Patent Counsel
tenor legalNew York (NY)
$200,000.00/yr
ApplyAbout the role
About Tenor Legal: Tenor is the premier legal services firm known for innovation and excellence across one of the broadest and most dynamic networks of talent in the legal industry. We work with Fortune 500 companies and top-tier law firms, offering exceptional legal professionals on both flexible secondment and permanent placements.
Base pay range
$200,000.00/yr - $225,000.00/yr
The Opportunity:
Tenor Legal is partnering with a globally recognized, innovation-driven consumer products company to engage a Patent & R&D Agreements Attorney to support its in-house intellectual property and innovation legal team.
This role will focus on drafting and supporting R&D collaboration agreements —including NDAs, JDAs, MTAs, and related research and development agreements that enable product innovation across a global enterprise.
The engagement is full-time (~40 hours/week). There is no defined end date, making this a compelling long-term secondment opportunity (1-2 years) with a sophisticated, well-resourced legal department.
Commitment: Full-time preferred (up to 40 hours/week)
Engagement Type: Secondment
Duration: Ongoing (1-2 years)
Location: Remote (Chicago area a plus, not required)
Start Date: ASAP
Compensation: $200K to $225K annualized
Benefits:
Tenor Legal offers a competitive benefits package, including healthcare, 401(k) with match, PTO, paid holidays, and more
What You’ll Do:
Draft, review, and negotiate R&D and innovation-focused agreements, including NDAs, JDAs, MTAs, and collaboration agreements
Support internal research, innovation, and technical teams with practical, business-oriented legal guidance
Partner closely with in-house patent counsel and cross-functional stakeholders
Ensure alignment with IP strategy, confidentiality requirements, and internal contracting standards
Manage multiple agreement workflows efficiently in a fast-paced, global environment
What We’re Looking For: Juris Doctor (JD) and active U.S. state bar membership
5+ years of legal experience, with meaningful exposure to patent-adjacent or R&D-related agreements
Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating NDAs, JDAs, MTAs, or similar R&D agreements
Strong drafting, issue-spotting, and prioritization skills
Comfortable operating autonomously while collaborating closely with in-house teams
Nice to Have: Prior in-house experience supporting R&D, innovation, or IP teams
Experience in a large, global, or matrixed organization
Background in consumer products, food & beverage, life sciences, or industrial innovation environments
Why This Role
Long-term engagement with a globally known, innovation-focused company
Remote flexibility with optional geographic alignment to Chicago
Opportunity to embed with a sophisticated in-house patents and innovation team
Join Us: At Tenor Legal, we're redefining the legal services industry. If you meet the qualifications and are excited about the opportunity to support our clients, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and your relevant experience.
Tenor Legal is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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