Daniel L. Brenner.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Daniel L. Brenner died on Monday after being hit by an automobile around 6pm. He was 64.
Known as a communications law expert, Brenner had been a partner in Hogan Lovells' communications, media and entertainment group in DC and LA from 2009 to 2012.
The law firm shared a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened by the news of the sudden passing of former Hogan Lovells partner Judge Dan Brenner. The legal community has lost a brilliant judge and a great champion. He was an influential legal mind through his work in media, intellectual property and federal communications law and we will dearly miss Dan’s quick wit and engaging demeanor. We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Dan’s family during this difficult time."
Gov. Jerry Brown appointed Brenner to the Superior Court in 2012."He was a brilliant judge and lawyer and a beloved friend to many. His death is a terrible loss for his family and the court," said the presiding judge of the LA Superior Court, Judge Carolyn Kuhl, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Before joining Hogan Lovells, Brenner spent 17 years as the SVP of law and regulatory policy at the National Cable and Telecommunications Association--the cable industry's principal trade association--and seven as the FCC's senior adviser to the chairman.
NCTA CEO Michael Powell said in a statement, "Dan’s insightful knowledge of telecommunications law made him a formidable force in public policy during his years leading the legal department at NCTA." According to Brenner's USC Gould School of Law lecturer profile, the NCTA honored him with the President's Award for service to the cable industry in 2009. He received the Cablefax Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award in '13.
An esteemed lawyer who had also performed in stand-up comedy clubs, Brenner told the LA Times in '91 that lawyers and comedians had this in common: both used language to be persuasive.
Brenner started his legal career as an associate at WilmerHale after acquiring a BA, MA and JD from Stanford, and clerking for US District Court Judge William Matthew Byrne Jr. He wrote multiple legal textbooks and served as an adjunct professor at the USC Gould School of Law, Georgetown Law, Washington College of Law at American University and Cardozo Law, and as a member of the communications faculties at UCLA, USC and GW.
He was "a prized teacher and mentor for hundreds of law students at USC, UCLA and Georgetown University, as well as a gifted advocate and volunteer for many community-based and public service groups, including public broadcasting," added NCTA CEO Michael Powell. "None of us ever will forget Dan’s keen sense of humor and perspective, which helped guide his approach to his career and his friendships. We will sorely miss him." [LAT]
Brenner is survived by his partner, Robert Kunst, and by his brothers, physician Dr. James Brenner and lawyer Robert Brenner, writes Cablefax.
Condolences can be sent to: Bob Kunst at 434 S Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Contributions in memory of Dan Brenner may be made to CARE International here.
