The Walt Disney Company · 1 day ago
Chief Counsel, Distribution
Burbank, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$346K/yr - $464K/yr
15+ years expThe Walt Disney Company is seeking a Chief Counsel, Distribution to lead a legal team focused on the distribution of its media content. The role involves advising on legal strategies for distribution channels, overseeing legal matters related to various platforms, and partnering with leadership to negotiate agreements and drive initiatives.
Amusement Park and ArcadeAnimationConsumer GoodsDigital MediaE-CommerceMedia and EntertainmentMulti-level MarketingPerforming ArtsResorts
Responsibilities
Lead the distribution legal function, setting strategic priorities, championing legal excellence, and developing and empowering a high‑performing legal team that advances business objectives
Oversee all legal matters related to the distribution and monetization of Disney+, Hulu, ESPN’s networks and offerings, ABCowned stations, ABC broadcast affiliates, and Disneys film and television programming across home entertainment, licensing, theatrical and digital platforms
Serve as the principal legal advisor to Platform Distribution leadership, providing business‑forward legal counsel on complex and novel legal issues, and partnering with executives across the company to drive critical initiatives and policy setting matters
Partnering with Platform Distribution leadership in the negotiation of key content distribution agreements with third parties and drafting such agreements, either directly or as an escalation point for others in the legal team
Advance global distribution capabilities by collaborating with crossfunctional stakeholders and internal legal partners to enable rapid, flexible, and compliant content distribution while protecting Disneys intellectual property value
Anticipate industry shifts, proactively advising on regulatory, technological, and commercial developments affecting distribution models
Qualification
Required
15+ years of legal experience focused on media distribution across cable, broadcast, theatrical, digital, and emerging platforms
Expertise in complex agreements, including content distribution, licensing, carriage, and platform deals
Deep understanding of contract law, FCC regulations, affiliate distribution requirements, and key compliance frameworks
Proven executive leadership, with a track record of influencing senior stakeholders and leading high-performing legal teams
Exceptional strategic judgment, with the ability to balance legal risk with business realities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Strong operational discipline, including the ability to manage competing priorities and high-pressure deadlines
Strong relationship‑building skills with the ability to influence, drive effective collaboration, and bring people and teams together
Preferred
Extensive experience within global entertainment distribution, including international regulatory and commercial considerations
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, highly cross‑functional organization
A forward‑looking, innovative mindset that embraces change and drives continuous improvement
Benefits
A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package
The full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits
Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
The Walt Disney Company has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (83)
2024 (63)
2023 (96)
2022 (130)
2021 (30)
2020 (40)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$11BKey Investors
Citibank
2020-04-13Post Ipo Debt· $5B
2020-03-20Post Ipo Debt· $6B
1978-01-06IPO
Leadership Team
Christine M. McCarthy
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Jamie Power
SVP, Addressable Sales
Recent News
2026-01-20
Company data provided by crunchbase