Senior Corporate Counsel

Semtech•San Jose, CA

About The Position

As a Senior Corporate Counsel, you will serve as a key legal advisor specializing in intellectual property and commercial contract matters for Semtech's global business operations. You will lead complex IP and contract negotiations, provide strategic counsel on patent prosecution and licensing, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, business development, and operations, to ensure the company navigates sophisticated legal challenges in the semiconductor industry. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in IP law, complex commercial contracts, and business transactions, with proven expertise in the technology or semiconductor sectors and a track record of managing high-stakes IP and contract matters.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Active membership in good standing with the bar
6-10 years of experience in IP law and technology transactions, with extensive focus on licensing, and commercial contracts
Proven track record managing complex, high-value transactions and legal matters
Strong experience with semiconductor industry or technology sector transactions
Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience with legal professionals
Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
Proven ability to work independently and provide strategic legal counsel to senior management

Nice To Haves

Previous in-house counsel experience at publicly traded technology or semiconductor companies
Experience with international transactions and cross-border legal matters
Knowledge of corporate governance best practices and regulatory trends
Strong business acumen with demonstrated ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
Experience managing outside counsel relationships and legal budgets
Strong project management and organizational skills
Strategic thinker with ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal solutions
Excellent attention to detail and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments
Collaborative leadership style with proven ability to influence and build relationships across all organizational levels
Self-motivated and adaptable, with demonstrated success in fast-paced, dynamic environments

Responsibilities

Intellectual Property Management Support comprehensive IP strategy aligned with business objectives
Manage and coordinate patent prosecution, trademark registration, and copyright protection efforts of external counsel
Negotiate and draft complex IP licensing agreements and Oversee IP portfolio management and competitive landscape analysis
Collaborate with R&D teams on invention disclosure and patent strategy
Manage relationships with outside IP counsel
Commercial Contracts and Transactions Lead negotiation of high-value and complex commercial contracts, including master supply agreements, licensing agreements, technology transfer agreements, sales/distribution/reseller agreements, SaaS agreements, strategic partnerships and others
Provide strategic guidance to business teams on contract structures, risk allocation, and deal terms
Enhance and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and best practices for the organization
Ensure contracts comply with applicable laws, company policies, and strategic business objectives
Manage relationships with key commercial partners and resolve complex contractual disputes
Corporate Legal Support Support M&A transactions from IP and contract perspective, including due diligence and transaction structuring
Provide counsel on corporate governance matters related to IP and commercial transactions
Draft and review merger, acquisition, joint venture, and strategic partnership agreements
Support preparation of public disclosures related to IP matters and material contracts
Leadership and Strategic Advisory Serve as subject matter expert on IP and contract matters for cross-functional teams
Partner with executive leadership to align IP and contract strategy with business objectives
Lead cross-functional legal projects requiring IP and contract expertise