In this interview, we sit down with Carla Butti, Senior Legal Counsel, Life Sciences & Innovation at Philip Morris International (PMI), to explore her career journey, the role of legal counsel in enabling scientific progress, and the unique challenges of operating in highly regulated environments. With over a decade of international experience and a passion for bridging law and science, Carla shares her insights on collaborating with researchers, navigating complex compliance landscapes, and supporting PMI’s transformation towards responsible and ethical innovation.
Dear Carla, could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your current role at Philip Morris International?
Thank you for the opportunity. I am a qualified lawyer in Italy, and after completing a postgraduate course in Corporate Legal Affairs, I transitioned into in-house legal roles. This path allowed me to discover my passion for working closely with business teams, supporting both day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives.
After over a decade of experience in Italy, I moved to Switzerland in 2016, continuing to support companies in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors within international environments.
Currently, I serve as Senior Legal Counsel, Life Sciences & Innovation at Philip Morris International (PMI). In this role, I provide legal guidance to the PMI Life Science division, helping ensure sound risk governance and compliance. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to support PMI’s vision of delivering a smoke-free future, bringing a legal perspective shaped by my background in life sciences and regulated industries.
Reflecting on your career path, what key moments or decisions stand out? How has working with a flexible legal staffing provider like Interim Legal influenced your growth?
Several pivotal moments shaped my journey. Early in my career, I embraced complex projects beyond my comfort zone, which deepened my legal expertise and taught me the value of adaptability and continuous learning. Pursuing further qualifications and seeking expert advice in critical situations gave me the confidence to take on greater responsibilities.
Working with Interim Legal was a significant growth opportunity. Exposure to diverse industries and legal challenges sharpened my ability to deliver business-oriented legal solutions. This experience also strengthened my professional confidence and broadened my network, which remains a valuable source of knowledge and support.
Ultimately, this chapter reinforced my commitment to excellence and adaptability in an evolving legal landscape.
As Senior Counsel, Life Sciences & Innovation, how do you collaborate with scientists? How does this interaction shape innovation support within the organization?
Collaboration with the PMI Life Science team is essential to ensure that innovation is pursued responsibly and in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks. Legal and scientific teams work hand-in-hand to anticipate risks and safeguard the company’s interests, especially in areas where research, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance intersect.
I maintain regular engagement with scientists through leadership meetings, cross-functional discussions, and dedicated training sessions. This ongoing dialogue allows me to understand the nuances of their work and proactively address legal considerations – whether related to research agreements, data privacy, intellectual property, or regulatory submissions.
My role is not limited to providing legal answers but includes identifying opportunities and risks early in the innovation process. By working closely with the scientific teams, I help ensure that our innovations are supported by robust evidence and aligned with legal and ethical standards.
I also collaborate with PMI’s global and local legal centers of excellence to address emerging topics such as data protection, intellectual property, and the responsible use of AI and other innovative tools.
This partnership fosters a culture of ethical research and responsible innovation, which is central to PMI’s transformation journey.
Could you share a meaningful project that highlights the value of legal counsel within your organization?
One particularly meaningful experience involved supporting a global life sciences project that spanned multiple jurisdictions. These initiatives often involve complex legal landscapes, especially when conducting multicenter clinical studies.
Key legal challenges included navigating diverse data protection laws (such as GDPR and local regulations), securing ethics committee approvals, managing insurance requirements, and ensuring intellectual property protection.
We played a critical role in mapping these requirements and coordinating with colleagues across PMI’s global legal network. Their local insights were invaluable in ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
This experience underscored that legal support is not just about minimizing exposure – it’s about enabling the organization to move forward with confidence, even in highly regulated and complex environments.
What advice would you give to legal professionals entering or transitioning into the life sciences sector?
Entering the life sciences field as a legal professional is both intellectually rewarding and professionally enriching. My advice is to embrace continuous learning and stay informed about evolving regulations and scientific developments.
Building a strong professional network and understanding the regulatory frameworks governing pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices is essential. Let curiosity and passion guide your journey.
Above all, maintain high standards of integrity and precision. The intersection of science and law demands rigor, attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical practice.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Philip Morris International or its affiliates.
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