Fortvita Biologics
Fortvita Biologics is a biopharmaceutical company based in the San Francisco Bay Area specializing in antibody discovery and engineering, with platforms that span antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecifics, and multispecifics. Our pipeline targets oncology, immunology, and neurodegenerative diseases and is supported by an experienced team across research, development, regulatory, and operational functions. With a global clinical presence, a strong pipeline, robust funding, and an emphasis on thoughtful design and agile execution, Fortvita is working to translate next-generation biologics from concept to clinic.
Summary
Fortvita is seeking an independent, dynamic Corporate Counsel with 2–5 years of legal experience to join our growing U.S. legal team. As one of the company’s early legal hires, this individual will have the opportunity to play a foundational role in shaping Fortvita’s legal and compliance function. The Corporate Counsel will support a broad range of matters—including corporate, transactional, clinical, compliance, and operational issues—and work closely with the General Counsel and cross-functional teams. This position offers an excellent opportunity for growth, with the ability to take on increasing responsibility as the company expands.
Responsibilities
Contracting & Transactions: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including clinical trial agreements, CRO/vendor contracts, research collaborations, consulting agreements, confidentiality agreements, and procurement/vendor contracts. Cross-Functional Legal Support: Serve as a trusted advisor to R&D, Clinical Development, Finance, HR, Regulatory, and Procurement teams, providing practical guidance on business operations, and corporate governance. Compliance & Risk Management: Advise on risk mitigation and regulatory compliance, including data privacy, HIPAA, and healthcare compliance; contribute to the development and implementation of policies, SOPs, and training. Global & Corporate Liaison: Partner closely with Fortvita’s corporate parent and other affiliates to align on cross-border legal issues, governance, and operational matters. Strategic & Business Development: Support corporate transactions, partnerships, and business development initiatives; manage outside counsel effectively to ensure cost-efficient, high-quality advice; assist with development and implementation of policies, SOPs, and training to support the company’s compliance framework. Drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts across business functions, including but not limited to confidentiality agreements (CDAs), advisory agreements, consulting agreements, clinical research services agreements (CRSAs), vendor agreements, master services agreements (MSAs), statements of work (SOWs), clinical trial agreements, and amendments Coordinating the contract intake and triage process, ensuring timely responses to internal stakeholders and prioritization of high-urgency matters Managing contract lifecycle workflows, including tracking status, approvals, signatures, and renewals Maintaining and updating templates and clause libraries Supporting contract compliance efforts, including ensuring the use of approved templates, identifying deviations from standard terms, and escalating issues appropriately Helping to establish or improve contract processes and systems, such as intake tools, trackers, and document management practices Assisting with diligence or audits involving contracts, as needed (e.g., for BD or internal risk assessments)
Qualifications
Required
J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar. 2—5 years of legal experience, including in-house biotech or pharmaceutical experience. Strong background in contracts, corporate/transactional work, or life sciences law. Excellent judgment, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical advice. Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across functions. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Proven track record of success in negotiating and managing contracts such as CTAs, CRSAs, MSAs, and vendor agreements Abilities to manage cross-functional workflows and collaborate with diverse teams including Legal, Clinical, and Finance Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Preferred
5–8 years of legal experience, including at least 2–3 years at a nationally recognized law firm, as well as in-house biotech or pharmaceutical experience Privacy experience and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP-US) certification Experience implementing a compliance infrastructure Experience with clinical research agreements, familiarity with ICH-GCP guidelines, and understanding of fair market value (FMV) considerations Background in process improvement or implantation of contract systems/tools Experience presenting to leadership collaborating with external legal counsel, or supporting due diligence
Compensation and Benefits Include:
Competitive base salary, bonus, and equity for all employees. Salary Range: $170,000 to $220,000. This reflects the company’s pay scale for the role. Actual compensation may vary depending on factors such as location, skills, experience, and performance. 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Generous paid time off policy, including company holidays and floating holidays.
Fortvita is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. This includes but not limited to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or hair texture and style. Harassment or discrimination on the basis of any protected trait is strictly prohibited.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement will be considered unsolicited, and Fortvita will not be obligated to pay any fees.
Additional Legal Disclaimers
Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all new hires will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. and complete Form I-9 upon hire.
Employment at Fortvita is at-will. This means that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advanced notice. This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and does not constitute a contract or guarantee of employment. Fortvita reserves the right to modify job duties or responsibilities at any time, based on business needs.
