UCLA School of Law alum Heather Anderson ’97 is vice president of original content and business affairs for ESPN, where she uses her legal training to lead business negotiations and deal strategy for several of the sports media giant’s flagship programs, including 30 for 30, In the Arena, and ESPN Films.

What do you do each day?

My team works with hundreds of creatives who are all working on dozens of projects at the same time, so problem solving is the only thing constant about my day. Every day is a mix of negotiations, providing production advice, strategy sessions, and reviewing drafts of term sheets and production agreements. I also work with leadership to strategize how to optimize audience expansion for our original content.

Why did you choose UCLA Law for your legal education?

UCLA Law is synonymous with the highest caliber of academics, outstanding opportunities for external, practical experience, and respect in the profession — no matter which area of practice a person chooses — but particularly in the fields of media, entertainment, technology, and sports law. As an incoming law student who knew I wanted to pursue entertainment law, studying in Los Angeles was important, and UCLA Law was the perfect combination of geographic proximity and academic excellence in my chosen concentration.

Tell us about your involvement with the law school community, both as a student, and now as an alum.

During law school, I was an active member of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and La Raza and served as vice president of BLSA for a year. My classmates and fellow students in BLSA and La Raza created such a supportive community, and I’m very close to several of my classmates to this day — almost 30 years later. Today, I’m a proud alumna and an advisory board member for the Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports Law and UCLA Law Women LEAD.

What have been some of your career highlights?

Early on in my career, I worked in the music industry and either worked with or spent time with artists whose talent I admired and was inspired by — Snoop Dogg, En Vogue, and MC Lyte, to name a few. These days, I’m proud to work for Disney and ESPN, and I love being part of the “magic” of creating content and experiences that bring so much joy to people. Since I have joined the business affairs team, our storytelling at ESPN has been nominated for four Emmys, which is very exciting for me!

What’s your advice for Bruin law students?

Be the very best student that you can be. It all starts with your grades, so make the first thing first. Next, take advantage of where you are — meaning UCLA Law, UCLA in general, and the city of Los Angeles. Do not spend all three years in the confines of the law school building, or you will have missed out on chances to expand your educational and professional opportunities.

Catch up with Heather Anderson ’97 at the UCLA Law Women LEAD Summit, on Sept. 25, where she will be moderating a panel on leadership and legal advice in the public eye.