Disney Television Animation (“TVA”), the production studio responsible for developing animated content across Disney’s linear networks and digital platforms such as Disney+, is looking for an attorney to serve as a staff attorney for the Production Legal team. The Staff Attorney for TVA is expected to work in a collaborative fashion with other departmental members and members of related departments at both the TVA studio and The Walt Disney Company as a whole, 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, shorts, and multi-platform projects for Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney+ as well as on-line platforms. The position may also entail responsibilities as legal counsel to Disney networks/platforms.

Responsibilities:

The Staff Attorney will support the delivery of compelling creative and great storytelling, while building their legal career in the entertainment industry. The Staff Attorney’s work will be closely supervised initially until they reach a comfort level to work more independently on a particular type of project, with the goal of providing more autonomy and latitude as projects become more familiar. It is anticipated that the Staff Attorney might initially receive assignments daily and weekly from the other attorneys, but eventually work directly with clients (working collaboratively with other lawyers, Business Affairs executives and other company executives). After a reasonable period of initiation, the Staff Attorney would be responsible for prioritizing their own projects (with the supervising attorney always available for guidance and consult whenever needed). Specific responsibilities may include:

Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various contracts, primarily for the development and production of animated content, such as contracts with writers, directors, artists, independent contractors, production services, license agreements, and vendor agreements;
Working with internal and external Casting teams with respect to the negotiation of voice over talent agreements;
Liaise with internal business and creative clients, internal legal contacts and other advisory departments (e.g., Labor, Tax, Intellectual Property, etc.), and external talent attorneys/agents;
Reviewing agreements, analyzing and researching chain of title and other rights issues, and preparing summaries of rights, obligations, and related matters;
Developing and maintaining tracking systems for rights, talent approvals/restrictions, screen credits, and other systems to efficiently manage attorney workflow;
Creating and managing a library of form agreements, negotiated language, and responses to common requests;
Researching and responding to legal inquiries from TVA studio and The Walt Disney Company as a whole, and providing direction and guidance in connection with all legal issues related to the development and production of original content;
Performing special legal projects and other related duties as assigned or requested.

Basic Qualifications:

Ability to draft and interpret contracts and articulate legal issues.
Strong organization and time management skills with careful attention to detail.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, discretion and sound judgment.
Ability to identify and analyze legal issues and propose solutions and strategies for resolution.
Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and prioritize high-volume work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
Excellent work ethic and interpersonal skills, with a desire and ability to contribute positively as a collaborative member of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience in media / production legal, preferably animation.
Strong academic credentials, ideally including entertainment and IP law classes.
California Bar membership preferred.

Required Education

JD or equivalent
Strong academic credentials
Admission to California State Bar in good standing or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel

Additional Information:

#legalaffairs #corp_media #li-jb3

About Disney Television Animation:

Disney Television Animation loves characters. Characters reveal our deepest emotions and what it means to be human… even if you're an animated duck, mouse, muppet, lion, boy or girl. Are you the type of character that loves animation and wants to be part of the team that makes the magic happen? Disney Television Animation, an integral part of The Walt Disney Company, creates many of the company's most beloved animated shows. If you've got a passion to join our team of talented professionals, we want to hear your story.

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 with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. 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 TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp., which is part of a business segment we call Disney Television Animation.

TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

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