Protecting the Magic as a Paralegal Manager
Today, we’re excited to share a Q&A with paralegal manager Jo-Ann Diaz de Leon! Jo-Ann was preparing to begin her Marriage & Family Therapy master’s program at Mount Saint Mary’s University when a Disney recruiter contacted her after seeing her résumé online. “I recall thinking that I had a unique opportunity to work at the biggest entertainment company in the world and how could I pass that up. Fast-forward and almost twenty-one years later, working from my way up from an assistant to now paralegal manager, I would say I made the right choice when I took a chance on the company that took a chance on me.”
Tell us a little about your Disney career and what prepared you for your current role!
“My journey started as an assistant in Studio Distribution, and I was fortunate enough to have amazing leaders. Leaders who lead with empathy, fairness and overall humanity. While I was an assistant, I knew I wanted to learn as much as possible and eventually find where I wanted to land in my career. I soon began working on contracts and studio clearance matters and realized that I enjoyed reviewing and editing documents. I wanted to be a paralegal. I have been blessed to have impactful leaders who saw my determination and grit and who knew I wanted to learn and grow in every way because that is how I was raised by my immigrant parents who came to this country for a better life. The Intellectual Property Group within Disney is where I settled on my rewarding career as a paralegal. After years of hard work, determination, encouragement and supportive leaders, I am now a paralegal manager in our group.”
What’s a day in the life like as a paralegal manager?
“My day begins at 7:00 a.m. where I review my docket which has all my deadlines and matters that require my attention. My greatest responsibility is to protect our company’s Intellectual Property assets, such as Mickey Mouse, Black Panther, Star Wars, etc. My favorite part of my role is knowing that my daily contribution plays a part in protecting some of the company’s most famous assets. I also enjoy working with the team of paralegals and legal professionals because they help to make work more enjoyable. I love to know that I am someone people feel they can confide in and ask questions. I try my best to always provide constructive feedback when needed and encouragement. Everyone likes to feel seen and to be heard and as a manager of people, I feel it is important that I lead by example. I like to manage by walking around and check in with my team, especially if anyone was out sick or on vacation to see how they are doing and to make that connection where everyone feels seen and heard, giving them the same experience I have had throughout my career at Disney.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
“The most rewarding part of my role as a paralegal manager is being able to help grow and develop talent within our group. I take pride in mentoring someone who works hard, does their best and wants to learn. Disney’s success is made possible because of the amazingly talented people, so we must continue to invest in each other so that we can continue to bring our best to our roles each day. I truly feel that the most rewarding part of my role is to be able to make a difference in someone’s life the way that my past and present leaders have made in mine.”
Do you have a favorite project you’ve supported as part of your work?
“A wonderful and rewarding experience has been participating in LGA Pro Bono Adoption Program work. I was honored to lend my hand at a few adoption events in the past, and it was an extraordinary experience to help put families together and see happy and joyful kids getting a second chance at life. Disney LGA has some amazing humans that show up to do the work and make a difference and being a part of that will always be part of my warmest memories.”
Who is your favorite Disney character?
“As a breast cancer survivor who fought literally for life a few years ago, I would have to say Moana is my favorite Disney character. In the face of adversity and countless hurdles, Moana didn’t give up and was determined, focused and strong-willed. As an immigrant to the United States, my parents taught me at a young age that because I am a dark-skinned girl, I must always work harder and stronger to secure my place in the world. Cancer was a worthy adversary, but like Moana, I faced it with grit and fierceness unmatched because I refused to quit and surrender. Moana is a strong-willed, independent, determined, brown-skinned girl who had to fight many challenges, and she was too stubborn to quit and, in the end, achieved her goals.”
How does it feel to work for a company with a legacy like Disney’s?
“It is still surreal sometimes that I work for one of the most famous and iconic companies in the world. One of the things I am most proud of is Disney’s commitment to help families and communities, especially in times of a disaster event, by way of the Disney VoluntEARS. I have been honored to participate in many community events like Adopt-a-Family and Habitat for Humanity, and they were also the most rewarding moments while working at this company. Giving back to the community is a huge part of Disney’s legacy. I must admit that seeing people smile and light up when they learn I work for Disney is a thrill because I get to see how impactful Disney is in the lives of many people. The one thing that is universal is that this company literally makes people smile and changes the lives of so many people by their mere experience at the parks. The idea that the company I work for literally makes people smile is truly representative of being a part of the magic!”
What would you say to someone considering a legal career at Disney?
“Come in expecting to work hard and meet a diverse group of people. You will have to work to earn your place, but you will be given that opportunity. Surround yourself with positive and upward-thinking people, possibly getting a strong mentor to give you guidance on how to tailor your career path. Be willing to have uncomfortable conversations in the interest of growing and learning. Stay focused and determined and have your goals outlined so that you can stay on task. Lead with integrity and honesty so that when you make a mistake, you own it and celebrate your success with humility, remember there’s no ‘I’ in team. Your journey may be long, but there is an end, but you must stay the course and be patient. Remember to listen first and speak thoughtfully and respectfully, always read the room.”
