Thomas Arthur Downey, Entertainment Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Entertainment, Internet, and Tax
Special CounselatOrrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing entertainment in San Francisco since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Thomas Arthur Downey is a special counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, Internet, and Tax. Thomas has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Entertainment · Internet · Tax
- Handles Entertainment, Internet, and Tax matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Thomas Arthur Downey: Thomas Arthur Downey is a special counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, Internet, and Tax. Thomas has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas Arthur Downey
Thomas concentrates on entertainment, internet, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Entertainment
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Internet
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Tax
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Entertainment cases in San Francisco, California
Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Internet cases in San Francisco, California
Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in San Francisco, California
Thomas takes tax 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Thomas Arthur Downey — Over 43 years of California entertainment experience
Thomas Arthur Downey is a special counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, Internet, and Tax. Thomas has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
Thomas Arthur Downey is a lawyer practicing internet, advertising, public finance / tax exempt finance. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Le Moyne College in 1970, and has been licensed for 43 years. Thomas practices at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Thomas's approach to entertainment cases
Thomas Arthur Downey is a lawyer practicing internet, advertising, public finance / tax exempt finance. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Le Moyne College in 1970, and has been licensed for 43 years. Thomas practices at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for entertainment, internet, and tax matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Thomas Arthur Downey's legal education and bar admissions
University of San Francisco School of Law
J.D. · 1982
Le Moyne College
B.A. · 1970
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
California
1989 · ACTIVE
New York
1983 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in University of San Francisco School of Law and B.A. in Le Moyne College.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in University of San Francisco School of Law and B.A. in Le Moyne College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations
New York State Bar Association State Bar of California National Association of Bond Lawyers
membership
Locations
Thomas Arthur Downey's office in San Francisco
Thomas's primary office is at The Orrick Building, 405 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA, 94105-2625. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
The Orrick Building, 405 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-2625
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Arthur Downey — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new entertainment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas 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 Thomas
Thomas 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas'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 Thomas Arthur Downey
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a entertainment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some entertainment attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas'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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?
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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new entertainment clients right now?
Thomas'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
Thomas 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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