Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel (First In-House Hire)

A fast-growing media organization is seeking its first in-house attorney to build and lead the company’s legal function. The ideal candidate has experience supporting early-stage or scaling startups - preferably within media, journalism, or publishing - and is comfortable operating in a dynamic, high-growth environment. This role reports to the CFO and will play a pivotal part in shaping legal operations as the company continues its expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate vendor contracts (U.S. and Middle East), including those related to journalism conferences and live events

• Advise on media law, First Amendment issues, HR matters, pro-temp licensing, and general corporate contracting

• Operate effectively in a fast-paced, low-ego, high-accountability environment

• Help shape and eventually build out the legal team as the company grows

Candidate Profile

• U.S. work authorization, J.D. from Top 25 U.S. law school and New York Bar membership (or ability to waive in/reactivate).

• Experience supporting startups—either in-house or as outside counsel for media or media-adjacent companies

• Strong familiarity with First Amendment, defamation law, IP and privacy law and other media-law-related considerations.

• 5–10+ years of experience preferred, though more senior candidates will be considered

• Bright, polished, and agile; able to succeed in “managed chaos”

• Highly collaborative with a strong teamwork orientation

• Strong preference for experience managing live events.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $225K–$265K

• 20% bonus or more

• Medical, HSA, dental, parental leave, unlimited PTO

• 401(k) available (no current employer match)

Work Environment

• In-office (NYC) Monday–Thursday and remote work on Fridays

• Fast-moving, highly collaborative culture

• Profitable, and growing quickly

Start Timeline

• Ideal start in early Q1, with flexibility for earlier onboarding

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply if they are excited by the opportunity to build an in-house legal function from the ground up in a mission-driven media environment and if they meet the basic qualifications.