Nicole Merchant

Associate Director Brand Attorney @ Menarini Stemline

About

I am an in-house brand attorney with experience advising consumer-facing products in highly regulated industries, including biopharmaceuticals. My practice spans brand strategy, advertising and promotion, media and sponsorships, data privacy, regulatory and legal compliance, helping teams execute sophisticated marketing initiatives while managing legal and reputational risk.In my current role, I partner closely with marketing, medical, compliance, and privacy stakeholders to support product claims, promotional materials, media buys, sponsorship agreements, and digital campaigns across social, online, and traditional channels. Operating in a biopharmaceutical environment has required precision, strong judgment, and the ability to translate complex regulatory frameworks into practical, business-forward guidance.I hold the IAPP CIPP/US and CIP certifications, reflecting a deep working knowledge of U.S. privacy law and enterprise data governance, which I regularly apply in advertising, marketing, and digital product contexts.My background also includes formal training in entertainment and media law, and my experience advising on consumer-facing advertising issues is directly transferable to media, entertainment, technology, and consumer products companies seeking practical, collaborative in-house counsel.Licensed attorney in New York and New Jersey. Admitted in California (inactive).

Country

City

United States

Industry

Pharmaceuticals

Skill

In-House Counsel, Digital Marketing & Privacy, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Contract Negotiation, Legal Compliance, Consumer Protection Law, Data Privacy (U.S.), Product Claims Substantiation, Advertising & Marketing Review, Brand & Commercial Law, Public Speaking

Experience

Associate Director Brand Attorney

Menarini Stemline

2023-3 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos

New York, United States

As lead counsel for a rare disease hematology product and broader oncology portfolio, I deliver strategic, business-aligned legal guidance across commercial, medical, and regulatory functions in the U.S., EMEA, and global markets. I specialize in translating complex regulatory frameworks into actionable, risk-balanced counsel that drives compliant growth. Key Responsibilities: • Lead legal advisor for rare disease and oncology therapies, partnering cross-functionally to support launch and lifecycle management strategies. • Oversee legal review of promotional and scientific materials via PRC/MRC processes to ensure accuracy, substantiation, and legal compliance. • Advise on healthcare fraud and abuse, promotional regulations, data privacy, and global transparency laws affecting commercial and medical operations. • Negotiate, draft, and review a wide range of agreements (e.g., MSAs, SOWs, consulting, data use) with a focus on mitigating risk and understanding the business needs. • Develop and implement enterprise-wide policies to promote consistent, ethical, and compliant business practices.

Associate Lawyer

Kaufman Dolowich LLP

2017-2 - 2023-3 · 6 yrs 2 mos

New Jersey and New York

Concentrated practice in complex commercial litigation and transactional work for private international/national and insurance clients in a variety of industries. Experience includes litigating and resolving business and corporate conflicts, product liability, employment issues, cybersecurity/data privacy, contractual issues, entertainment/media, intellectual property, and compliance in the areas of drugs, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.

Education

Southwestern Law School

2012 - 2015 · 3 yrs

• Journal of International Media & Entertainment Law, Student Editor, 2013 – 2015 • Negotiation Honors Program, 2014 – 2015 • Finalist, INADR International Mediation Competition, February 2015 • Recipient of CALI Award and “Excellence for the Future Award,” Entertainment Law Blog, Fall 2014 • President, International Law Society, 2014 – 2015

UC Irvine

Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General

2006 - 2010 · 4 yrs

• Dean’s Honor List, 2006 – 2010 • The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, 2006 – 2010 • Recipient, Bank of America Leadership Scholarship, 2005 • Honors, Rochester Kodak Leadership Award, 2006

University of Missouri-Kansas City

International law studies in Ireland and Wales

• Courses focused on the jurisprudence of international intellectual property rights, substantive and procedural law of the European Union, comparative law, and international issues intertwined in international sports law.

Wells College

Arts in Paris, Acting and Dance

Art courses taught in Paris, France focused on acting, ballet, and modern/contemporary dance; French language and culture classes; Performed at the Le Pavé d’ Orsay Theatre.