Job Description

Job Summary:

At Disney, we’re storytellers. We make the impossible possible. We do this by employing 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 Walt Disney Company is a diversified, international family entertainment and media organization whose operations include theme parks and resorts, filmed entertainment including motion pictures and television shows, home video products, records, consumer products, a cruise line, radio and television stations, broadcast and cable networks, internet offerings and publishing activities.

The Walt Disney Company Legal Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Associate Principal Counsel, Real Estate, to provide legal advice and legal transactional support to various departments and business units of The Walt Disney Company primarily with respect to real estate transactions, leasing, construction, and other real estate related matters. This position reports to the Assistant General Counsel for The Walt Disney Company Legal Department’s real estate group.

Responsibilities:

Provide legal support for The Walt Disney Company related to leasing, property sales and acquisitions, real estate master planning, real estate development and construction, legal support for development, operation, and maintenance of all real estate assets of The Walt Disney Company, including:

Draft and negotiate all categories of leases including office, industrial, hotel, restaurant and retail leases, as well as lease amendments, for various company real estate assets worldwide

Negotiate and draft complex purchase and sale agreements, development and management agreements, infrastructure agreements, easement agreements, property licenses, and various closing documents

Manage and coordinate all aspects of all commercial real estate sales and acquisitions including due diligence, title and survey review, and closings often involving 1031 exchange elements

Advise business teams on matters related to leasing, land use, zoning and entitlements

Provide legal support and advice to The Walt Disney Company’s Corporate Real Estate group and various business units

Manage outside counsel and outside counsel legal budgets

Provide legal advice and act as a strategic thought partner throughout various stages of project planning, real estate acquisitions, and real estate dispositions

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum four (4) years’ experience in complex real estate transactions, commercial leasing and construction in California

Subject matter expert in real estate law

Excellent negotiation, contract drafting, and communication skills – written and verbal are required

Ability to work independently, with some supervision, on complex transactions

Demonstrated ability to evaluate risk and to exercise sound legal judgment

Ability to influence and provide real-estate support for other Company attorneys and paralegals

Proven client relationship skills

Must be team-oriented and able to work in a fast-paced environment with a solution-oriented approach to legal issues

Self-motivated and able to communicate complex concepts and issues effectively with all levels of management

Able to multi-task and work quickly and collaboratively under tight deadlines

Highly organized with ability to effectively manage outside counsel

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with land use, zoning and/or entitlements law is a plus

Required Education:

JD or equivalent from an accredited law school

Membership in the California State Bar in good standing or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel