D-LIFT Associate 2027–2028 (Legal Training Program)

About the Program

The Disney Lawyers in Film Training (D-LIFT) Program is an immersive development program in the Legal Department of Disney Entertainment, Studios. Designed for recent law school graduates (3Ls graduating May/June 2027), D-LIFT Associates receive mentorship from experienced Studio Legal attorneys, participate in professional development training, engage in substantive legal work, and gain hands-on experience on matters arising during the development and production of live action and animated feature films across Walt Disney Pictures, 20th Century Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and other Studio Legal teams.

Application deadline: October 30, 2026. Candidates notified in early November.

Program Timeline

• June–August 2027: Part-time remote (~4 hrs/week) — virtual orientations, studio immersion sessions, mentoring, and preparation for the July 2027 California Bar Exam. Culminates in a two-week Summer Intensive.
• September–November 2027: Full-time, in-person in Burbank — legal research, drafting assistance, business and leadership development sessions.
• December 2027–April 2028: Associates who pass the July 2027 bar continue full-time with expanded responsibilities.
• May–June 2028: Full-time with expanded responsibilities through program completion.

Requirements

• Current 3L graduating May/June 2027 from a U.S. ABA-accredited law school
• Intend to take the July 2027 California Bar Exam
• Previous relevant experience at a law firm, production company, or studio/media company
• Strong desire for a career in entertainment law, specifically motion picture production
• Authorized to work in the United States
• Able to relocate to the Los Angeles area by August 15, 2027

Preferred

• Demonstrated interest in entertainment law through coursework, extracurriculars, and prior work
• Curiosity about AI tools and innovation in legal practice

Pay & Benefits

$41.40/hr in California. Select benefits may be provided.