The Director, Product Counsel at Acadia Pharmaceuticals serves as the primary legal advisor for assigned pharmaceutical brands, providing strategic and day-to-day legal support throughout the product lifecycle. This role involves offering legal expertise for promotional, medical, clinical, and access-related activities impacting the assigned products. The Director also represents the Legal department on the Medical, Legal, and Regulatory (MLR) review committee, ensuring all materials comply with company standards and applicable laws. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate legal and compliance risks while supporting business objectives. The position is based in San Diego, California, with a hybrid work model requiring in-office presence three days per week.

Key responsibilities include acting as lead legal counsel for assigned pharmaceutical brands across pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases. The Director provides strategic legal guidance on brand strategy, messaging, and execution to support business objectives while managing legal risks. Serving as a core member of brand and cross-functional teams, the Director offers timely legal review of all promotional and non-promotional tactics and materials. Additional duties involve counseling on FDA labeling, clinical operations, marketing strategies, direct-to-consumer advertising campaigns, patient support programs, healthcare professional engagements, sales training, social media, and commercial sponsorships. The Director also advises on federal and state healthcare laws and regulations, including the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act. Proactively identifying risks and collaborating across business functions to implement mitigating actions is a key aspect of the role. The Director may also assist with employment law matters and investigations as needed.

Candidates should possess a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and be an active member of the California or New Jersey State Bars or qualified as Registered In-house Counsel in either state. A minimum of five years of relevant legal experience, particularly within the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry, is required. Previous product counsel experience is preferred. Key skills include a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, strong problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to operate as a trusted business partner at all organizational levels. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of integrity, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects independently. A solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to foster a collaborative environment are essential.

Compensation for this role includes a competitive base salary ranging from $219,000 to $274,000 annually, commensurate with experience. In addition to the base salary, the position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life, disability, business travel, and EAP coverage; a 401(k) plan with a fully vested company match; an Employee Stock Purchase Plan; paid vacation and holidays; paid sick time; paid parental leave; and tuition assistance.

Acadia Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to transforming scientific promise into meaningful innovations for underserved neurological and rare disease communities worldwide. The company offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. Joining Acadia provides the chance to contribute to impactful work that makes a difference in the lives of patients.