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The Walt Disney Company (Corporate)

Paralegal at The Walt Disney Company (Corporate)

The Walt Disney Company (Corporate) No longer available

Job Description

About the Role & Team

At Disney, our Paralegals are integral to our innovation and creative endeavors because their skills are essential to protecting our valuable intellectual property. You'd be a key member of our dynamic, fast-paced Patent department, supporting the team in managing our global patent portfolio. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop a strong foundation in patent law and operations within a leading entertainment company by assisting with a wide range of patent-related tasks.


This position requires working on-site at the office four days per week, with one day remote. The role reports directly to the Manager of Patent Operations.

What you will do:

  • Assist with the preparation and filing of patent applications and related documents.
  • Help maintain and update the patent docketing system (e.g., Anaqua) by accurately entering data, tracking deadlines, and assisting with other actions.
  • Assist in preparing patent-related correspondence, including communications with inventors, outside counsel, and patent offices.
  • Assist with managing and maintaining orderly electronic patent files and records (e.g., in NetDocuments).
  • Support patent attorneys and agents with various patent-related tasks, including gathering documents and arranging meetings with inventors and other personnel.
  • Assist with monitoring relevant patent department mailboxes and archiving communications.
  • Perform other administrative and patent-related support tasks as assigned by the team to contribute to its success.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

  • At least 2 years of work experience, with a strong interest in or, ideally, some exposure to intellectual property or patent law.
  • A meticulous attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to learn quickly, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize effectively.
  • A proactive, collaborative, and eager-to-learn attitude, with the ability to take initiative on assigned tasks.
  • Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as collaboratively within a team.
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, and a positive, can-do attitude.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and a strong aptitude for learning new software applications, including patent docketing and document management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior internship or work experience in a law firm or corporate legal department with exposure to IP or patents.
  • Direct experience with patent docketing software such as Anaqua.
  • Experience with document management systems like NetDocuments.
  • Basic understanding of USPTO and PCT rules and procedures.
  • Experience with Legal Tracker or similar matter management/e-billing software.

Education:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree and/or qualifications to be a paralegal by certification or education and work experience as set forth by the American Bar Association and/or any applicable state codes

#CORP_Media #twdcmedia


The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $72,000 to $96,500 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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.

Typical mid-level pay: $61k for Paralegals and Legal Assistants nationally

National salary averages
Expected mid-level
$61k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$40k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $99k

Senior roles pay 62% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

Slight candidate advantage

Strong hiring activity gives you options. Use competing offers strategically.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage
Balanced
Mobility
Good mobility
Durability
Mostly durable

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

+0%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
Typical: Associate's degree

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024