Principal Counsel

The Walt Disney Company is at the leading edge of entertainment and technology, working with the best entertainment brands in the world – Walt Disney Pictures, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures.  We make the impossible possible in order to bring our stories to life, including through our movies and television programs, interactive and streaming experiences, and parks and resorts.

The Studio Technology Legal Group is looking for a seasoned transactional attorney with significant experience supporting complex technology matters.  This position is a senior legal role reporting to the Assistant Chief Counsel – Studio Technology Legal.  It requires exceptional organizational skills, a proactive mindset, acute attention to detail and deadlines, exceptional drafting and negotiation skills (written and oral), strong acumen for legal issue spotting and problem solving, ability to effectively lead and balance multiple projects at a time, and constant, effective communication with both internal business partners and third parties.

This attorney will divide their support among a variety of technology matters related to areas, including production and post-production, marketing technology, business and data platforms, content security, research and innovation, artificial intelligence, immersive experiences, and shared services, to name a few.

Job Responsibilities

• Structure, draft and lead negotiations, and oversee a wide variety of agreements related to technology systems and services, including license arrangements, cloud-based services, software development and implementation, professional services, evaluations and proof of concepts, and non-disclosure arrangements.
• Provide support for AI matters, including analysis and advice, drafting and negotiating agreements, and coordinating across departments.
• Provide support for the development and distribution of immersive experiences.
• Provide analysis and advice relating to digital products, business-driven technology objectives and initiatives, and business operations.
• Collaborate with colleagues on various issues, such as intellectual property rights, regulations, privacy, security, antitrust, talent and clearances.
• Partner with Studio business teams at all levels.
• Understand the business goals of the business teams and provide strategic guidance that marries the business and legal initiatives of the Studio. 
• Provide advice and guidance related to Disney’s policies and procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• At least ten (10) years’ experience supporting complex technology matters and related legal issues.
• Strong knowledge of technology law.
• Ability to anticipate and understand the implications of agreements, contractual provisions, and related decisions on a business, including identifying and assessing risks and devising potential solutions.
• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills and exceptional negotiation skills, as well as the ability to problem solve in an efficient, business-friendly, and creative manner.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to professionalism.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Professional, confident demeanor and superior analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and interact effectively with people at many different levels both within and outside the company, including other attorneys, senior executives, managers, and engineers.
• Experience working and communicating with executives.
• Willingness to take “ownership” of projects and think proactively.
• Ability to handle a high volume of work and work through projects with minimal supervision.
• Superior organizational, prioritization, and time management skills with the ability to execute multiple, high-priority projects efficiently and effectively to meet tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical background (e.g., engineering degree, work experience as a technologist).
• Technology legal experience in an in-house legal department.

Education

• JD degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• 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 Greater Los Angeles Area is $208,800 to $270,100 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.