Lead Counsel

At Disney, we are storytellers. We operate at the intersection of entertainment and technology to bring stories to life through our movies, television programs, parks and resorts, products, and video games. The Games and Digital Entertainment business within Disney Consumer Products (DCP) works with best-in-class developers to create games and digital experiences based on some of the world’s greatest entertainment brands - Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Marvel. This is a great opportunity to join our talented team.

Disney is looking for an experienced transactional attorney for the role of Lead Counsel. The attorney in this role will be part of a team of legal professionals supporting DCP’s Games and Digital Entertainment and Digital Innovation businesses. The ideal candidate will possess a proactive, solutions oriented mindset; excellent issue-spotting, drafting, and negotiation skills; the ability to effectively lead and balance multiple projects simultaneously; and the ability to maintain consistent, effective communication with internal business partners and third parties. This position will be located in either Disney’s Grand Central Creative Campus in Glendale, California or at Disney’s offices in New York, New York.

What You Will Do:

• Structure, draft, lead negotiations, and oversee a variety of agreements related to video games and digital experiences, including license agreements for video games and other interactive products, distribution agreements, and professional service and vendor agreements.
• Provide legal support for the games and entertainment universe associated with Fortnite that is being developed in collaboration between Epic Games and Disney.
• Collaborate with colleagues on a variety of legal issues, including artificial intelligence, intellectual property, privacy, security, clearances, and user generated content. 
• May supervise other legal professionals.
• Partner with Disney Games and Digital Innovation business teams at all levels to help them achieve their business objectives.
• Support other businesses within DCP as needed, such as publishing and merchandise licensing. 

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum of eight (8) years of legal experience supporting complex transactional matters and related legal issues.
• Strong understanding of licensing agreements and related legal considerations, including intellectual property (copyright, trademark, rights of publicity), privacy, guild matters, and compliance.
• Familiarity with the video game industry, including gaming companies, platforms, distribution methods, and business models.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to problem solve in an efficient, business-friendly, creative manner.
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to partner with Cast Members at all levels.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of projects, and proactively develop solutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Passion for and knowledge of video games and interactive entertainment.
• Prior experience in an in-house legal department at an entertainment, video game, or technology company.
• Experience supervising legal professionals.

Education:

• JD degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the California or New York State Bar in good standing or, willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel.

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The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $218,800 to $283,000 per year and in Glendale, CA 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.