Job Description

Job Summary:

At Disney, were storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, direct-to-consumer streaming services, products, parks and experiences, and our television shows and networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world.

The Distribution Legal group negotiates and provides legal counsel for the distribution of The Walt Disney Companys world-class feature films, television content and online direct-to-consumer offerings. We represent Disneys expansive portfolio of brands from the Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Twentieth Century Studios and Searchlight) television entertainment, sports and news (including ABC Entertainment, ESPN, ABC News, Disney Channel/Disney Junior/Disney XD, FX Networks, National Geographic Channel and Freeform), and our innovative direct-to-consumer offerings (including Disney+, ESPN+, STAR+ and ABC News Live). The role will be with the legal team supporting Disney Platform Distribution, which is part of the Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution (DMED) division.

This team is the legal hub for Disney content distribution on a global scale, including theatrical distribution, television network distribution, over-the-top distribution of direct-to-consumer offerings via video streaming platforms, physical home video, electronic home video (EHV), transactional video-on-demand (TVOD), subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) and linear television. The group also advises business executives on distribution technology matters, related legal and policy matters, and handles content protection.
The Corporate Legal Distribution group is seeking an inquisitive attorney to work in a fast-paced environment on innovative, high-profile, industry-leading content distribution matters, including Internet and television distribution of Disneys portfolio of television networks, direct-to-consumer offerings, and motion picture and television titles on a linear, SVOD, AVOD, TVOD and EHV basis.

The role will focus on distribution of the ABC Television Network on all platforms, distribution of the ESPN, Disney, NatGeo and FX television networks by cable, satellite and digital MVPD distributors within the U.S., and distribution of Disney and ESPN direct-to-consumer services worldwide.

We are looking for a bright, energetic, self-motivated and reliable person who can work closely with senior attorneys, and with other internal groups, and will exercise the highest level of ethics and discretion.
Excellent drafting skills and intellectual curiosity are required. Some prior exposure to licensing, intellectual property, media and technology issues preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities:

* Work closely with senior attorneys and directly with business units on drafting, negotiating and closing distribution agreements with MVPDs and other distributors for all content-producing divisions within Media Networks, such as ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ESPN, Disney Channel/Disney Jr./XD, FX, NatGeo and Freeform, for both traditional and new platforms and business models.
* Work closely with senior attorneys and directly with business units on drafting, negotiating and closing agreements for the distribution of Disneys direct-to-consumer applications and paid subscription products such as Disney+ and ESPN+ with application platform providers, MVPDs and resellers.
* Direct responsibility as a legal point person for our distribution team in drafting, negotiating and closing broadcast TV, cable/satellite, and other licensing and distribution agreements for the U.S. As part of that work, this position will serve as the primary legal point-person with respect to a number of Disneys licensees.
* Provide advice and counsel to business and legal colleagues regarding distribution issues, novel legal questions arising from technological and marketplace developments, FCC and other regulations, and analysis of complex contractual provisions.
* Work closely with lawyers and executives from relevant internal groups (network and studio legal and business affairs, sales, technology, regulatory, antitrust counsel, labor relations, privacy, music, affiliate relations, ad sales and operations, etc.) to analyze and advise on complicated legal and regulatory issues in emerging distribution platforms and business models.
* Oversee legal issues related to distribution relationships, including MFN analysis and compliance.

Basic Qualifications:

* Minimum 4-7 years of legal experience
* Outstanding drafting and writing skills
* Must have deep interest in media and technology industries, and willingness to learn about new areas
* Ability to work independently or under limited supervision
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Must be team-oriented and have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a solution oriented approach to legal issues
* Self-motivated, with outstanding interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate complex concepts and issues effectively with colleagues, counterparts and management
* Ability to multi-task and work quickly and collaboratively under tight deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

* Some prior exposure to copyright law, intellectual property licenses, Internet and mobile platforms, and government regulation of broadcast or media industries is preferred
* Prior experience with media and entertainment issues is helpful, but is not required

Required Education

* JD or equivalent
* Admission to California State Bar or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel

Additional Information:

LegalAffairs