Assistant Chief Counsel, Global Patent Litigation

The Walt Disney Company; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Disney is seeking an Assistant Chief Counsel to join Corporate Legal – Litigation, overseeing the general litigation docket with emphasis on patent disputes, FRAND licensing, and cross-border enforcement actions.

The role involves leading litigation across U.S. and international jurisdictions, supervising outside counsel, and advising leadership on risk and strategy. Strong experience in patent law and negotiations is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of litigation experience at a major law firm and/or in-house legal department.
• Substantial experience managing complex cases in U.S. federal and state courts, including patent infringement cases.
• Excellent attention to detail, written and verbal communication skills, and judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate risk and exercise sound legal judgment.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to professionalism and integrity.
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills, with the ability to communicate complex patent and technology issues to senior executives and non-technical audiences.
• Self-motivated with the initiative and drive to manage complex matters independently and proactively anticipate business and legal needs.
• Experience supervising attorneys and paralegals

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute litigation strategy, including case evaluation, budgeting, and motion practice oversight.
• Lead litigation matters across U.S. federal and state courts and international jurisdictions, from pre-suit assessment through trial and appeal.
• Supervise outside counsel, both domestically and internationally (including Germany, Brazil, and the Unified Patent Court).
• Advise business and technology stakeholders on litigation risk and the implications of product and platform decisions.
• Make strategic risk-based decisions and elevate to senior legal and business leadership as necessary.
• Anticipate issues and proactively develop creative business-oriented and brand-consistent solutions to mitigate legal risks.
• Provide internal education on litigation trends, SEP developments, and risk mitigation strategies to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with patent prosecution, antitrust counsel, and outside advisors on patent validity challenges, IPR/EPR proceedings, and related administrative proceedings

Skills

Litigation strategy

Cross-border enforcement

Patent litigation

IP law

Team leadership

Stakeholder communication

Outside counsel mgmt

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Disney is seeking an Assistant Chief Counsel to join Corporate Legal – Litigation, overseeing the general litigation docket with emphasis on patent disputes, FRAND licensing, and cross-border enforcement actions.

The role involves leading litigation across U.S. and international jurisdictions, supervising outside counsel, and advising leadership on risk and strategy. Strong experience in patent law and negotiations is essential.