Legal Counsel

Do you have a broad corporate law background, and do you envision yourself contributing to the purpose of improving people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet? If so, you might be our new Legal Counsel to join our expanding legal team.

In a world facing increasing challenges such as climate change, global food shortages and public health crises, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is continuously striving to enhance our impact with the overarching vision of improving people's health and the sustainability of society and the planet.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation is one of the largest private foundations globally and is experiencing rapidl growth.

The Job

You will be the primary point of contact, providing high-quality legal sparring to support the organization in achieving its purpose. We are looking for a lawyer who can identify solutions from a pragmatic legal perspective and who thrives in a collaborative environment. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing daily legal advice to the organization and our larger initiatives as a dedicated legal partner. You will transform complex legal matters into long-term and sustainable solutions.
• Reviewing, negotiating, and drafting contracts, grant agreements, and NDAs.
• Collaborating closely both within the Novo Nordisk Foundation and within the Legal team with colleagues specialised in IP and Compliance.
• Assisting in the preparation of materials for the Board of Directors and Management.
• Handling ad hoc legal projects to optimise internal legal processes.

You will join a team of committed lawyers in our expanding Legal department. We foster a respectful, open, and enjoyable work environment, with a shared understanding that teamwork is essential to being the trusted legal advisor to our stakeholders. Collaboration is crucial to delivering the best solutions in all our endeavors

Professional and personal Qualifications

We are seeking a Legal Counsel with 3-5 years of relevant professional legal experience. We expect that you have:

• A Master of Laws (LL.M) or cand.merc.jur.
• A broad corporate law background, with experience in foundation law, corporate foundations, company law and governance will be a plus.
• Experience with writing commercial contracts, reviewing, interpreting, and translating legal matters.
• A flair for IT and presentations.
• Excellent communication and legal drafting skills in English.
• Strong abilities to interact and communicate with various stakeholders at all levels.

As an individual, you are:

• An active team contributor who thrives working in a team.
• Analytical, proactive and with a solution-oriented.
• Professional, quality-conscious, and impact-driven.
• Purpose-focused and with an engaged and positive attitude .

Working at the Novo Nordisk Foundation

We offer a committed and professional workplace in which we emphasize ensuring that our colleagues thrive, are challenged, and have opportunities to develop their potential. A career at the Novo Nordisk Foundation gives you the opportunity to work:  

• On important projects that improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet; 
• With key actors within research and development in Denmark and internationally; 
• As part of a dedicated team that is passionate about creating impact.

Application and Information

For more information, please contact Director of Legal Mathias D. Krarup on e-mail: midk@novo.dk. We will conduct interviews on a running basis, and we encourage you to send your application as soon as possible and no later than 16 June 2025. 

To apply, please send your CV, cover letter, and university transcripts by clicking on the “Apply for this job” button.

About the Novo Nordisk Foundation

Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation’s mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society.