Chief Counsel, Distribution

Job ID 10141589 Location Burbank, California, United States Business The Walt Disney Company (Corporate) Date posted Jan. 29, 2026

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Job Summary:

As the Chief Counsel, Distribution at Disney, you will lead a legal team advising on the full spectrum of distribution channels—emerging and established—ensuring Disney remains competitive, compliant, and future‑ready in an evolving media landscape. You will be the principal legal partner to the President, Platform distribution and the Head of Theatrical Distribution and play a pivotal role in shaping the legal strategies for the global distribution and monetization of The Walt Disney Company’s world-class feature films, television content, and online direct-to-consumer offerings. You will work in close collaboration with Platform Distribution and Theatrical Distribution leadership and cross‑segment business and legal stakeholders across all regions to develop consistent strategies across the globe.

Key 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.

Required Qualifications

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 Qualifications

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.

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The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $345,900 - $463,900 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.

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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.

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Explore this Location Burbank, CA

Billed as the "Media Capital of the World," Burbank boasts more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including the main headquarters for The Walt Disney Company.