Overview

Adam Kamenstein is an accomplished trial lawyer with a distinguished record in complex commercial litigation, white collar criminal defense, and sensitive internal investigations. His proven success in both federal and state courts—including numerous high-profile trials and the defeat of significant enforcement actions—makes him a trusted choice for clients confronting their most consequential disputes.

Adam brings a distinctive perspective forged through government service, private practice, and corporate leadership. This multifaceted background enables him to deliver 360-degree strategies that address both legal imperatives and business objectives. His clients include leading companies across technology, media and entertainment, food and beverage, logistics, higher education, and public entities.

As a former federal prosecutor, Adam has deep insight into investigative and enforcement processes. He previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City and as an Assistant United States Attorney in Los Angeles, where he was Deputy Chief of the Government Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section. In these roles, he led complex investigations and trials involving corporate and government fraud, public corruption, organized crime, espionage, and civil rights violations—achievements that earned commendations from the Department of Justice and multiple federal agencies.

Clients value Adam’s ability to rapidly assess the strengths and vulnerabilities of a case, distill complex facts into a persuasive narrative, and craft litigation or pre-litigation strategies tailored to their goals. Having served as lead counsel in more than 30 federal and state jury trials, he excels in both the substance and presentation of advocacy. He is frequently engaged to advise on matters requiring both judgment and tenacity, and his capacity to anticipate developments and generate pragmatic solutions is widely respected.

Drawing on his corporate leadership and venture experience, Adam provides actionable counsel that balances legal rigor with commercial practicality. His commitment to clarity, creativity, and results underpins his reputation as a formidable advocate and trusted advisor.

Adam practices in both California and New York federal and state courts.

Representative Matters

Complex Commercial Litigation

• PetroSaudi Oil Services (Venezuela) Ltd. – Federal Forfeiture Proceedings

Lead counsel representing PetroSaudi in U.S. federal forfeiture actions seeking nearly $500 million in assets, arising out of allegations connected to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) matter. The proceedings involve cross-border coordination of related litigation in multiple jurisdictions and complex issues of international arbitration and sovereign interests.
See Law360

• Los Angeles County Sheriff – Declaratory Relief Action

Representing Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna in litigation against the County’s Civilian Oversight Commission regarding access to confidential law enforcement records. The lawsuit seeks judicial clarification of the parties’ respective rights and obligations under state confidentiality laws and the Commission’s subpoena authority.
See Los Angeles Times

• National Theme Park Operator – Employment

Defending a multibillion-dollar theme park company in multiple lawsuits brought by former employees alleging retaliation, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination.

• Technology Company – Contract and Employment

Represented a $200 million technology company in breach of contract and wrongful termination litigation, achieving a confidential resolution highly favorable to the client.

• Hospitality Corporation – Class Action Defense

Defended a multibillion-dollar hospitality corporation in a putative class action involving employment claims on behalf of approximately 30,000 employees. The court dismissed the action, allowing the client to avoid potential exposure exceeding $100 million and significant reputational harm.

• Former C-Suite Executive – Employment

Represented a former senior executive of a Fortune 400 company in wrongful termination litigation.

• County of Los Angeles – Civil Rights

Secured dismissal with prejudice of civil rights claims against the County of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles, former prosecutors, and law enforcement officers brought by an individual whose convictions were vacated after decades of incarceration. The dismissal shielded clients from potential exposure exceeding $80 million.

• Company Founder – Business Torts and Fiduciary Claims

Represented the founder of a marketing company in litigation alleging breach of contract, unfair business practices, and breaches of fiduciary duty. Obtained a seven-figure settlement in the client’s favor.

• CEO of National Snack Foods Company – Securities Fraud

Represented the CEO of a defunct, celebrity-backed snack foods company in litigation alleging securities fraud. After successfully enforcing an arbitration provision and transferring the dispute to arbitration, achieved a complete dismissal with prejudice, eliminating the threat of multimillion-dollar personal liability.

White Collar Defense and Government Investigations

• Public Official – Political Corruption

Representing a prominent individual in a high-profile Los Angeles political corruption prosecution.

• Investors - Loan and Investment Fraud

Defending multiple individuals in a federal criminal investigation concerning allegations of substantial loan and investment fraud.

• Executive – Government Fraud

Representing a corporate executive under investigation for alleged loan fraud exceeding $15 million.

• Global Accounting Firm – SEC Inquiry

Representing the foreign subsidiary of a global accounting firm in an SEC investigation related to the firm’s audit client.

• Alcoholic Beverage Industry – Federal Bribery and Kickback Investigation

Represented a company and individual in a federal investigation involving allegations of bribery and kickbacks in the alcoholic beverage sector. The government ultimately declined to pursue charges.

• Entrepreneur - Bank, Mail, and Wire Fraud Investigation

Represented an individual in a federal criminal investigation involving complex fraud and tax evasion allegations relating to more than 100 purported victims.

Internal Investigations

• State Bar of California – Investigations

Led an independent investigation into the State Bar of California’s administration of Rule 2201 matters, which govern the appointment of external investigators in cases presenting internal conflicts of interest. The final report concluded that certain investigations lacked independence and were improperly drafted by senior State Bar leadership, resulting in public disclosure of the findings.

• Public University System – Discrimination and Retaliation Allegations

Co-led an investigation on behalf of a major public university system into claims of discrimination, retaliation, bullying, and abuse of authority by senior officials.

• City and County of San Diego – Executive Mismanagement Inquiry

Led an investigation into allegations of misconduct and mismanagement by the executive director of a quasi-governmental entity overseeing annual disbursements of tens of millions of dollars. See Times of San Diego

EDUCATION
B.A., University of Pennsylvania

J.D., Cardozo School of Law
Law Review, Editor

EXPERIENCE
McDermott Will & Emery: Partner

United States Attorney's Office, Central District of California: Assistant United States Attorney, Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption, Government Fraud and Civil Rights Section

District Attorney's Office, Queens County, New York City: Assistant District Attorney

BAR ADMISSIONS
California State Bar

New York State Bar

RECENT HONORS
Lawdragons - 500 Leading Litigators in America - Complex Litigation; White Collar Defense and Internal Investigations (2024 and 2025)

Daily Journal - Top White-Collar Lawyer (2023 and 2024)

Los Angeles Business Journal - Leaders of Influence: Litigators and Trial Lawyers (2024)

Recognized by Best Lawyers for Criminal Defense: White Collar (2024)