Counsel, Legal, Japan

Overview

The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. is seeking an experienced attorney to join Disney’s Legal team. In collaboration with legal colleagues from other Asia-Pacific markets and with guidance from senior members of the group, the successful candidate will be primarily responsible for legal matters arising in connection with our Studios Motion Pictures, Direct-to-Consumer (Disney+) and Games businesses, including support for the promotion and marketing of tent-pole feature films released theatrically, and support for product enhancement, service distribution and the promotion and marketing of Disney+. The support includes drafting and negotiating agreements, providing legal counsel to executives and other key stakeholders, and providing commercially driven legal advice on potential risks and issues. The candidate may also provide support as needed to other Disney business segments.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal support as necessary for the expansion and growth of Disney’s businesses in Japan, particularly in the areas of Studio Motion Pictures, Direct -to-Consumer (Disney+) and Games.
• Prepare, negotiate, review and interpret a wide variety of agreements and other documents related to booking, promotion and marketing of theatrical film releases, as well as the promotions, marketing, service distribution and product enhancement of Disney+.

• Provide counsel on structuring premium campaigns, talent engagements and other matters related to marketing support for major film releases.

• Advise Disney Japan business executives and other staff members on legal and regulatory issues affecting the Japan market (e.g., intellectual property laws, premium laws, consumer protection laws, etc.).
• Instruct, oversee and manage outside counsel.
• Negotiation with counterparties to agreements relating to Disney businesses in Japan.
• Coordinate with other members of Disney’s Legal Department to provide legal support and advice for Asia -Pacific and/or global projects.

• Legal research, memoranda preparation and correspondence.

REQUISITE QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

•   J.D., LL.B., LL.M., or equivalent

Professional Attributes:

Required qualifications:

• Admitted to practice law preferably in Japan, although US and other English-speaking jurisdictions considered.
• Solid experience and understanding in issues concerning Japanese corporate/commercial law, Japanese civil code, Japanese consumer protection laws and Japanese intellectual property law, particularly copyright, trademark and unfair competition.
• Keen analytical insight and strong legal capability.
• Understanding of the legal and business customs and practices of a US-based multinational enterprise.

Preferred qualifications:

• Familiarity and experience with business practices of the Japanese entertainment and digital media industries; capacity to stay current on emerging business and legal trends in the motion picture, Direct-to-Consumer (OTT services) and new media/technology industries.
• Ability to evaluate and reconcile issues from the business unit and enterprise level perspective and to work in an environment with a high degree of confidentiality.
• Exceptional organizational, prioritization and time management skills with the ability to work under deadlines and execute efficiently against multiple high priority projects in a fast-paced production environment.

Previous Work Experience:

 A minimum of 5 years of legal experience in a law firm and/or corporate legal department, focused on commercial transaction, IP and licensing practice, ideally in an entertainment context.

Other requirements:

• Fluent Japanese and English language ability with dual language proficiency in negotiating, drafting and reading.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.

This position is with TWDC (Japan) Ltd., which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Company (Corporate).

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