About
Strategic General Counsel, Veteran Litigator, and Trusted Advisor
Strategic General Counsel, Veteran Litigator, and Trusted Advisor
Derek Eletich brings over two decades of experience advising clients on commercial strategy, litigation, intellectual property, regulatory issues, and complex transactions. With a background that spans courtroom advocacy, in‑house leadership, and General Counsel roles, Derek provides clear, business‑driven legal guidance to individuals, founders, executives, investors, and technology‑driven organizations.
ABOUT DEREK ELETICH
Derek Eletich brings a rare blend of litigation prowess, in-house leadership, and deal-making acumen to every engagement. He has served as General Counsel for top gaming studios including four start ups companies, and has negotiated complex deals with Apple, Netflix, Meta, Viacom, and Disney. His background includes over fifty trials, mediations, and arbitrations across the country. He has also closed over $40 million in convertible notes and equity financings, and been on teams involved in over $1.5 billion of exits.
EDUCATION & ADMISSIONS
Derek earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees with high distinction in Political Science and Asian Studies from the University of Michigan in 1994. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1997. Since that year, Derek has been a member of the State Bar of California and is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in California.
Teaching Experience
Derek served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at UC Hastings, where he taught “Social Media Law,” the first course of its kind at a top-ranked law school. He developed and led a curriculum examining key legal issues surrounding social media platforms, including terms of service, privacy policies, user-generated content, copyright use, and the commercial regulation of online activity—reflecting his early insight into the evolving digital landscape.
Background
A Proven Record of Legal and Business Leadership
Derek Eletich combines litigation expertise, in-house leadership, and deal-making acumen to deliver highly effective legal support across commercial, corporate, and intellectual property matters. He has served as General Counsel for multiple high-growth startups and has negotiated complex agreements with companies including Apple, Netflix, Meta, Viacom, and Disney.
With a track record that includes more than fifty trials, mediations, and arbitrations nationwide, Derek brings seasoned judgment to disputes and high-stakes decisions. He has completed over $40 million in convertible note and equity financings and contributed to teams involved in more than $1.5 billion in successful exits.
Education & Admissions
1994
Education
Bachelor of Arts with High Distinction in Asian Studies and Political Science, University of Michigan
1997
Education
Juris Doctor, Santa Clara University School of Law
1997
Admission
State Bar of California
1998
Admission
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
1999
Admission
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
2002
Admission
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
2010
Admission
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Areas of Focus
A Career Built on Strategic Counsel and Litigation Excellence
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Corporate Governance & Transactions
Drafting, Negotiating and closing strategic agreements
IP strategy, licensing, and brand protection
