Assistant Chief Counsel, Litigation

Job Summary:

At Disney, we’re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this by pairing cutting-edge technology with unparalleled imagination to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team and to help us deliver our beloved content to audiences around the world. 

We are seeking an Assistant Chief Counsel to join the Corporate Legal – Litigation group. This attorney will play a central role in managing the Company’s general litigation docket, with an emphasis on patent disputes, FRAND licensing claims and disputes, and cross-border enforcement actions. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute litigation strategy, including case evaluation, budgeting, and motion practice oversight 

• Lead litigation matters across U.S. federal and state courts and international jurisdictions, from pre-suit assessment through trial and appeal 

• Supervise outside counsel, both domestically and internationally (including Germany, Brazil, and the Unified Patent Court) 

• Advise business and technology stakeholders on litigation risk and the implications of product and platform decisions 

• Make strategic risk-based decisions and escalate to senior legal and business leadership as necessary

• Anticipate issues and proactively develop creative business-oriented and brand-consistent solutions to mitigate legal risks 

• Provide internal education on litigation trends, SEP developments, and risk mitigation strategies to senior leadership 

• Collaborate with patent prosecution, antitrust counsel, and outside advisors on patent validity challenges, IPR/EPR proceedings, and related administrative proceedings 

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of litigation experience at a major law firm and/or in-house legal department 

• Substantial experience managing complex cases in U.S. federal and state courts, including patent infringement cases 

• Excellent attention to detail, written and verbal communication skills, and judgment 

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate risk and exercise sound legal judgment

• Strong work ethic and commitment to professionalism and integrity 

• Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization

• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to communicate complex patent and technology issues to senior executives and non-technical audiences 

• Self-motivated with the initiative and drive to manage complex matters independently and proactively anticipate business and legal needs 

• Experience supervising attorneys and paralegals

• Exceptional business acumen and ability to develop creative, business-oriented solutions to complex legal problems in a fast-paced, consumer-facing environment 

Required Education

• Law degree from an accredited law school 

• Admission to the California State Bar in good standing or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel in California

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $236,000 to $316,500 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.