Senior Legal Counsel

The Position

Do you have a keen sense for navigating complex legal matters and want to contribute to securing freedom to operate and defending market exclusivity for highly innovative pharmaceuticals?

Are you excited by the prospect of taking on responsibility and working in a highly dynamic environment as part of the Corporate Department of Boehringer Ingelheim being responsible for intellectual property?

In this exciting position located in Ingelheim, you will play a key role in supporting our human pharma and animal health business in bringing innovative products to the patients in need.
Join us to shape the future of Boehringer Ingelheim! 

Tasks & responsibilities

• In this role, you will leverage your extensive legal expertise to mitigate launch risks from third party patents for our newly developed products as well as to enforce and defend our patents to defend our products against patent infringement.  
• With a strategic mindset, you will develop complex launch risk mitigation strategies in a cross functional set up and provide tailored advice to the business how to leverage upside potential from our existing patent portfolios.  
• Managing and instructing our network of external lawyers and patent attorneys in disputes including in-court infringement and nullity proceedings will be a key part of your responsibilities. 
• In addition, you will support the negotiation and drafting of complex agreements to find the best possible solutions for Boehringer Ingelheim.  

Requirements

• Fully qualified lawyer, preferably with honors in the second state examination. An additional qualification (LL.M. or comparable degree with a focus on IP law) is desirable
• Longterm specialization in the field of intellectual property and the pharmaceutical industry at an international level as well as extensive experience in managing large international IP portfolios
• Longterm relevant professional experience in external law firms specialized on patent litigation or in a comparable in-house position as a corporate counsel
• Experience in leading, coordinating, and managing patent litigation
• Knowledge and experience in the pharmaceutical industry
• Strong strategic understanding and the ability to quickly grasp and clearly present legally and technically complex matters 
• High level of teamwork and excellent communication skills in English and German  

As part of our commitment to transparency and fairness, salary information will be shared during the recruitment process. We also offer a comprehensive benefits and wellbeing package.  Applications from persons with severe disabilities are warmly welcomed. In cases of equal qualifications, such applicants will be given preferential consideration in the selection process.   

Why Boehringer Ingelheim?

With us, you can develop your own path in a company with a culture that knows our differences are our strengths – and break new ground in the drive to make millions of lives better.

Here, your development is our priority. Supporting you to build a career as part of a workplace that is independent, authentic and bold, while tackling challenging work in a respectful and friendly environment where everyone is valued and welcomed.

Alongside, you have access to programs and groups that ensure your health and wellbeing are looked after – as we make major investments to drive global accessibility to healthcare. By being part of a team that is constantly innovating, you’ll be helping to transform lives for generations.

• Financial Health
  From supportive services to safeguards against risks – with these offerings you stay in control of your financial situation. 
• Rewards and recognition
  Our innovation power and success would not be possible without you – with these offerings we want to emphasize our special recognition 
• Learning and development
  From lifelong learning to development opportunities – these offerings show an investment by the company in your growth.
• Wellness
  Well-being and health are precious – these offerings help you to achieve and maintain them, and ensure a healthy lifestyle. 
• Work life balance
  Being dedicated at work while balancing your private life with all its challenges, this is what these offerings are all about. 
• Local benefits
  Benefits and additional services may differ in your local region. Find out more from your recruiter during the interview process or via the local career website. 

Ready to contact us?

If you have any questions about the job posting or process, please contact our HR Direct Team, Tel: +49 (0) 6132 77-3330 or via mail: hr.de@boehringer-ingelheim.com 

Recruitment process: 

Step 1: Online application – The job posting is presumably online until September 4, 2026. We reserve the right to take the posting offline beforehand.
Step 2: Virtual meeting
Step 3: On-site interviews

Please include the following documents when applying for this position: References (e.g. high school diploma, university degree certificate and employment references)

Our Company

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.