Assistant General Counsel

Assistant General Counsel

At Skysong Innovations—the specialized technology transfer and intellectual property management organization for Arizona State University (ASU)—the Assistant General Counsel is a dynamic, collaborative role that provides legal counsel in the areas of intellectual property and contract law, drafts intellectual property license agreements and various related agreements, and otherwise serves as an important part of a cross‑functional team whose mission is to positively impact society.

• Assisting with legal matters related to Skysong Innovations’ business
• Structuring, negotiating, and drafting intellectual property license agreements, inter‑institutional agreements, intellectual property provisions within industry‑sponsored research agreements, MTAs, NDAs, MOUs, grants, subawards, consortium agreements, consulting agreements, academic collaborations, service agreements, CRADAs, and other higher‑education transactions
• Identifying and mitigating legal risks through implementing strategies to strengthen intellectual property and technology commercialization contract terms, enhance compliance, and mitigate organizational risk
• Conducting effective communication of potential contract risk to ASU and SI stakeholders at all levels
• Advising on federal intellectual property and technology transfer laws and regulations, including federal funding regulations and the Bayh‑Dole Act
• Demonstrating knowledge of Arizona Board of Regents intellectual property governance requirements, including IP ownership and revenue distribution, and providing legal support, as needed
• Conducting legal research as necessary to provide practical and strategic guidance
• Developing training materials and other resources for ASU on intellectual property and technology‑related legal issues, including intellectual property and technology commercialization
• Managing relationships with outside counsel
• Working with business development professionals and deal teams to formulate intellectual property licensing strategies
• Building relationships with the legal community to further Skysong Innovations’ technology commercialization efforts

• Ability to represent the organization and to enthusiastically serve as an emissary/advocate for SI and its key client ASU
• Team‑oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations involving numerous and sometimes competing constituencies
• Collaborative style, combined with the ability and desire to work in a team‑based environment
• Extensive knowledge of the anatomy and inner workings of intellectual property licenses
• Working knowledge of intellectual property principles and basic familiarity with the patent prosecution process
• Ability to maintain a high‑degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Skysong Innovations, ASU Enterprise Partners, and ASU business and confidential information
• Strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in person, writing, and by phone with faculty, researchers, administrators and industry representatives
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Independent thinking and problem‑solving ability to take initiative and set priorities while being flexible
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned duties
• Highly organized and able to multitask
• Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities and communication plans
• A proven communicator – comfortable dealing with senior faculty and university executives and administrators – as well as with executives in the commercial communities of technology, in order to develop and maintain relationships with faculty, industry, and other academic institutions

• At least two (2) years of direct, hands‑on transactional legal experience in structuring and negotiating transactions involving intellectual assets, including patent and technology licensing
• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona or ability to become admitted to the bar within 12‑18 months of start of employment
• Strong background in intellectual property law and contract law
• Strong written and…