Associate Principal Counsel

The Disney Corporate Legal Department, Intellectual Property group is seeking highly qualified candidates for a position as Associate Principal Counsel advising its businesses on copyright, trademark and right of publicity issues. 

Disney is one of the most innovative global businesses in any industry today.  At Corporate, you’ll work across different lines of business across the Company on issues related to IP development, clearance, acquisition, protection, and management.  We work on cutting edge ideas and initiatives with supportive colleagues across the enterprise globally.

The position will be primarily responsible for advising on a range of copyright, right of publicity and trademark issues related to the development, production, marketing and distribution of motion pictures, television programs, online content, games, and related consumer products.  The position will provide support and strategic legal advice to business units on copyright, trademark, right of publicity, defamation, and related legal questions and tasks, such as analyzing complex rights matters, reviewing and drafting IP related language for agreements, analyzing IP issues related to emerging technologies and other strategic business initiatives.  The position will collaborate with and escalate issues to more senior IP attorneys.

Responsibilities:

• Provide counseling to clients on numerous intellectual property matters, including copyright, trademark, defamation, and right of publicity issues. 
• Analyze and advise on complex rights questions.
• Advise on IP aspects of legal agreements.
• Perform trademark clearances; some trademark prosecution; supervision and work with in-house IP paralegal staff and outside counsel in multiple countries.
• Consultation regarding legal developments in multiple countries on trademark and copyright issues.
• Analyze and resolve intellectual property claims.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of IP experience (transactional or litigation) with a law firm and/or in-house department
• Experience handling copyright, trademark, defamation and right of publicity issues.
• Knowledge of First Amendment and fair use issues as related to intellectual property law.
• Familiarity with social media and other content applications and platforms
• Experience working with and managing paralegals.
• Experience giving presentations and public speaking.  This position involves educating business units on intellectual property topics from time to time.   
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate risk; exercise sound legal judgment; and advise business executives and other attorneys on IP issues.
• Ability to work independently and with supervision from senior attorney(s).
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and work quickly, efficiently, and collaboratively under multiple, high-priority deadlines. 
• A collegial and collaborative lawyer who is committed to delivering outstanding results for his or her clients and The Walt Disney Company while building a positive working environment with clients and colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate complex concepts and practical issues effectively with all levels of management, as well as a knack for smooth client relationships and diplomatic, creative resolution of conflicting needs.
• Excellent work ethic and interpersonal skills, including a healthy sense of humor and the ability to build professional, interdepartmental relationships at multiple levels.
• Admission to California State Bar or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience at a major law firm and/or in-house experience at a major multi-national Company.
• Experience representing a major consumer brand or entertainment IP owner in production clearance matters and claims.
• Adaptability to changes in workflow and intellectual property related support systems and technology is critical.
• Technology-forward attorney.
   

Required Education:

• JD or equivalent
• Strong academic credentials
• Admission to California State Bar in good standing or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel

The hiring range for this position in the Greater Los Angeles area is $171,900 to $222,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.