Disney Job Openings – Assistant Chief Counsel

Job Description:

The Assistant Chief Counsel is responsible for development and production of motion pictures including providing production counsel services as a senior subject matter expert. You will also serve as senior legal adviser and will be expected to provide guidance and direction reflecting sound judgment, strategic vision and substantive legal knowledge and expertise in matters relating to motion picture development including rights research and analysis, drafting and negotiating rights agreements and other above-the-line talent agreements. You will be directly involved in managing significant, complex and/or policy setting matters including drafting and negotiating film acquisition agreements, delivery schedules, co-production and co-financing agreements and related secured transaction documents. You will also be involved in preparation and review of production related agreements such as payroll services and other production services, vendors and suppliers. As the senior attorney, you will assist in developing forms, policies and procedures to create proactive strategies to minimize risk and increase efficiencies and serve as a resource to other attorneys in the department on a regular basis as questions and issues arise. You will be working closely with other attorneys within the studio and the corporate legal department, as well as providing counsel to senior studio leadership and others in handling these matters.

Job Responsibilities:

• Draft and negotiate third-party vendor agreements; agreements for consultants; leases, locations and venue agreements; equipment rental agreements; payroll services agreements; and other production related agreements including catering, security, animals and animal wranglers.
• Provide legal analysis relating to status of rights, copyright and other chain-of-title review; draft and negotiate rights acquisition agreements for literary rights and other third party intellectual property; prepare consulting agreements and releases from individuals for films based on true stories; draft and negotiate other rights agreements such as quitclaims and assignments.
• Draft and negotiate agreements relating to third party acquisitions, co-productions, co-financing and/or distribution agreements including inter-creditor agreements, copyright mortgages and other security agreements.
• Draft and negotiate agreements for directors, producers, writers, above-the-line cast and other production personnel.
• Provide advice and assistance relating to talent agreements and production matters impacting marketing, promotions, publicity, distribution and ancillary rights exploitation.
• Provide counsel on various matters relating to production of feature films, including but not limited to: script/film clearances, labor relations/collective bargaining agreements, engagement of minors, immigration, customs, environmental regulations, review titles and credits
• Draft and negotiate Production/Financing/Distribution Agreements, Production Services Agreements, Lending and Assignment agreements and related corporate set-up documents; collaborate with tax and finance regarding best corporate structure for individual pictures (domestic and international) and production incentive regulations and agreements.
• Draft and negotiate confidentiality agreements, submission releases, and non-disclosure agreements.

Job Requirements:

• Significant experience drafting and negotiating film acquisitions, co-productions, co-financing, and distribution agreements, and related security documents.
• 12 – 15+ years of significant legal experience with a minimum of 10 years in the entertainment industry, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house experience.
• Extensive leadership and training experience to help develop and motivate a highly experienced team of lawyers, paralegals, assistants and staff.
• Ability to work in an environment with a high degree of confidentiality.
• Has breadth of knowledge about the motion picture industry and legal issues and has functioned as a strategic partner for business affairs and new business initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, to devise practical solutions and to present complex issues to senior executives. Ability to evaluate and reconcile issues from the business-unit and enterprise level perspective.
• A collegial and collaborative lawyer who brings a commitment to the creation of a positive working environment within the legal organization.
• An excellent work ethic and commitment to professionalism.
• Demonstrated capacity to keep current on emerging business and legal trends in motion picture and television industry.
• Superior drafting, negotiation, communication and organizational skills.
• Significant development and production counsel experience related to live-action motion pictures.
• Exceptional organizational, prioritization and time management skills with the ability to work under deadlines and execute efficiently against multiple, high-priority and high volume projects. Demonstrates a clear ability to manage fast paced production environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well in a team environment and act as a resource to colleagues with less experience. Ability to build interdepartmental relationships at all levels and drive consensus on legal matters among multiple stakeholders.

Qualification & Experience:

• JD degree from an accredited law school required
• Membership in the California State Bar Association (or willingness and qualification to be registered In-House Counsel) required

Job Details:

Company: The Walt Disney Company

Vacancy Type:  Full Time

Job Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Application Deadline: N/A

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