Patent Counsel

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.