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Counsel, Disney Television Animation

Job ID 10114513 Location Glendale, California, United States Business The Walt Disney Company (Corporate) Date posted Mar. 05, 2025
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Job Summary:

Disney Television Animation (“TVA”), the production studio responsible for creating animated content across Disney’s linear networks and digital platforms such as Disney+, is looking for an experienced attorney to serve as Counsel, as part of the Legal Affairs team. Counsel for TVA will work in a collaborative fashion with other departmental members and members of related departments, including Business Affairs, Creative, Production, Casting, Production Finance, Programming, Marketing, Brand Management, Publishing and Digital Media, and will report to a Principal Counsel, Legal Affairs. 

The position will have day-to-day responsibilities in connection with the development and production of animated television, TV movies, and multi-platform projects for Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney+ as well as on-line platforms.  Such duties will include negotiating, managing, and advising on deals, drafting of contracts relating to the development and production of animation content and related studio activities, advising on employment law, advising on rights and legal clearance, and analyzing intellectual property and other related issues. The position will also entail responsibilities as legal counsel in connection with animated 3rd party productions for Disney networks/platforms.

Job Responsibilities

  • Meet with business affairs, creative, production and finance executives to collaborate on deal structuring and contractual language, and to advise regarding rights, labor, and all other issues related to development and production of animated content;
  • Negotiate, draft, and finalize various contracts, including agreements for writers, producers, voice talent, directors, production services, vendor agreements, rights acquisition, etc.;
  • Successfully liaise with talent representatives;
  • Review, research, and advise on intellectual property issues and clearance related to content;
  • Oversee the work of administrative staff and paralegals in connection with clearance, casting, and other production legal matters;
  • Work with third party production companies with respect to legal matters on assigned productions;
  • Consult and work with legal colleagues throughout The Walt Disney Company on production matters relating to IP, Tax, Labor, Employment, Compliance, etc., and with outside counsel as needed; and
  • Work with business partners and legal colleagues throughout The Walt Disney Company to advise and document as necessary with respect to exploitation of TVA content outside of television exhibition.

Basic Qualifications

  • A minimum of 3 years of combined experience in a law firm and/or network/studio
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent analytical skills.
  • Excellent negotiating and drafting skills.
  • Excellent creative problem-solving abilities.
  • Exceptional organizational, prioritization, and time management skills with the ability to execute against multiple, high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment with a keen attention to detail.
  • Strong ability to work independently and to contribute positively as a collaborative member of a team, with a strong commitment to learning and excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with respect to guild and union agreements, contract law, first amendment issues, and/or intellectual property law (including defamation, right of publicity, parody).
  •  Prior production and/or distribution experience (particularly animation), or other entertainment, media experience a plus.
  • Relevant experience in entertainment-related field, with emphasis on contracts, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property law.
  • Experience in employment law, including wrongful termination and wage and hour issues.

Education:

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

The hiring range for this position in California is $142,200.00 to $183,900.00 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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About The Walt Disney Company (Corporate):

At Disney Corporate you can see how the businesses behind the Company’s powerful brands come together to create the most innovative, far-reaching and admired entertainment company in the world. As a member of a corporate team, you’ll work with world-class leaders driving the strategies that keep The Walt Disney Company at the leading edge of entertainment. See and be seen by other innovative thinkers as you enable the greatest storytellers in the world to create memories for millions of families around the globe.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Company (Corporate).

Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

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.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

  • Where Does Your Story Begin?

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  • Be Part of the Story

    There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.

  • The Next Chapter

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Explore this Location Glendale, CA

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