Michael Schiffer
Michael counsels brands, advertising agencies, talent, as well as production, technology and media companies on how to successfully market their hard work to their desired audiences. Rather than act as a roadblock, Michael will routinely offer the creative solution to get clients to “yes,” while mitigating risk. His in-house and outside counsel experience give him the unique perspective to understand what clients need, what is practical, and what is the most effective way to make it happen.
Michael’s practice focuses on both the deal work behind a marketing campaign, in addition to the public-facing content and copy.
On the contract side, he drafts, negotiates and reviews agency-client agreements, talent and appearance (and SAG) deals, media buys, sponsorships, music and art licenses, photographer/illustrator arrangements, co-promotion deals, sweepstakes/contests and NDAs, and most other marketing deals.
On the content review side, he analyzes client work for trademark, copyright and right of publicity issues, claim substantiation, competitor risks, false advertising, Federal Trade Commission compliance, and other pitfalls.
Michael has spent nearly 20 years practicing law in the intellectual property field, and more than 15 of those years specializing in advertising and marketing law. He was most recently @Twitter as Director and Head of Marketing Legal for 5 years. At Twitter, Michael managed a team of marketing attorneys who serviced business-to-business marketers, consumer marketers, growth and product teams, event coordinators, an in-house production studio and the communications organization. He revamped content clearance processes and led cross-functional projects to execute global campaigns for the social media company. Prior to Twitter, Michael worked at the renowned advertising law boutique, Frankfurt Kurnit, for 10 years. His clients included tech brands, large and small ad agencies, consumer goods companies, alcohol brands, influencers and public relations firms.
Michael has been named a “SuperLawyer” in 1st Amendment/Media/Ad Law and called-out in The Legal 500’s publication for Media & Advertising work. He is admitted to practice in New York State, SDNY and EDNY.
Michael graduated from Cornell University (BA, distinction in all subjects) and Boston College Law School (JD, Senior Editor on Law Review).
Wendy Schechter
Wendy has more than 20 years of experience counseling clients on all facets of their advertising and marketing campaigns from inception through production. She is known for her wide-ranging knowledge, keen intellect and her ability to guide her clients through complex issues while mitigating risk.
Wendy has spent her career helping ad agencies, brands, production companies and other media companies achieve their creative goals. She has assisted clients in connection with a wide array of products and services, including food and beverage, alcohol, automotive, insurance, electronics, delivery platforms and restaurants, among others.
Wendy reviews and analyzes creative concepts and materials to help clients determine and mitigate risks, including those related to copyright, trademark, right of publicity, claim substantiation, and FTC compliance, among others. Wendy drafts, negotiates and reviews agency-client agreements, celebrity and influencer talent deals, production agreements, sponsorships, music, artwork and other third party content licenses, photographer and illustrator agreements, co-promotion deals, sweepstakes/contests and NDAs, as well as other marketing and advertising related contracts.
Prior to co-founding S2 Advertising Law with Michael Schiffer, Wendy was counsel in the Advertising Group at Frankfurt Kurnit.
Wendy graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School, where she was the Executive Articles Editor of the Law Review, and she received her B.A. in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania.
