Intellectual Property Attorney

Overview

Kemin Industries is seeking a Intellectual Property Attorney to join our legal team! Qualified candidates will have a background in the legal and life science areas to use these blended skills to support Kemin’s transactional, intellectual property and regulatory requirements for Kemin Industries and its various business units globally. The attorney’s work will include a mix of transactional legal work, contract management, and work supporting the Kemin’s intellectual property portfolio.

We Are Kemin  

We are visionaries who see things differently and are inspired by the world around us.   

We have been dedicated to using applied science to improve the quality of life for over half a century.    

We are a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services.   

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products to customers around the world.    

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 2,800 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States. 

As a Kemin team member, you’ll receive…  

• A competitive financial package- in addition to your salary, we offer an uncapped bonus opportunity, 401k match program, and paid vacation and holidays. 
• Robust health and wellness support- we are proud to offer a fitness reimbursement (for your whole family!), an on-site fitness center, restaurant with seasonal fresh food options (and the ability to order food to bring home), and free fresh fruit in break areas- to name a few.  
• Continued learning opportunities- Kemin offers tuition reimbursement and recently launched a new corporate university with online and in-person training opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.  
• The chance to give back to our world- Through our foundation of servant leadership, we are proud to offer ample service opportunities, including paid time off to do so. Kemin has a valued corporate partnership with both The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, in addition to many local initiatives. 
• Opportunities to support our valued educators- Kemin is a proud sponsor of the Iowa Governor's Stem Advisory Council where we fund annual teacher's awards. In addition, we have a robust internship and externship program, and frequently host student tours. 

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance in corporate legal matters (regulatory and non-regulatory).
• Assist with merger and acquisition due diligence process documentation when needed.
• Draft and review contracts of all types including intellectual property transactions, non-disclosure agreements, manufacturing contracts, and consulting agreements.
• Assist in negotiating, structuring, and/or administrating contractual documents that establish business relationships with vendors, customers, and/or partners.
• Oversee document acquisition, digital storage and retrieval oversight, permit acquisition compliance, and maintenance.
• Understand federal and state safety and employment laws and regulations that impact Kemin.
• Support EHS/HR by answering all legal questions regarding these laws
• Assist with FTOs and provide other help as needed to maintain patent portfolio.
• Manage corporate counsel and IPRA SOPs according to best document control practices. Revise SOPs and draft new SOPs as needed.
• Prepare and send any FOIA requests needed
• Operate analysis for compliant ingredient and intellectual property requirements, research projects relating to domestic and international regulatory matters, advise management to its legal rights, and practice other phases of business law.
• Represent Kemin in unemployment, or other administrative, hearings. Draft and file all responses and motions. Prep Kemin witnesses prior to hearings. Gather all documentation requested in discovery and needed for exhibits.
• Assist outside counsel with documentation, witness preparation, and legal theories in pending lawsuits
• Advise and prepare product registration notices, filings, and maintenance.
• Global regulatory dossier creation and support for human and animal ingredient approvals and registrations.
• Conduct legal review of scientific communications and other publications.
• Develop and conduct periodic presentations of dossiers, and/or conduct conversations with governmental agencies.

• Quasi-ombudsman role to encourage resolution of complaints or disputes before escalating into more serious problems.

• Provide guidance on clinical trial requirements.

•  Provide strategic regulatory advice as appropriate.

• Be a knowledgeable resource for Regulatory Advice on specific topics in other departments.

• Will provide support for global regulatory process and project progression.

• Work on a variety of other business legal requirements and settings including strategic plan creation, support and execution of strategic initiatives, and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: 
  • Bachelor’s degree with an advanced degree (JD required with bar admission)
  • Up to 5 years of relevant experience in a related field.
  • Degree in science is required for this position, Biology or Chemistry or related degree is a plus 
• Ability to conduct research, learn new regulations and legal precepts, and to articulate ideas to help the business grow.
• Ability to accurately predict outcomes with some certainty.
• Proficiency with MS Office products (such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
• Strong negotiation, analytical and drafting skills required.
• Excellent communication skills are needed. Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, meet demanding deadlines and balance multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• A customer service orientation and the ability to manage multiple issues and tasks and to assume substantial responsibility are required.
•  Previous experience in writing regulatory dossiers, contract drafting and freedom to operate requirements and research highly desired.
• Willingness and ability to support other attorneys when needed, to work with a variety of personalities, and be a part of a team.

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is an equal opportunity employer, and all reasonable accommodations will be considered. Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

#LI-KS1