Senior Counsel, Distribution
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10143491 Location Santa Monica, California, United States / New York, New York, United States Business The Walt Disney Company (Corporate) Date posted Feb. 25, 2026Job Summary:
About the Role & Team
The Legal Department is seeking an experienced attorney to support the negotiation, drafting execution and legal management of complex content distribution and other licensing agreements for our direct-to-consumer streaming platforms to enable innovative distribution models across linear and premium add on services, both domestically and internationally. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile industry defining distribution initiatives at the intersection of media, technology, and entertainment, alongside collaborative and innovative legal and business teams. The ideal candidate for this position will be able to be strategic in negotiations, lead multiple projects with strong attention to detail and commercial instinct, exercise sound legal judgment in a fast-paced, evolving environment, and have significant experience negotiating and drafting content licensing and distribution agreements. If you are a strong collaborator and have a passion to work on innovative content distribution deals, then this is a great role for you.
What You Will Do
- Lead negotiations and draft industry-first content distribution and licensing agreements with programmers.
- 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.
- Partner closely with executives and deal teams throughout all phases of distribution and licensing transactions.
- 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.‑
- Exercise independent legal judgment on key initiatives, prepare recommendation memos for senior legal and business stakeholders and flag key matters for escalation as appropriate.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- At least 5 years of legal experience.
- Experience negotiating and drafting content distribution, carriage, and/or licensing agreements (e.g., in-house counsel at a major television network, MVPD, digital MVPD, or law firm candidates representing such clients).
- Experience at a television network, MVPD or law firm focusing on distribution/TV carriage and other complex commercial transactions is highly preferred.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with senior executives and cross functional teams, from both a business and legal perspective.‑
- 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.‑.
- Willingness to tackle matters outside of immediate subject matter expertise in a dynamic business environment. ‑
Education
- 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
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The hiring range for this position in Greater Los Angeles area is $174,600 to $225,800 per year and in New York area is $182,900 to $236,600 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.
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.