Senior Counsel, Distribution

About the Role & Team

The Legal Department is seeking an experienced attorney to support the negotiation, drafting execution and legal management of complex content distribution and other licensing agreements for our direct-to-consumer streaming platforms to enable innovative distribution models across linear and premium add on services, both domestically and internationally. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile industry defining distribution initiatives at the intersection of media, technology, and entertainment, alongside collaborative and innovative legal and business teams.

The ideal candidate for this position will be able to be strategic in negotiations, lead multiple projects with strong attention to detail and commercial instinct, exercise sound legal judgment in a fast-paced, evolving environment, and have significant experience negotiating and drafting content licensing and distribution agreements. If you are a strong collaborator and have a passion to work on innovative content distribution deals, then this is a great role for you.

• Lead negotiations and draft industry-first content distribution and licensing agreements with programmers.
• Provide strategic legal counsel to the Content Partnerships team and cross-functional stakeholders to support the growth and management of Disney’s direct-to-consumer content offerings.
• Partner closely with executives and deal teams throughout all phases of distribution and licensing transactions.
• Serve as a primary legal point of contact for cross functional teams on assigned deals, translating contractual requirements into practical guidance and helping drive consensus across legal, content, product, and operations.
• Exercise independent legal judgment on key initiatives, prepare recommendation memos for senior legal and business stakeholders and flag key matters for escalation as appropriate.

• At least 5 years of legal experience.
• Experience negotiating and drafting content distribution, carriage, and/or licensing agreements (e.g., in-house counsel at a major television network, MVPD, digital MVPD, or law firm candidates representing such clients).
• Experience at a television network, MVPD or law firm focusing on distribution/TV carriage and other complex commercial transactions is highly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with senior executives and cross functional teams, from both a business and legal perspective.
• Strong understanding of direct-to-consumer streaming platforms, media distribution, and related technology considerations.
• Proven ability to work proactively and independently, manage multiple matters simultaneously, and deliver high-quality legal advice under tight timelines.
• Willingness to tackle matters outside of immediate subject matter expertise in a dynamic business environment.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent from accredited law school
• 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 Greater Los Angeles area is $174,600 to $225,800 per year and in New York area is $182,900 to $236,600 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.

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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