About the Role & Team:
The Disney Legal and Government Affairs (LGA) Department is seeking a Senior Specialist, Legal Operations, to support outside counsel management with a focus on external legal spend. Reporting to the Manager, Legal Operations, this role will create analytical reporting across a network of 500+ domestic and international law firms.
As a key collaborator with executive leadership, Legal, Finance, and IT teams, you will help drive strategic legal initiatives related to legal processes and technology. This position is part of the Legal Operations team, which promotes efficiency, effectiveness, and business value within the Legal community.
What You Will Do:
Outside Counsel Management:
Support legal spend management, reporting, and analysis
Assist with negotiation of commercial agreements with law firms and manage new timekeeper rate requests
Assist with billing and invoicing-related inquiries from law firms
Partner with the Manager of Business Operations to with law legal spend trends and identify growth and efficiency opportunities
Lead exploration of delivery and service models that maximize value
Coordinate business review meetings with law firms and conduct interviews to gather insights and assess performance
Track and report key metrics and create executive summaries using data and industry benchmarks
Synthesize data across firms to draw correlations and inform decision-making
Lead training sessions for attorneys as part of change management initiatives
Drive improvements through process mapping and setting KPIs/OKRs
Partner with Disney GIS/Privacy to conduct annual outside counsel reviews
Independently identify business opportunities and advance reporting and communication cadence
Support ongoing business continuity related to non-partner outside counsel and legal professional services engagement
Maintain and update billing guidelines and workflows aligned with program goals
Analyze and manage legal professional services spend
Share best practices within Legal Operations and recommend improvements
Required Qualifications & Skills:
At least three (3) years of relevant experience
Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
An analytical mindset with strong data interpretation skills
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences, including senior executives
Excellent project management, prioritization, and multitasking abilities under tight deadlines
Ability to collaborate across departments with sound judgment
Passion for improving business operations through technology and process enhancements
Solid understanding of legal concepts and processes
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience within a Disney department a plus
Background in Legal, Finance, and/or Project Management functions preferred
Advanced degree or certification in Business Administration or Economics
Experience managing competitive RFP processes and negotiating alternative fee arrangements (AFAs)
Familiarity with Legal Tracker software
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The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $78,200.00 to $104,800.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.