Q&A: A Senior Counsel on Building a Career in Disney Legal
Take a peek at what a career in Disney Legal could hold through this Q&A with Senior Counsel for Platform Distribution, Paul!
A third-generation Angeleno, Paul found his way to Disney after a recruiter reached out to him over 17 years ago. He started out as a Paralegal supporting a variety of groups from online marketing to transactional sales. After passing the California Bar, he landed his job as a lawyer.
What’s a day in the life like in your role?
“I’m Senior Counsel in the Platform Distribution group. My day-to-day focuses on analyzing, drafting, and negotiating contracts as well as advising on streaming licensing deals. More specifically, I provide legal support for the Content Sales team as they license television series and feature films to third-party streaming platforms helping ensure that audiences can access Disney content across connected TVs and mobile devices worldwide.”
What can you tell us about building a career in Legal at Disney and the internal mobility opportunities?
“Disney strongly encourages internal mobility, and my own career is a reflection of that. I’ve had the opportunity to work across multiple legal teams, including those supporting online marketing, business development and emerging technologies, transactional digital distribution, and now streaming. Each move has allowed me to build new skills while deepening my understanding of the business.”
Do you have a favorite memory from working at Disney?
“It’s hard to pick just one but going to an early employee screening of Black Panther on the studio lot with my family was special. It meant a lot to my parents and my children, it was clear that we were experiencing a special moment in time that touched several generations.”
Time for some fun questions! Who is your favorite Disney character?
“Doctor Strange. I admire his ability to see multiple possible futures and understand how today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s outcomes—a mindset that resonates strongly with my work.”
Imagine you’re spending a day off from work at Disney. Which park do you go to and what are your must-dos?
“Disney California Adventure has become my go-to park. The Imagineers have done incredible work transforming it over the years. My must-dos are the Incredicoaster, Avengers Campus, and the classic favorite, Soarin’ Around the World.”
What sets working at Disney apart in your opinion?
“The people and the creativity. The teams here are collaborative, supportive, and genuinely invested in creating a positive work environment. While we take our work seriously, there’s also a shared understanding that creativity thrives when people enjoy what they do.”
