Darren J. Abernethy, Entertainment Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 11 years of legal practice · focused on Entertainment, General, and Internet
ShareholderatGreenberg Traurig, LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing entertainment in San Francisco since 2015.
- 11+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Darren J. Abernethy?
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Quick answer
Darren J. Abernethy is a shareholder based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, General, and Internet. Darren has over 11 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 11 years
- Known for
- Entertainment · General · Internet
- Handles Entertainment, General, and Internet matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 11 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Darren J. Abernethy: Darren J. Abernethy is a shareholder based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, General, and Internet. Darren has over 11 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Areas of practice
Darren's practice areas in San Francisco
Darren concentrates on entertainment, general, internet, and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Darren handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Entertainment
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General
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Internet
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IP
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Entertainment cases in San Francisco, California
Darren takes entertainment matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Darren agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Darren takes general matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Darren agrees to represent you.
Internet cases in San Francisco, California
Darren takes internet matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Darren agrees to represent you.
IP cases in San Francisco, California
Darren takes ip matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Darren agrees to represent you.
Biography
Darren J. Abernethy, entertainment attorney serving San Francisco
Darren J. Abernethy is a shareholder based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, General, and Internet. Darren has over 11 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Darren works from San Francisco, California and takes on entertainment matters across the region.
Darren J. Abernethy is an ad tech, data privacy and cybersecurity attorney with more than fifteen years of experience, including in Am Law private practice in Washington, D.C. and as Senior Counsel at a leading privacy technology vendor. He advises clients on matters related to digital advertising, privacy and data protection law compliance, data breach management, privacy and data security considerations in M&A, artificial intelligence and FTC best practices.
Darren's areas of focus include website and mobile application compliance, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other U.S. federal and state privacy laws, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)/ePrivacy, and technology agreements.
Darren is a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)’s Publications Advisory Board and is recognized by the IAPP and American Bar Association as a Privacy Law Specialist. He holds IAPP certifications in all 7 areas (Asia, Canada, Europe, Privacy Management, Technology, U.S. Government, and U.S. Private Sector).
Concentrations
•Data-driven marketing, self-regulatory frameworks (DAA, NAI, IAB), cookie compliance, and emerging advertising technologies
•Drafting and negotiating the privacy aspects of commercial agreements, including advertising contracts, data processing agreements, and ToS
•Global privacy programs, policies, and vendor management
•Cross-border data transfers and data sharing agreements
•Product counseling and privacy by design
•Data breach notification laws and state/federal regulator investigations
•Privacy/cybersecurity/IP-related mergers & acquisitions diligence and negotiations
•Representing clients in relation to FTC and state attorneys general investigations in relation to security incidents, COPPA, CAN-SPAM, and deceptive practices
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Media, Technology and Telecoms Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection), 2024-2025
•Listed, Euromoney, Rising Stars, “Rising Star - Americas,” 2020
Working with Darren on a entertainment matter
Darren J. Abernethy is an ad tech, data privacy and cybersecurity attorney with more than fifteen years of experience, including in Am Law private practice in Washington, D.C. and as Senior Counsel at a leading privacy technology vendor. He advises clients on matters related to digital advertising, privacy and data protection law compliance, data breach management, privacy and data security…
Clients Darren works with
Darren reviews new inquiries case-by-case for entertainment, general, and internet matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Darren studied and practices
College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law
J.D. Lead · 2008
Duke University
B.A. · 2004
Jurisdictions
Darren's state bar admissions
California New York
2015 · ACTIVE
Darren studied at J.D. Lead in College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law and B.A. in Duke University.
Law school and academic background
Darren completed J.D. Lead in College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law and B.A. in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Darren runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Darren J. Abernethy's office in San Francisco
Darren's primary office is at 101 Second Street, Suite 2200, San Francisco, CA, 94105. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
101 Second Street, Suite 2200
San Francisco, CA 94105
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Darren J. Abernethy — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new entertainment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Darren usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Darren charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Darren's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Darren will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a entertainment attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many entertainment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Darren
Darren discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in entertainment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every entertainment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Darren confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Darren's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many entertainment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Darren J. Abernethy
How much does it cost to hire Darren for a entertainment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Darren walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Darren offer a free consultation?
Darren charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Darren's office. Some entertainment attorneys offer free consults — check Darren's current terms during booking.
How long do entertainment cases in California typically take?
Simple entertainment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Darren gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Darren take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Darren is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Darren will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Darren?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Darren will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Darren accepting new entertainment clients right now?
Darren's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Entertainment attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Darren handles entertainment matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified entertainment attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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