Principal Counsel, Ad Sales Legal

At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope 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 that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world.

Ad Sales Legal is part of the Legal Department of TWDC and provides legal advice to Disney Advertising Sales and other businesses of TWDC regarding advertising and sponsorship, marketing, digital products, technology, and content distribution.

The Principal Counsel (“PC”) will provide legal advice and support for the Disney Advertising Sales Team, focusing primarily on the addressable sales business for various Disney brands including Disney+, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, FX, Nat Geo, and Freeform.  In particular, the PC will draft and negotiate agreements related to data collection and use, research and & analytics, distribution of advertising inventory on non-Disney controlled platforms, advertising technology, linear addressable and data driven linear services, programmatic advertising, insertion orders, master terms and conditions with advertisers and agencies, integrated marketing, branded and custom content, influencer marketing, and social media platforms.  The PC will also perform pre-publication reviews of advertising content for compliance issues. The PC will work with the Assistant Chief Counsel of advertising to advise TWDC and its business units on advertising law compliance, policy, and process, including native advertising, testimonials, and endorsements, claim substantiation, and disclosures.  The PC may also work on sponsorships, contests and sweepstakes, user generated content, content production and development, and business development. The PC will also need a good working knowledge of privacy and data security in order to help clients navigate these areas in conjunction with TWDC’s subject matter experts. The PC will be supported by two paralegals and administrative assistant, who also support other attorneys. The PC will be part of the Walt Disney Company Legal team and will directly report to the Assistant Chief Counsel of advertising.

Responsibilities:

• Structure, draft, and negotiate contracts relating to data collection and use, research and analytics, distribution of advertising inventory on non-Disney controlled platforms, advertising technology, linear addressable and data driven linear services, programmatic advertising, insertion orders, master terms and conditions with advertisers and agencies, integrated marketing, branded and custom content, influencer marketing, and social media platforms.

• Review creative materials to ensure compliance with advertising law and policy, including compliance with FTC Guidelines, CARU Guidelines, internal company guidelines, and other advertising industry standards and practices.

• Provide other advertising and marketing legal advice and transactional support for other businesses of TWDC, including counseling and collaborating with other legal colleagues on associated issues such as sponsorships, contest and sweepstakes, user generated content, content production and development, and business development.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in a law firm advising major corporate clients and/or corporate legal department, including structuring, negotiating, and drafting contracts and preferably specializing in issues related to digital advertising.

• Proven knowledge of advertising law and policy, and experience working with advertising and marketing clients.

• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues and devise solutions and strategies.

• Ability to anticipate and understand the implications of agreements, contractual provisions, and related decisions on a client, including identifying and assessing potential risks and impacts.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong drafting, negotiating, and writing skills, as well as the ability to problem solve in an efficient, business-friendly, creative manner.

• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues and devise solutions and strategies. 

• An excellent work ethic and commitment to professionalism; excellent attention to detail.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with all levels of co-workers both internal and external.

• Must be willing to take “ownership” of projects and think proactively.

• Ability to handle a high volume of work and work through projects with minimal supervision.

• Superior organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize workload efficiently and effectively.

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fifteen (15) years’ experience structuring, negotiating, and drafting contracts for a law firm advising major corporate clients and/or corporate legal department, preferably specializing in issues related to digital advertising.

• Experience providing legal services related to regulatory aspects of digital and online content and advertising, including FTC Guidelines, CARU Guidelines, other advertising industry guidelines, privacy, behavioral tracking, targeting, security, and related matters.

• Experience providing legal services related to digital and mobile marketing, promotions, and related services and systems.

• Experience providing legal advice in support of advertising technology.

Required Education:

• JD or equivalent from an accredited law school

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

Additional Information:

#legalaffairs #corp_media #li-jb3

The hiring range for this position in California is $205,615.00 - $266,090.00 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.