Senior Counsel, Distribution

Disney Disney · Media · Santa Monica, CA +1

Seeking a Senior Counsel to support the negotiation, drafting, execution, and legal management of complex content distribution and licensing agreements for direct-to-consumer streaming platforms. The role involves strategic negotiation, managing multiple projects, and providing legal counsel on innovative distribution models in the media, technology, and entertainment sectors.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead negotiations and draft industry-first content distribution and licensing agreements with programmers.
  2. Provide strategic legal counsel to the Content Partnerships team and cross-functional stakeholders to support the growth and management of Disney’s direct-to-consumer content offerings.
  3. Partner closely with executives and deal teams throughout all phases of distribution and licensing transactions.
  4. Serve as a primary legal point of contact for cross functional teams on assigned deals, translating contractual requirements into practical guidance and helping drive consensus across legal, content, product, and operations.
  5. Exercise independent legal judgment on key initiatives, prepare recommendation memos for senior legal and business stakeholders and flag key matters for escalation as appropriate.

Skills

Required

  • At least 5 years of legal experience
  • Experience negotiating and drafting content distribution, carriage, and/or licensing agreements
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to partner effectively with senior executives and cross functional teams
  • Strong understanding of direct-to-consumer streaming platforms, media distribution, and related technology considerations
  • Proven ability to work proactively and independently, manage multiple matters simultaneously, and deliver high-quality legal advice under tight timelines
  • Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent from accredited law school
  • Strong academic credentials
  • Admission to California State Bar in good standing or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel

Nice to have

  • Experience at a television network, MVPD or law firm focusing on distribution/TV carriage and other complex commercial transactions is highly preferred
  • Willingness to tackle matters outside of immediate subject matter expertise in a dynamic business environment

What the JD emphasized

  • at least 5 years of legal experience
  • Experience negotiating and drafting content distribution, carriage, and/or licensing agreements
  • Strong understanding of direct-to-consumer streaming platforms, media distribution, and related technology considerations
  • Proven ability to work proactively and independently, manage multiple matters simultaneously, and deliver high-quality legal advice under tight timelines