal support function addressing the most pressing legal challenges in the UK and Ireland and driving/protecting the business in a proactive way.

The individual will also join the management team in the UK and play a leadership role in that forum bringing legal expertise and support on business and culture related matters.

Given the external environment for pharma in the UK and Ireland, EU and globally, the role will partner closely with cross functional partners to shape the policy agenda and play a leading role in Trade Association engagement.

There will also be opportunities to work in our International legal community on cross-border topics such as AI and competition law.

Core Role 

• Provision of legal advice and strategic legal thinking focused on business-oriented solutions on a wide range of matters. In particular, legal market access issues, medicines tendering, competition law, procurement law, pharmaceutical law/advertising, commercial law and general risk management (e.g., ABPI/IPHA Code compliance, ABAC).
• The role will require the negotiation and preparation of an extensive range of agreements and, in some cases, negotiations with payors.
• Monitor and proactively address with cross functional partners including GM, Government Affairs and Market Access changes in laws and the external environment that affect the business. For example, the dynamic in the UK created by the US Most Favored Nation pricing policy (MFN). This part of the role will include driving AbbVie’s objectives at the Legal Committee of the ABPI.
• Train the business on key legal developments and develop practical checklists and working tools for the business to facilitate their work.
• To the extent that complex problems or specific technical expertise is required, select and direct the work of outside counsel.
• Continuously develop a solid knowledge of AbbVie´s business and organization and knowledge of the broader business impact of decisions made.

Qualifications

Experience:

• Law school degree. Qualification in England & Wales or Ireland an advantage.
• Professional legal expertise, preferably in an international environment, ideally at a law firm and/or multinational company.

Competence and Skills:

• Highly motivated, flexible, independent with capability to take initiative.
• Strong integrity, and strong communication skills.  
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload with outside counsel where needed.
• Solution-oriented, with ability to proactively identify solutions to complex legal and business challenges.
• Work independently but with supervision where required.
• Cultural sensitivity to working in a multi-national company and the ability to work effectively in cross functional teams.

Additional Information

AbbVie's UK offices in Maidenhead prioritize accessibility and employee well-being, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. The office includes a large car park for easy access, as well as step-free entry, accessible restrooms, and elevators to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. The workspace features assistive technologies and adaptable workstations, fostering an inclusive culture. Additionally, there is a dedicated quiet zone for those who prefer to work without distraction. This area maximizes natural light and is strategically positioned for easy access with minimal noise disturbances. If you need specific information or have questions about accessibility arrangements, please let us know during the process.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

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