Semafor
Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world‑class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi‑polar world. Want to join us? Read on.
About This Role We are seeking an exceptional Inside Counsel to serve as a strategic legal partner to Semafor's leadership team as we scale our global intelligence platform. This is a unique opportunity to help build and shape the legal function of a fast‑growing media company redefining how business and political leaders access global insights. The ideal candidate brings a blend of media law expertise, commercial acumen, and startup adaptability, working directly with the CFO and executive leadership on all aspects of the business—from complex sponsorship negotiations to global event operations and editorial guidance.
Your Responsibilities Legal Advisory & Strategic Counsel
Serve as a trusted legal advisor to the CFO and executive team on all legal and regulatory matters across business functions
Advise on media law issues including defamation, privacy, copyright, fair use, and First Amendment considerations
Advise editorial teams on legal issues related to journalism and ensure compliance with applicable media regulations and industry standards
Support corporate governance matters including board materials, corporate policies, regulatory filings, and maintaining corporate records
Develop and implement internal policies, procedures, and legal risk frameworks to ensure compliance and operational efficiency
Commercial Contracts & Transactions
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements including event sponsorships ($500K-$5M+), sales contracts, vendor agreements, content partnerships, licensing agreements, syndication deals, and talent agreements
Maintain standardized contract templates and playbooks to enable business velocity while protecting company interests
Provide practical legal solutions that support business objectives in a fast‑paced media environment
Events Legal Support
Provide comprehensive legal support for Semafor's global events portfolio, including budgets ranging from $25,000 to over $5 million
Advise on issues of liability, insurance, force majeure, and attendee terms
Navigate cross‑border legal and regulatory considerations for major event franchises
Intellectual Property Management
Manage Semafor's global trademark portfolio and brand protection strategy
Advise on copyright, content ownership, and journalists' external IP arrangements
Oversee domain and social media legal matters
Identify and evaluate legal risks across the organization and develop practical mitigation strategies
Coordinate with outside counsel on litigation matters, manage discovery processes, and develop litigation strategies
Oversee pre‑publication review when necessary to minimize legal exposure
Manage relationships with outside counsel and legal service providers to ensure cost‑effective delivery of specialized legal services
Employment & Compliance
Support leadership on employment agreements, consulting arrangements, and compliance with employment laws across multiple jurisdictions
Ensure understanding and compliance with data privacy regulations including CCPA and GDPR
Cross‑Functional Partnership
Partner with editorial, events, revenue, and operations teams to advance business goals
Provide practical, solutions‑oriented legal guidance that balances risk with opportunity and enables growth
Build trusted relationships across all levels of the organization
What Makes You Qualified Education & Experience
J.D. from an accredited law school (top‑tier institutions strongly preferred)
Active bar membership in New York (or eligibility to practice in‑house in New York)
5-10 years of progressive legal experience, ideally including media, entertainment, publishing, technology, or related industries
Demonstrated expertise in media law, intellectual property, and commercial transactions
Experience managing litigation matters and working with outside counsel
Experience supporting live events or conferences strongly preferred
Experience with newsroom operations and First Amendment issues strongly preferred
Knowledge & Skills
Deep understanding of contract law, intellectual property, and media/publishing law
Strong command of legal issues affecting digital media companies including content licensing, privacy, and platform liability
Familiarity with advertising and marketing regulations including FTC guidelines
Knowledge of employment law and talent/creator agreements
Superior analytical and problem‑solving abilities to address complex legal issues
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for conveying legal concepts to non‑legal stakeholders
Strong negotiation skills with ability to achieve favorable outcomes while maintaining relationships
Project management skills to handle multiple matters simultaneously
Salary and Location Information This position is based in New York, NY at Semafor Headquarters.
Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours and travel domestically and internationally on an as‑needed basis. This position is in office Monday - Thursday and work from home on Fridays.
Salary Range: $200,000 - $250,000 per year,is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc.
