Assistant Chief Counsel, Litigation
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10158833 Location Burbank, California, United States Business The Walt Disney Company (Corporate) Date posted Aug. 27, 2026Job 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.
About The Walt Disney Company (Corporate):
At Disney Corporate you can see how the businesses behind the Company’s powerful brands come together to create the most innovative, far-reaching and admired entertainment company in the world. As a member of a corporate team, you’ll work with world-class leaders driving the strategies that keep The Walt Disney Company at the leading edge of entertainment. See and be seen by other innovative thinkers as you enable the greatest storytellers in the world to create memories for millions of families around the globe.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Company (Corporate).
Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.