BarkerGilmore is the trusted partner to life sciences companies seeking legal and compliance executives who deliver strategic value, mitigate risk, and drive innovation. With decades of experience focused exclusively on in-house legal and compliance recruiting, we help pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics companies secure exceptional leaders who understand the complex, fast-moving life sciences environment.
Our life sciences executive recruiters understand what’s at stake — from regulatory scrutiny and global commercialization to clinical development and IP protection. We identify candidates who not only meet the technical requirements of the role but who also possess the scientific fluency, operational agility, and business acumen needed to lead with impact.
Life Sciences Executive Recruiters & Legal Executive Search for the Nation’s Most Respected Life Science Organizations
BarkerGilmore serves as a strategic partner to life sciences organizations across the pharmaceutical, biotech, medtech, and diagnostics sectors — recruiting legal and compliance executives with the sector-specific knowledge and executive presence required to help their organizations succeed in high-stakes environments.
Our life sciences executive recruiters understand the evolving regulatory landscape, scientific complexity, and commercial pressures that have an impact on the legal and compliance functions across the industry.
Covering a Broad Range of Life Science Industry Categories
Pharmaceuticals
Branded, generic, specialty, and OTC drug manufacturers
Biotechnology
Therapeutics, genomics, synthetic biology, and bioengineering
Medical Devices
Diagnostics, implants, surgical tools, and connected devices
Diagnostics
Molecular, genetic, and point-of-care testing companies
Digital Health
Mobile health, digital therapeutics, remote monitoring, and wearables
HealthTech & Bioinformatics
Data platforms, AI-driven analytics, and research tech
Cell & Gene Therapy
Advanced biologics, regenerative medicine, and personalized treatments
Contract Services
CROs (Contract Research Organizations) and CDMOs (Contract Development & Manufacturing Organizations)
Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods
Supplement, wellness, and health-focused product companies
Specialty Chemicals
Suppliers of reagents, raw materials, and lab products for life sciences
Academic & Research Institutions
Translational research and tech transfer programs
Life Sciences Investment & Incubation
VC-backed startups, accelerators, and venture arms of large companies
Why Leading Life Sciences Companies Choose BarkerGilmore
When searching for life science executive recruiters and legal executive search specialists, it’s critical to partner with a firm that understands both the nuances of the life science industry and the unique demands of in-house legal leadership.
Deep Sector Specialization — We focus exclusively on placing in-house legal and compliance executives. Within life sciences, that includes General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officers, and senior legal leaders who bring relevant experience across specialized sectors such as R&D, regulatory strategy, product launch, licensing, and corporate transactions.
Elite Network Access — Our industry relationships span the top echelon of life sciences legal talent — built over decades and based on trust. The most qualified candidates respond to us because they know we bring meaningful, career-defining opportunities.
Rigorous Candidate Assessment — We go far beyond resumes. Our vetting process includes in-depth interviews, behavioral analysis, and Hogan Assessments conducted by certified professionals to ensure candidate EQ and alignment with your organization’s values, goals, and pace.
Right-Sized and Right-Fit — We are not the biggest search firm — and that’s intentional. Our business model ensures that every engagement is led by experienced search professionals, delivering accountability, responsiveness, and tailored service from start to finish.
Recruiting Legal and Compliance Leaders who Create Value for Life Science Organizations
Whether you’re expanding services, modernizing governance, or improving system wide compliance, our healthcare compliance recruiters identify legal and compliance professionals who will lead with integrity and elevate performance.
For CEOs: We find leaders who understand the business of life sciences organizations.
You need GCs and CCOs who don’t just interpret the law; they interpret your organization’s strategy. The ideal candidates bring business-oriented mindsets, offering pragmatic guidance that facilitates growth, innovation, and mission alignment. They are comfortable making decisions at the pace of operations and have earned a seat at the executive table.
Our search process ensures candidates understand both the unique regulatory environment and the commercial realities of delivering innovative and life-saving products and services in a competitive landscape.
For CHROs: We find collaborative partners in talent, ethics, and culture.
Legal and compliance leaders intersect deeply with your firm’s human capital strategy. Whether it involves credentialing, labor relations, or internal investigations, your GC and CCO must act as cultural stewards who support an ethical, inclusive, and legally sound workplace.
We evaluate leadership style, team-building ability, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the candidate can foster trust across departments.
For Boards: We find risk managers with governance insight, integrity, and strategic foresight.
Your legal and compliance executives must bring more than technical acumen. They must be architects of sound governance, capable of advising on fiduciary duties, disclosure obligations, compliance oversight, and reputational risk.
Our candidates have experience presenting to and advising boards, understanding the nuances of board dynamics, regulatory reporting, and strategic risk management.
Beyond Life Science Executive Recruiting—Leadership Coaching and Advisory
BarkerGilmore goes further than other life science or healthcare executive recruiting firms by offering executive coaching and strategic advisory services tailored to the professional and personal needs of life science legal and compliance leaders. Executive coaching and strategic advisory support for legal and compliance leaders are two of the most effective ways to enhance long-term performance and fuel business success.
BarkerGilmore offers a truly differentiated approach, combining executive recruiting with executive coaching, delivered by a team of former Chief Legal Officers and Chief Compliance Officers who have led legal and compliance functions at many of the country’s most respected companies, including leading life science organizations.
Our coaches bring firsthand experience, strategic insight, and trusted guidance, tailored to meet their clients’ needs. Whether your organization is seeking to facilitate the onboarding of a new executive, strengthen the leadership skills of a legal or compliance executive, or provide longer-term guidance on critical issues, our team of seasoned executive coaches and strategic advisors will deliver tangible, effective outcomes for your organization.
By partnering with BarkerGilmore, you gain:
- Access to industry veterans who have “sat in the seat” and understand what takes to be an effective leader
- Customized executive coaching programs designed to enhance the effectiveness of your senior legal and compliance professionals and the teams they lead
- Insights and proven best practices that accelerate the onboarding process and ensure the long-term return of your investment in a new hire
Connect with BarkerGilmore’s Healthcare and Life Sciences Executive Recruiting Team
Former SVP, GC & Corporate Secretary
Boehringer Ingelheim USA
Chicago, IL | Ridgefield, CT
Work with the Nation’s Leading Life Science Executive Recruiters and Legal Search Specialists
Whether you’re navigating expansion, managing transformation, or reinforcing compliance disciplines, we can help you find a GC or CCO who will drive your life science organization forward. Contact us today to start the conversation.
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