Lead Counsel

The Disney Corporate Legal Department, Intellectual Property group is seeking highly qualified candidates for a position as Lead Counsel advising its businesses on trademark, copyright, and right of publicity issues. 

Disney is one of the most innovative global businesses in any industry today.  At Corporate, you’ll work across different lines of business across the Company on issues related to IP development, clearance, acquisition, protection, and management.  We work on cutting edge ideas and initiatives with supportive colleagues across the enterprise globally.

The position will be primarily responsible for advising on a range of trademark, copyright and right of publicity issues related to the development, production, marketing and distribution of motion pictures, television programs, online content, games, and related consumer products. The IP group provides support and strategic legal advice to business units on copyright, trademark, right of publicity, defamation, and related legal questions and tasks, such as analyzing complex rights matters, reviewing and drafting IP related language for agreements, analyzing IP issues related to emerging technologies and other strategic business initiatives. The position will collaborate with and escalate issues to more senior IP attorneys.

What You Will Do:

• Perform trademark clearances; some trademark prosecution; supervision and work with in-house IP paralegal staff and outside counsel in multiple countries.
• Provide counseling to business partners on numerous intellectual property matters, including trademark, copyright, defamation, and right of publicity issues. 
• Analyze and advise on complex rights questions.
• Advise on IP aspects of legal agreements.
• Legal research.
• Consultation regarding legal developments in multiple countries on trademark and copyright issues.
• Analyze and resolve intellectual property claims.
• Assisting senior IP attorneys with projects.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum of 9+ years of IP experience (transactional or litigation) with a law firm and/or in-house department
• Experience handling trademark, copyright, defamation and right of publicity issues.
• Knowledge of First Amendment as related to intellectual property law.
• Familiarity with social media and other content applications and platforms
• Familiarity with AI
• Experience working with paralegals.
• Experience giving presentations and public speaking.  This position involves educating business units on intellectual property topics from time to time.   
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate risk; exercise sound legal judgment; and advise business executives and other attorneys on IP issues.
• Ability to work independently and with supervision from senior attorney(s).
• Exceptionally strong attention to detail and legal analysis.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and work quickly, efficiently, and collaboratively under multiple, high-priority deadlines. 
• A collegial and collaborative lawyer who is committed to delivering outstanding results for his or her business partners, colleagues and The Walt Disney Company while contributing to a positive working environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate complex concepts and practical issues effectively with all levels of management, as well as a knack for smooth relationships with business partners and colleagues, and diplomatic, creative resolution of conflicting needs.
• Excellent work ethic and interpersonal skills, including a healthy sense of humor and the ability to build professional, interdepartmental relationships at multiple levels.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience at a major law firm and/or in-house experience at a major multi-national Company.
• Experience representing a major consumer brand or entertainment IP owner in production clearance matters and claims.
• Adaptability to changes in workflow and intellectual property related support systems and technology is critical.
• Technology-forward attorney.

 
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

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The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $212,000 to $274,200 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.