At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on licensing and commercial agreements for Disney franchises.
- Company: Join the iconic Walt Disney Company with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and free Disney park entry.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and community.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic legal environment while working with beloved brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract negotiation and a qualification in English law required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is a fixed-term position covering an employee that has moved internally for a secondment, until April 2027. You will be providing legal advice and support to Disney Consumer Products (DCP) EMEA covering merchandise licensing, book and magazine publishing, retail and e-commerce. The role includes:
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating all commercial agreements, including licenses and distribution (including digital distribution) agreements.
- Providing general commercial advice (including competition law advice).
- Supporting all areas within scope under the supervision of the Line Manager.
The position is regional, covering all franchises (Disney, Lucas, Marvel, Fox and Nat Geo) within the remit of the DCP team in EMEA. You’ll join a team grounded in our Disney values — acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through Collaboration and caring deeply for our Community. These values shape how we work and support one another each day.
What You Will Do
- Providing continuing support to the CMC (contract management centre) for drafting and negotiation of certain merchandise and publishing license agreements throughout EMEA.
- Provision of general legal advice on commercial and competition law issues arising from the merchandise and publishing licensing businesses and retail/e-commerce business.
- Providing general legal support to the business on new business models and retail matters, including on global supply chain management issues, direct sourcing, intellectual property and consumer law.
- Providing advice on legal issues relating to intellectual property licensing and related activities, including reviewing style guides and licensee packaging and marketing materials.
- Ad hoc support to DCP Communications, ILS and PI in EMEA for DCP matters, promotions and retail activations falling within DCP scope.
- Providing legal support on general corporate matters impacting the DCP business, such as tax legislation and corporate governance.
Experience & Skills Required
- Proven experience negotiating and drafting contracts for a law firm advising major corporate clients or in a corporate legal department (intellectual property licensing experience preferred), preferably in an international environment.
- English law qualification.
- Contract, IP, consumer and commercial law expertise (including knowledge of EU laws).
- Knowledge of competition law.
- Understanding of different contractual types and structures.
- Understanding of digital distribution issues relating to apps, ecommerce and e-publishing products.
- Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks.
- Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
- Methodical and meticulous.
- Accurate completion of license agreements within agreed timelines.
- Communication of legal matters to non-legal audience.
The Perks
- 25 days annual leave.
- Private medical insurance & dental care.
- Free Park Entry: Opportunity to enter any Disney park with family and friends for free.
- Disney Discounts: entitlement to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing.
- Disney+ Subscription.
- Excellent parental and guardian leave.
- Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN@Disney, Disney MOSAIC, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.
The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Counsel (FTC) employer: The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that embodies our core values of Integrity, Inclusion, Creativity, Collaboration, and Community. Employees benefit from generous perks such as 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and free entry to Disney parks, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and inclusive environment. Join us in a role that not only supports iconic franchises but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose in the heart of EMEA.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsel (FTC)
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like The Walt Disney Company.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that The Walt Disney Company does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like The Walt Disney Company.
We think you need these skills to ace Counsel (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with The Walt Disney Company and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Walt Disney Company
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Counsel (FTC) role at The Walt Disney Company. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at The Walt Disney Company.
