Lead Counsel

• Disney streaming service – advise and negotiate all distribution, partnership and promotional deals for Disney in Australia & NZ; advise on Australian & NZ legal considerations and compliance matters for Disney platform and product changes and features; advise on legal and compliance matters relating to the Disney Perks loyalty programme, including partnerships with third-party sponsors; ensure compliance with Australian and NZ consumer laws for all aspects of the marketing and distribution of Disney ; advise on rules relating to accessibility requirements, advertising compliance (e.g. AANA Codes, Online Content Service Provider Rules) and other relevant local legal and regulatory compliance matters; supervise legal clearance and compliance work for ANZ marketing materials for Disney including brand, performance and lifecycle marketing.
• Content Sales & Distribution – supervise the drafting and negotiation of key content licence agreements with free TV and subscription TV broadcasters, BVOD, VOD and sell-through digital service providers for the distribution of Disney's and its affiliates' extensive library of motion pictures and television programming.
• ESPN Channel distribution & rights acquisition – advise and negotiate affiliate channel distribution deals for the ESPN and ESPN2 channels in Australian & NZ, and deals for the acquisition of local rights , including ensuring compliance with all laws, regulations and policies.
• Management responsibilities – manage one direct report and may act as a guide for other Disney lawyers. The Lead Counsel role will be responsible for the day-to-day management and supervision of an Attorney level lawyer in the ANZ Legal team who will also support the Disney and Content Sales & Distribution business areas, including delegating relevant work and being responsible for appropriate supervision and review; and providing coaching, mentoring, setting objectives and ongoing performance review and development.
• Policies – drive the formulation, drafting and implementation of Disney legal and regulatory policies, best practice guidelines and training for the ANZ Disney and Content Sales business teams to address compliance or regulatory needs; as required, support Disney's Global Public Policy and Government Affairs team in formulating policy positions and consultation submissions relating to the Australian and NZ operation of Disney .
• Advise the wider local Disney business on relevant areas of law and policy relating to Disney's Australian and NZ operations including intellectual property, content classification, broadcast regulations / standards & practices, consumer law, advertising, IT, brand management and marketing.
• Liaise with members of Disney's international Legal Departments as required, including the Disney Streaming Services US legal team, and Disney international distribution teams, to advise on Australian & NZ law or regulations, and to assist in maintenance of best practices and compliance with Disney Policies.

• Significant experience (minimum 15 years) as a qualified lawyer with both top-tier firm private practice experience, as well as experience in an in-house legal department, focused on the practice of IP, commercial and media and entertainment law.
• Admitted to practice law in any State or Territory of Australia.
• Must hold current Australian State or Territory practising certificate
• Proven experience of advising and/or working in the Australian or comparable international media and entertainment industry is essential, including specifically legal experience with digital product management and related marketing, and content distribution and monetisation.
• Experience in managing, supervising and mentoring junior lawyers / team members.

The Walt Disney Company