Senior Paralegal

Job Title:           Senior Paralegal

Location:          Hybrid – Menlo Park, CA

About Us:

Oruka Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ORKA) is developing novel biologics designed to set a new standard for the treatment of chronic skin diseases. Oruka’s mission is to offer patients suffering from chronic skin diseases like plaque psoriasis the greatest possible freedom from their condition. Oruka is advancing a proprietary portfolio of potentially best-in-class antibodies that target the core mechanisms underlying plaque psoriasis and other dermatologic and inflammatory diseases. We have raised nearly $500M since inception in February 2024 and we have two programs in the clinic, including a Phase 2 program targeting plaque psoriasis.  For more information, visit www.orukatx.com.

As we build our team, we're seeking a Senior Paralegal who is not just looking for a job, but an opportunity to be part of something bigger.  Someone who is passionate about making a difference and eager to contribute to establishing an engaged and positive company culture.

Role Overview:

Our Senior Paralegal will play a key role in managing day-to-day contracts and supporting a wide range of legal matters for a growing public biopharma company. This position is ideal for a proactive, highly organized professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The successful candidate will bring experience supporting small to mid-size legal departments, preferably within the life sciences industry, and be comfortable working across multiple projects with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full contracts lifecycle, including intake, review, negotiation support, execution, and archiving.
• Maintain and enhance contract management systems (currently SharePoint), tracking key dates, renewals, obligations, and reporting metrics as needed.
• Draft and review routine agreements, such as confidentiality agreements, clinical trial agreements, amendments, and statements of work.
• Serve as a key liaison with internal teams, ensuring timely contract execution and providing guidance on legal processes and requirements.
• Support corporate governance matters, including maintaining corporate records, board materials, and managing state filings.
• Assist with public company obligations, including securities filings, compliance initiatives, and corporate policies.
• Help other legal functions such as IP as needed.
• Contribute to special projects and provide additional legal support as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; paralegal certificate or equivalent preferred.
• Experience: 5–7+ years of paralegal or contracts management experience, with prior work in life sciences or biopharma strongly preferred; public company experience a plus.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and proactively manage competing priorities.
  • Familiarity with contract management systems (SharePoint or similar).
  • Strong business acumen and ability to partner effectively with cross-functional stakeholders.

What We Offer:

• A chance to be part of a vibrant small-company culture where your work can directly impact bringing new medicines to patients.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Compensation:

• An appropriate financial package will be developed for the successful candidate to include a competitive base salary and equity, with a performance-related bonus opportunity.
• The anticipated salary range for candidates is $140,000 to $155,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. 

Job Location:

• Position will be based in Menlo Park, CA and candidates will be expected to be in the office three days per week and work remotely two days per week.

We're looking forward to hearing how you can contribute to our team and mission. Join us in shaping the future of our company and making a real impact every day.