Chief Counsel - Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (DPEP)

The Chief Counsel - DPEP has overall responsibility for legal matters affecting the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (DPEP) business segment of The Walt Disney Company, and reports directly to the Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of The Walt Disney Company.  The individual holding this position will supervise legal teams around the world who support the various lines of business within the segment, including theme parks and resorts, consumer products, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and various Disney and National Geographic travel offerings.  The individual will also supervise legal matters relating to real estate assets and activities and physical antipiracy.  The Chief Counsel - DPEP is a member of the business segment’s Executive Committee and provides advice directly to the Chairman of the business segment as well as other senior executives of the segment.    

Responsibilities:

• Quickly and accurately identify and evaluate legal risks in a complex global business environment and provide expert and strategic legal advice.

• Anticipate issues and proactively develop business-oriented and brand-consistent proposals to mitigate legal risks encompassing a wide range of practice areas, including transactions of all kinds, sales and marketing, real estate, regulatory compliance, safety, public affairs, joint ventures, worker’s compensation, and others.

• Protect the interests of The Walt Disney Company as a whole and effectively collaborate with legal and business leaders outside of the DPEP segment to achieve the best result.

• Quickly make appropriate risk-based decisions and elevate to the General Counsel as necessary.

• Attract, develop, direct, motivate and drive performance from the DPEP legal team.

• Provide effective leadership and supervision for a large and diverse legal team located around the world to consistently maintain a high standard of excellence.

• Create associations of trust and respect with key stakeholders, including senior executive business, legal leaders, and external parties (regulators, external counsel, partners).

• Keep abreast of relevant legislative and regulatory changes.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 20 years of legal experience, preferably with at least 10 years of legal experience focused on the theme park or consumer products business.

• Demonstrated business acumen and ability to creatively develop business-oriented solutions to complex legal problems.

• Proven leader experienced in managing a large team.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate.

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree or Equivalent international degree.

• Active license to practice law in a US jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in California.

The hiring range for this position in California is $405,818 to $544,390 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.

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