Danielle Garno leaves BigLaw for DEMC, focusing on luxury brands and flexible legal services
Danielle Garno, a seasoned luxury and brand lawyer, has joined US boutique law firm Daniel, Ebeling, Maccia & Cohen (DEMC) after more than two decades practicing in BigLaw. Garno, who was most recently a partner and co-chair of the entertainment practice at Holland & Knight, brings with her a wealth of experience serving some of the world’s most prestigious luxury and entertainment brands.
Throughout her career, Garno has worked at notable firms including Reed Smith, Cozen & O’Connor, and Greenberg Traurig. Now based in Miami, she joins DEMC, which also maintains offices in New York and Southern California. The firm is known for representing professional sports teams, athletes, media and entertainment companies, and sports venture capital firms.
Garno emphasised that the flexibility offered by DEMC played a major role in her decision to make the move. “This move represents more than a firm change – it’s a complete redefinition of how I want to practise law,” she said. “Having the flexibility to provide high-level services at a reasonable price point is something that my clients need and very much appreciate in this uncertain economy.”
Her impressive client list includes renowned luxury brands such as David Yurman, Gucci, and Richemont, alongside major entertainment companies like WME/Endeavor and World Wrestling Entertainment. DEMC’s managing partner George Daniel welcomed Garno, highlighting her dynamic experience. “Danielle brings a wealth of dynamic experience in the fashion and entertainment industries that will be instrumental in serving our clients’ needs,” he said.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn addition to her legal practice, Garno pursues interests in technology and legal innovation. She serves as chief legal officer of My Ascent AI, a tech platform designed as an “intelligence lawyer” for high-impact communities. She is also CEO of Advocate.IQ, a subsidiary platform she describes as “game-changing technology” for the corporate and legal sectors. Advocate.IQ helps law firms develop institutional knowledge bases, streamlining their expertise and workflows.
Garno is also co-founder of Être: The Attorney Brand Masterclass, a coaching and professional development platform that assists lawyers in building visibility and marketing themselves effectively. “We take a 360-degree look at what you do as a lawyer and help you to market that based on your unique value proposition,” she explained. “It’s vitally important for lawyers to be able to stand out from the masses and message that to the world.”
Garno’s move to DEMC reflects a broader trend among senior lawyers seeking more agile and client-focused legal practices. By joining a boutique firm dedicated to sports and entertainment, she aims to combine her expertise in luxury brands with a more flexible approach to client service — a vital adaptation in today’s economic climate.
DEMC, known for its focus on professional sports and media, will benefit from Garno’s insight into luxury brand protection and entertainment law, helping to expand its footprint in these specialised sectors. Her move underscores the increasing importance of boutique firms that offer tailored, cost-effective legal solutions without sacrificing expertise.
Garno’s transition marks an exciting chapter for both her and DEMC as the firm strengthens its appeal to luxury and entertainment clients, blending legal excellence with innovation and client-centred service.