Reasonable accommodation: If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Fortvita’s Human Resources team at . We are dedicated to ensuring all applicants have equal access and opportunity throughout the recruitment process.
Summary
Fortvita is seeking an independent, dynamic Corporate Counsel with 2–5 years of legal experience to join our growing U.S. legal team. As one of the company’s early legal hires, this individual will have the opportunity to play a foundational role in shaping Fortvita’s legal and compliance function. The Corporate Counsel will support a broad range of matters—including corporate, transactional, clinical, compliance, and operational issues—and work closely with the General Counsel and cross-functional teams. This position offers an excellent opportunity for growth, with the ability to take on increasing responsibility as the company expands.
Responsibilities
Contracting & Transactions: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including clinical trial agreements, CRO/vendor contracts, research collaborations, consulting agreements, confidentiality agreements, and procurement/vendor contracts. Cross-Functional Legal Support: Serve as a trusted advisor to R&D, Clinical Development, Finance, HR, Regulatory, and Procurement teams, providing practical guidance on business operations, and corporate governance. Compliance & Risk Management: Advise on risk mitigation and regulatory compliance, including data privacy, HIPAA, and healthcare compliance; contribute to the development and implementation of policies, SOPs, and training. Global & Corporate Liaison: Partner closely with Fortvita’s corporate parent and other affiliates to align on cross-border legal issues, governance, and operational matters. Strategic & Business Development: Support corporate transactions, partnerships, and business development initiatives; manage outside counsel effectively to ensure cost-efficient, high-quality advice; assist with development and implementation of policies, SOPs, and training to support the company’s compliance framework. Drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts across business functions, including but not limited to confidentiality agreements (CDAs), advisory agreements, consulting agreements, clinical research services agreements (CRSAs), vendor agreements, master services agreements (MSAs), statements of work (SOWs), clinical trial agreements, and amendments Coordinating the contract intake and triage process, ensuring timely responses to internal stakeholders and prioritization of high-urgency matters Managing contract lifecycle workflows, including tracking status, approvals, signatures, and renewals Maintaining and updating templates and clause libraries Supporting contract compliance efforts, including ensuring the use of approved templates, identifying deviations from standard terms, and escalating issues appropriately Helping to establish or improve contract processes and systems, such as intake tools, trackers, and document management practices Assisting with diligence or audits involving contracts, as needed (e.g., for BD or internal risk assessments)
Qualifications
Required
J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar. 2—5 years of legal experience, including in-house biotech or pharmaceutical experience. Strong background in contracts, corporate/transactional work, or life sciences law. Excellent judgment, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical advice. Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across functions. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Proven track record of success in negotiating and managing contracts such as CTAs, CRSAs, MSAs, and vendor agreements Abilities to manage cross-functional workflows and collaborate with diverse teams including Legal, Clinical, and Finance Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Preferred
5–8 years of legal experience, including at least 2–3 years at a nationally recognized law firm, as well as in-house biotech or pharmaceutical experience Privacy experience and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP-US) certification Experience implementing a compliance infrastructure Experience with clinical research agreements, familiarity with ICH-GCP guidelines, and understanding of fair market value (FMV) considerations Background in process improvement or implantation of contract systems/tools Experience presenting to leadership collaborating with external legal counsel, or supporting due diligence
Compensation and Benefits Include:
Competitive base salary, bonus, and equity for all employees. Salary Range: $170,000 to $220,000. This reflects the company’s pay scale for the role. Actual compensation may vary depending on factors such as location, skills, experience, and performance. 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Generous paid time off policy, including company holidays and floating holidays.
Fortvita is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. This includes but not limited to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or hair texture and style. Harassment or discrimination on the basis of any protected trait is strictly prohibited.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement will be considered unsolicited, and Fortvita will not be obligated to pay any fees.
Additional Legal Disclaimers
Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all new hires will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. and complete Form I-9 upon hire.
Employment at Fortvita is at-will. This means that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advanced notice. This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and does not constitute a contract or guarantee of employment. Fortvita reserves the right to modify job duties or responsibilities at any time, based on business needs.
Reasonable accommodation: If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Fortvita’s Human Resources team at . We are dedicated to ensuring all applicants have equal access and opportunity throughout the recruitment process.