Counsel
Company: The Walt Disney Company
Location: Burbank
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Posting Title: Counsel Req ID: 10141919 Job Description:
About the Role & Team The Counsel on The Walt Disney Studios
Production Legal Affairs team drafts and negotiates motion picture
contracts, provides legal analysis and advice, and serves as
production counsel to feature film development and production for
theatrical and streaming content, and other original content in
support of various studio initiatives. The Counsel will serve as a
legal adviser and will be expected to provide guidance and
direction reflecting sound judgment, vision, and legal knowledge in
matters relating to motion picture development and production. The
Counsel position will be working closely with other attorneys
within the studio and the corporate legal department, as well as
providing support to more junior team members. What You Will Do
Contribute expertise and experience to the Production Legal Affairs
team, alongside the team of attorneys that provide production
counsel to feature film development and production for theatrical
and streaming content, and other original content. 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 releases from individuals for films based on true
stories; draft and negotiate other rights agreements such as
quitclaims and assignments. Draft and negotiate agreements for
directors, producers, writers, above-the-line cast, and other
production personnel. 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 counsel
on various matters relating to production of feature films,
including but not limited to: script/film clearances, visual
effects agreements, labor relations/collective bargaining
agreements, engagement of minors, immigration, customs,
environmental regulations, review titles, and credits. Provide
advice and assistance relating to talent agreements and production
matters impacting marketing/promotions/publicity; distribution;
consumer products, interactive, and other franchise considerations.
Draft and negotiate production/financing/distribution agreements,
production services agreements, lending and assignment agreements,
vendor and supplier agreements, payroll services, and related
corporate set-up documents; collaborate with tax and finance
regarding best corporate structure for individual pictures
(domestic and international). Draft and negotiate agreements
relating to third-party co-productions, co-financing and/or
distribution agreements including inter-creditor agreements,
copyright mortgages, and other security agreements. Draft and
negotiate confidentiality agreements, submission releases, and
non-disclosure agreements. Required Qualifications & Skills 3 years
overall experience in production legal. Experience drafting and
negotiating production contracts. Strong interpersonal skills, with
the ability to work well in a team environment and act as a
resource to colleagues. Ability to build interdepartmental
relationships and drive consensus on legal matters among multiple
stakeholders. Exceptional organizational, prioritization, and time
management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple
high-priority, high-volume projects efficiently. Demonstrates
strong execution in fast-paced production environments.
Demonstrated ability to perform under intense time pressures,
consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality
outcomes in demanding situations. Demonstrated capacity to keep
current on emerging business and legal trends in motion picture and
television industry. 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. Ability to work in an
environment with a high degree of confidentiality. Education Law
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 CORP_Media twdcmedia
The hiring range for this position in the Greater Los Angeles area
is $144,300 to $186,600 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. Job Posting Segment: Legal Job Posting Primary
Business: Studio Legal and Legal Affairs Primary Job Posting
Category: Attorney Employment Type: Full time Primary City, State,
Region, Postal Code: Burbank, CA, USA Alternate City, State,
Region, Postal Code: Date Posted: 2026-02-04
Keywords: The Walt Disney Company, Lake Forest , Counsel, Legal , Burbank, California