General Counsel Louis Meisinger Retires From Disney

BURBANK, Calif. – Louis M. Meisinger, executive vice president and general counsel, has elected to retire from full-time practice of law at Disney and plans to pursue a number of entrepreneurial opportunities in the legal field in Los Angeles, while also remaining a consultant to the company.

Meisinger, 60, said he plans to cut back his responsibilities after 35 years of practice in order to “achieve a measure of flexibility while still remaining professionally active.”

“I will always count my years as Disney’s chief legal officer as among the most rewarding and productive of my career and look forward to continuing my association with the Company as an outside consultant,” Meisinger said.

Michael Eisner, Disney chairman and chief executive officer, and Robert Iger, Disney president and chief operating officer, said they accepted Meisinger’s news with regret as they have valued his advice and counsel during his time with Disney.

“Michael and I are grateful for Lou’s contributions and friendship over the years,” Iger said. “As one of the industry’s most respected attorneys, he’s done a tremendous job overseeing a global legal team that adeptly handles the complex issues and challenges that confront one of the world’s largest entertainment companies. As he enters a new phase of his life, we both wish him and his family the very best.”

Meisinger plans to reunite with two former partners, Robert Wynne and Richard Troop, to serve as senior advisors to the L.A. law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, where they plan build an institutional entertainment and media practice. In addition, Meisinger will affiliate exclusively with ADR Services, to provide private judging and mediation services for commercial enterprises nationwide.

Meisinger joined Disney in July 1998 after 23 years as a name partner of Hill, Wynne, Troop & Meisinger and headed a team of attorneys responsible for all aspects of Disney’s legal affairs around the world. His retirement will be effective following an expected 30-day transition period. The company plans to announce a successor shortly.