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Biotech Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Biotech Attorney information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$106.7K

$170.2K

How much do biotech attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for biotech attorney in California is $106,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biotech attorney?

A biotech attorney is a legal professional who specializes in the biotechnology industry, advising companies and individuals on matters such as intellectual property, regulatory compliance, licensing, and contracts. These attorneys help clients navigate complex legal issues related to patents, trademarks, and FDA regulations for biotech products and research. They may also assist with mergers, acquisitions, and funding agreements specific to the biotech sector. Their expertise ensures that biotech innovations are legally protected and that companies comply with relevant laws and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biotech attorney?

To thrive as a Biotech Attorney, you need a law degree with admission to the bar, a strong understanding of biotechnology or life sciences, and experience in intellectual property or regulatory law. Familiarity with patent filing systems, FDA regulations, and specialized legal research databases is crucial. Exceptional analytical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills help you effectively advise clients and navigate complex legal landscapes. These skills ensure that clients’ innovations are protected and compliant, supporting business success in the highly regulated biotech industry.

What are some common challenges a biotech attorney faces when working with patent applications and regulatory compliance?

Biotech Attorneys often navigate complex scientific information while ensuring that patent applications meet strict legal standards and timelines. They must stay updated on evolving regulations from agencies like the USPTO and FDA, and translate technical data into clear legal arguments. Collaboration with scientists, research teams, and business leaders is crucial, and balancing confidentiality with effective communication can be challenging. Managing these multifaceted tasks demands strong organizational skills and adaptability to rapidly changing biotech innovations.

What is the difference between Biotech Attorney vs Patent Attorney?

AspectBiotech AttorneyPatent Attorney
Required CredentialsLaw degree, State Bar license, specialized knowledge in biotech lawLaw degree, State Bar license, patent bar exam, technical degree in science or engineering
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, biotech companies, research institutionsPatent law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Industry UsageLegal advisory, regulatory compliance, licensing in biotechPatent application, intellectual property protection, patent litigation

Biotech Attorneys and Patent Attorneys both require legal credentials, but Patent Attorneys must pass the patent bar exam and often have a technical background. Biotech Attorneys focus on legal issues specific to biotech, while Patent Attorneys specialize in securing patent rights. Both roles are vital in the biotech industry, often overlapping in legal and intellectual property matters.

What cities in California are hiring for Biotech Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most Biotech Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Biotech Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,744 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Commercial Contract Attorney- Pharma/Biotech

San Diego, CA • On-site

Trustpoint.One
Law Firms • 51 - 200 employees

Contractor

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

We're Hiring: Commercial Contract Attorney (Contract) | Pharma/Biotech
I'm partnering with a pharmaceutical/biotech organization seeking an experienced Commercial Contract Attorney for a full-time remote contract opportunity.
This is an excellent opportunity for a well-rounded commercial attorney who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys partnering closely with commercial business teams to support both product launch and post-launch activities.
? Location: Remote (U.S.-based)
? Schedule: Full-Time, 40 Hours/Week, beginning in September 2026, assignment expected to last 6 months
?? Experience: 5+ Years
What You'll Do:
? Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including distribution, marketing services, vendor/supplier, and co-promotion agreements
? Support legal needs across product launch and post-launch commercial activities
? Provide practical, business-focused legal guidance to Commercial, Marketing, Sales, and Market Access teams
? Identify and mitigate contractual and commercial risks while ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations
? Manage contract lifecycle activities from intake through execution and tracking
? Collaborate cross-functionally to facilitate efficient deal-making and problem-solving
What We're Looking For:
? J.D. and active U.S. bar membership
? 5+ years of commercial legal experience within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry
? Strong commercial contracting and negotiation experience
? Demonstrated support of launch and post-launch commercial operations
? Excellent stakeholder management and business partnering skills
? Broad commercial legal background with the ability to work independently
? Experience with Conga CLM is a plus
? Ability to work Pacific Time business hours is preferred
Key Details
  • Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily with reasonable accommodations
  • Work is generally performed sitting, talking, hearing, and typing
  • This is a high-volume screen-based role, requiring constant, prolonged computer usage, including but not limited to: reviewing documents, managing visual content, and attending virtual meetings
  • Visual acuity required for computer use, data analysis, and extended reading
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and document handling
  • Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching
  • Ability to lift and carry items weighting up to 30 pounds

Remote Work & Information Security Requirements
Employees in this role are expected to maintain a work environment that supports the protection of confidential, proprietary, and client-sensitive information, consistent with Company policies and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
  • To support these obligations, individuals in this role should be able to: Maintain a secure and reliable internet connection capable of supporting required systems and applications
  • Utilize company-issued or approved technology, including compliance with required security tools (e.g., VPN, multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection)
  • Conduct work in a manner that protects the confidentiality of information, including taking reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access, viewing, or disclosure of sensitive materials
  • Follow all applicable information security, data privacy, and acceptable use policies as communicated by the Company
  • Promptly report any suspected security incidents, breaches, or system vulnerabilities in accordance with Company protocols

Workplace Monitoring & Data Use Notice
To protect client and Company systems, data, and confidential information, Trustpoint may implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, which may include monitoring of Company-provided systems, devices, and networks, consistent with applicable law.
In certain roles, individuals may perform work within client-controlled environments, including client systems, platforms, or physical worksites. In such cases, work activities may also be subject to the client's applicable policies, procedures, and monitoring practices.
Trustpoint does not control client monitoring practices but expects that any such practices will be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and contractual obligations. Additional information regarding applicable policies will be provided during the onboarding process or prior to assignment, as appropriate.
Client Specific Requirements Notice
Certain roles may be subject to additional client-specific screening, compliance, or credentialing requirements. Any such requirements will be communicated at the appropriate stage of the hiring process and will be administered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Pay Transparency Notice
Pursuant to applicable law, this position includes a good-faith salary or hourly range at the time of posting. The final compensation offered will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, and business needs.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Trustpoint provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Employment decisions are made without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.