Additional Job Details Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full‑time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as‑needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.
Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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About This Role We are seeking an exceptional Inside Counsel to serve as a strategic legal partner to Semafor's leadership team as we scale our global intelligence platform. This is a unique opportunity to help build and shape the legal function of a fast‑growing media company redefining how business and political leaders access global insights. The ideal candidate brings a blend of media law expertise, commercial acumen, and startup adaptability, working directly with the CFO and executive leadership on all aspects of the business—from complex sponsorship negotiations to global event operations and editorial guidance.
Your Responsibilities Legal Advisory & Strategic Counsel
Serve as a trusted legal advisor to the CFO and executive team on all legal and regulatory matters across business functions
Advise on media law issues including defamation, privacy, copyright, fair use, and First Amendment considerations
Advise editorial teams on legal issues related to journalism and ensure compliance with applicable media regulations and industry standards
Support corporate governance matters including board materials, corporate policies, regulatory filings, and maintaining corporate records
Develop and implement internal policies, procedures, and legal risk frameworks to ensure compliance and operational efficiency
Commercial Contracts & Transactions
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements including event sponsorships ($500K-$5M+), sales contracts, vendor agreements, content partnerships, licensing agreements, syndication deals, and talent agreements
Maintain standardized contract templates and playbooks to enable business velocity while protecting company interests
Provide practical legal solutions that support business objectives in a fast‑paced media environment
Events Legal Support
Provide comprehensive legal support for Semafor's global events portfolio, including budgets ranging from $25,000 to over $5 million
Advise on issues of liability, insurance, force majeure, and attendee terms
Navigate cross‑border legal and regulatory considerations for major event franchises
Intellectual Property Management
Manage Semafor's global trademark portfolio and brand protection strategy
Advise on copyright, content ownership, and journalists' external IP arrangements
Oversee domain and social media legal matters
Identify and evaluate legal risks across the organization and develop practical mitigation strategies
Coordinate with outside counsel on litigation matters, manage discovery processes, and develop litigation strategies
Oversee pre‑publication review when necessary to minimize legal exposure
Manage relationships with outside counsel and legal service providers to ensure cost‑effective delivery of specialized legal services
Employment & Compliance
Support leadership on employment agreements, consulting arrangements, and compliance with employment laws across multiple jurisdictions
Ensure understanding and compliance with data privacy regulations including CCPA and GDPR
Cross‑Functional Partnership
Partner with editorial, events, revenue, and operations teams to advance business goals
Provide practical, solutions‑oriented legal guidance that balances risk with opportunity and enables growth
Build trusted relationships across all levels of the organization
What Makes You Qualified Education & Experience
J.D. from an accredited law school (top‑tier institutions strongly preferred)
Active bar membership in New York (or eligibility to practice in‑house in New York)
5-10 years of progressive legal experience, ideally including media, entertainment, publishing, technology, or related industries
Demonstrated expertise in media law, intellectual property, and commercial transactions
Experience managing litigation matters and working with outside counsel
Experience supporting live events or conferences strongly preferred
Experience with newsroom operations and First Amendment issues strongly preferred
Knowledge & Skills
Deep understanding of contract law, intellectual property, and media/publishing law
Strong command of legal issues affecting digital media companies including content licensing, privacy, and platform liability
Familiarity with advertising and marketing regulations including FTC guidelines
Knowledge of employment law and talent/creator agreements
Superior analytical and problem‑solving abilities to address complex legal issues
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for conveying legal concepts to non‑legal stakeholders
Strong negotiation skills with ability to achieve favorable outcomes while maintaining relationships
Project management skills to handle multiple matters simultaneously
Salary and Location Information This position is based in New York, NY at Semafor Headquarters.
Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours and travel domestically and internationally on an as‑needed basis. This position is in office Monday - Thursday and work from home on Fridays.
Salary Range: $200,000 - $250,000 per year,is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc.
Additional Job Details Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full‑time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as‑needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.
Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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