** Please note: This role sits in Burbank, CA and this person will be required to be on-site 4x/ week. **
Job Overview:
The Disney Legal and Government Affairs (LGA) Department seeks a Senior Specialist, Legal Operations to support external spend management. Reporting to the Manager, Legal Operations, this role will provide value to the company by creating analytical reporting across our framework of 500+ domestic and international firms. This role will also be a key collaborator and contributor in analytical reporting specific to an Outside Counsel Partner Program, working with executive leadership, Legal Operations, and Procurement to substantiate both competitive and non-competitive RFP models. As part of our commitment to further outside counsel DEI goals, the analysis created by this Sr. Specialist will be critical in helping develop strategic spend models across a diverse body of work. This role will be a part of the Legal Operations team, which drives efficiency, effectiveness, and business value to the Legal community.
Overall Outside Counsel Spend & Legal Professional Services (50%)
Support internal budgeting for the organization when engaging outside counsel, consisting of 500+ Domestic and International firms
Facilitate budget sheet creation between domestic and international LGA leadership, outside counsel, and Disney Procurement across various areas of spend (including but not limited to RFPs)
Facilitate competitive analysis as required, specifically for matter areas of high-spend
Along with the Manager of Business Operations, provide a strategic overview of spend trends that align with programmatic outside counsel goals
Leveraging metrics, identify areas of continued growth and efficiencies by engaging our International markets
Lead exploration of delivery and service models that provide value
Support updates across our Billing Guidelines
Analyze legal professional services spend
Collaborate with Sourcing & Procurement and Finance teams
Cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal services landscape and establish a presence in the Legal Operations groups to share and obtain best practices
Outside Counsel Partner Program (50%)
Coordinate business reviews with those firms participating in a strategic Outside Counsel partner program, sharing KPIs and creating a feedback loop for fostering continuous improvement
Expected to conduct solo interviews with the firm as needed, exercising judgement, and asking analytical probing questions based on previous answers
Track and measure metrics for reporting and goal delivery
Support to create executive style summaries utilizing data and industry benchmarks
Synthesize data capture across firms, drawing correlations and observations where applicable
Partner on outside counsel DEI goals and conduct analysis to ensure progress
Collate and analyze DEI survey data as available, including but not limited to Mansfield or other
Support ongoing conversations and communication between TWDC LGA and outside counsel by identifying key DEI data metrics as needed
Advancing outside counsel DEI may include planning and hosting events and facilitating meetings
Partner with Disney GIS/Privacy to conduct and select for annual review of outside counsel
Role will be expected to run independently, as needed, showing initiative and identifying business opportunities when arise with little supervision.
Advance reporting and communication cadence for internal and external stakeholders
Support business continuity on how we engage non-partner outside counsel and legal professional services
Maintain processes and workflows that align with outside counsel program goals
Collaborate in the exploration of delivery and service models that provide value
Support Billing Guidelines Updates
Analyze, administer and manage legal professional services spend
Collaborate with Sourcing & Procurement and Finance teams
Cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal services landscape and establish a presence in the Legal Operations groups to share and obtain best practices; make recommendations when opportunities arise
Here’s what you will need to be successful in this role:
Able to communicate clearly and effectively to a diverse array of audiences, including senior executives
Ability to prioritize and multitask while meeting tight deadlines
Ability to coordinate and liaise with multiple departments using strong project management and sound judgment skills
Passionate about transforming business operations using technology with complimentary processes and creating a culture of continuous improvement
Knowledgeable about Legal concepts and processes
Curious about data and the ability to analyze programs effectively
Ability to prioritize large collection of projects and tasks, always keeping business value as the guiding principle
Extensive experience using Microsoft Office suite, specifically strong proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Collaborative personality and a team player
Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree
Preferred experience with Legal and/or finance and/or Project Management functions
It would be great if you also had these skills/experiences:
Prior experience in a Disney department is a plus
Prior experience in sourcing & procurement
Advanced degree or certification in Business Administration or Economics