Job Opportunity: HPM Seeks Associate Drug Development Attorney

Key Takeaways

• HPM hiring 3rd-6th year associate for drug development team
• Role covers IND, NDA, BLA, clinical trial regulatory work
• Candidates need DC Bar membership and strong writing skills
• Preference for scientific background or FDA experience
• Competitive compensation; boutique firm offers client-facing exposure

Summary

Hyman, Phelps & McNamara (HPM) announced a vacancy for a 3rd‑to‑6th year associate attorney on its drug development team. The role supports clients through the full FDA pre‑market lifecycle, from pre‑IND strategy to IND, NDA/BLA submissions and dispute resolution. Candidates must be DC Bar members, possess strong writing abilities, and preferably hold a scientific degree or FDA experience. Compensation is competitive and reflects the boutique firm’s client‑focused model.

Pulse Analysis

The biotech and pharmaceutical sectors are experiencing a surge in pipeline activity, driven by advances in gene therapy, mRNA platforms, and personalized medicine. This expansion creates heightened demand for attorneys who can navigate the FDA’s intricate pre‑market regulatory framework. Firms like HPM, recognized for their FDA expertise, are strategically expanding their legal talent pools to capture market share and provide end‑to‑end counsel for emerging therapeutics.

HPM’s associate position is designed for lawyers with three to six years of experience who can manage a spectrum of regulatory tasks, including drafting IND applications, coordinating expedited program requests, and representing clients in FDA dispute resolution. The firm emphasizes a scientific background or prior FDA exposure, reflecting the technical nuance required to advise on clinical trial design, IRB interactions, and submission strategies. By operating from a boutique, collaborative environment, associates gain direct client contact and substantive involvement in high‑stakes matters, differentiating HPM from larger, siloed practices.

For job seekers, this posting signals a broader trend: law firms are competing aggressively for talent that blends legal acumen with scientific literacy. Competitive compensation packages and the promise of hands‑on experience are becoming standard to attract top candidates. As regulatory pathways evolve—particularly with the FDA’s focus on accelerated approvals and real‑world evidence—lawyers who can bridge the gap between science and law will be pivotal in shaping the next wave of drug approvals, making positions like HPM’s highly coveted.