Legal Counsel
Posted 4 hours 21 minutes ago by Forbion
Forbion is a leading global venture capital firm with deep expertise in Europe and offices in Naarden, The Netherlands, Munich, Germany and Boston, USA. Forbion invests in innovative biotech companies, managing approximately €5 billion across multiple fund strategies that cover all stages of (bio )pharmaceutical drug development. In addition, Forbion leverages its biotech expertise beyond human health to address 'planetary health' challenges through its BioEconomy fund strategy, which invests in companies developing sustainable solutions in food, agriculture, materials, and environmental technologies. Forbion's team consists of over 30 investment professionals that have built an impressive performance track record since the late nineties with 128 investments across 11 funds. Forbion's record of sourcing, building and guiding life sciences companies has resulted in many approved breakthrough therapies and valuable exits. Forbion typically selects impactful investments that will positively affect the health and well being of people and the planet, as well as meet its financial return objectives. The firm is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Forbion operates a joint venture with BGV, the manager of seed and early stage funds, especially focused on Benelux and Germany.
Why Forbion?At Forbion, we are more than just a leading investment firm-we are a community of entrepreneurial, pragmatic, and collaborative professionals. We believe in concise communication, practical solutions, and empowering our people to make a real impact. Join us and be part of a team where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and your voice matters.
TeamYou will join our Legal & Compliance Team, currently consisting of the Chief Compliance Officer & Legal Affairs, a Deal counsel, a KYC/AML Manager, and a Paralegal. There are two open vacancies, of which one is for a Legal Counsel. The team reports directly to the Chief Compliance Officer & Legal Affairs.
About the RoleAs a Legal Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in our Legal & Compliance Team, working closely with and providing direct support to the Chief Compliance Officer & Legal Affairs. You will be at the heart of our legal operations, helping to shape our processes, drive compliance initiatives, and ensure our continued success in a dynamic, international environment.
ResponsibilitiesContract Framework and Templates
Draft and negotiate a wide variety of contracts (including master service agreements, shareholder agreements, transfer agreements, employment related documents, and more). Take on fund related documentation as you grow into the role. Maintain and expand Forbion's templates database, improving the quality and productivity of our organization.
Contract Negotiation and Management
Draft and negotiate complex contractual agreements with service providers, for portfolio companies and internal stakeholders. Ensure appropriate risk allocation, governance, operational clarity and commitment to delivery of results in time.
Risk and Business Advisory
Act as a trusted advisor within the Legal & Compliance Team, to operations, and the investor relations team - identify legal, financial and operational risks arising from contracts and business activities, propose pragmatic solutions and optimise efficiencies.
Legal Operations and Process Improvement
Drive initiatives to streamline contract lifecycle management (CLM), maintain document libraries and dashboards, embed digital tools and workflow processes, improve speed and quality of legal output.
Regulatory and Compliance Horizon Scanning
Staying ahead of new EU and US legislation, with the support of external counsel and compliance consultants. Support in the review and improvement of Forbion's Policies & Processes framework.
Growth and Fund Documentation
As you grow into the role, you may take on fund related documentation, support fundraising, side letters, investor agreements and incentive arrangements - forming part of your development path.
Collaboration and Mentorship
Act as trusted advisor and hands on partner to the Chief Compliance Officer & Legal Affairs, contributing to all legal and compliance initiatives. Provide guidance to team members and assist with workload prioritisation. Support cross functional projects within Forbion (e.g., policy updates, training).
Qualifications- Experienced: 8+ years of legal experience, ideally with time spent as in house counsel.
- Financial Sector Savvy: Experience in international corporate organisations, or the financial sector is a strong plus.
- Collaborative and Relationship Oriented: You can work independently, and you thrive in a team environment, treat colleagues as equals, and are not afraid to ask questions.
- Proactive & Solution Oriented: You have a can do attitude. You take initiative, coordinate effectively, and drive matters to a result.
- Clear Communicator: You write and speak fluent English, and can explain complex legal concepts in an accessible way.
- Tech Savvy: you can fill in the blanks here.
- Impact: Your work will directly influence Forbion's success and reputation.
- Growth: You'll work side by side with the Chief Compliance Officer & Legal Affairs, and top level executives, gaining exposure to high level strategy and decision making.
- Culture: A professional, no nonsense, and supportive environment where authenticity is valued and your full personality is welcome.
- Flexibility: Hybrid work options (80% in office) and a healthy work life balance.
- Director
- Full time
- Legal
- Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals, Financial Services, and Investment Banking