Christine Adams is a seasoned litigator who handles complex, high-stakes internal investigations, civil litigation, SEC investigations, and white collar matters. She brings wide-ranging experience across the public and private sectors to her work, including a distinguished tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Known as “incredibly smart, terrific with clients, and a great advisor” (Chambers USA), Christine has helped individuals and entities—including Fortune 500 companies in the global media and entertainment, gaming, and banking industries—mount effective defenses against all types of civil and criminal claims. When finances, reputations, and livelihoods hang in the balance, clients rely on Christine for representation that delivers results.

During her 11 years as a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, Christine compiled an undefeated record in jury trials. As Defense Contractor Fraud Coordinator for the Central District of California, she coordinated and directed investigations by federal law enforcement agencies throughout the Central District, including multiple investigations relating to Department of Defense contracts, aircraft testing, trade secrets, and corruption. Notably, she successfully prosecuted a major defense contractor for trade secrets violations in connection with launch services contracts worth billions of dollars, resulting in the largest criminal and civil penalties on record ever imposed on a defense contractor at the time for both the Department of Defense and NASA. Christine also served in the Government Fraud and Public Corruption and, subsequently, the Major Frauds sections of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where she specialized in complex fraud matters such as SEC investigations; tax, bank, and mortgage fraud; and environmental crimes. Her work for the U.S. Attorney’s Office earned commendations from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Army Criminal Investigation Command, Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section, NASA Office of Inspector General, and Internal Revenue Service.

Christine’s success as an advocate stems from her strategic thinking, reputation for integrity, and inside-out knowledge of the federal justice system. Clients facing federal criminal charges—and the accompanying stressors—trust her to guide them through each stage of the process. Christine can step seamlessly into the prosecutorial mindset, anticipating the other side’s next move and crafting a proactive defense in response. At the same time, her credibility among government agents offers a significant advantage at the negotiating table, often resulting in declinations to prosecute, dismissed charges, and reduced sentences.

Christine also thrives on making the complex simple. Whether organizing scattered facts, breaking down expert-level technical concepts, or translating legal principles for a jury, she communicates the essential elements of a case through clear, confident storytelling. Her themes are trial-ready from the start, selected at the outset of the engagement to shape discovery efforts. She continues to develop these themes as the case progresses, strengthening the client’s negotiating position and maximizing their chances of securing a favorable outcome.

In the civil arena, Christine calls on her in-house experience at The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation to provide clients with commercially-minded counsel. Having sat on the other side of the table, she understands the importance of addressing business concerns—and answering to a variety of different stakeholders—when contending with potential litigation. In an uncertain regulatory landscape, Christine’s guidance remains straightforward, focused on charting a smooth path to resolution. With her solutions in hand, clients have overcome significant legal hurdles while protecting their market position and their operation’s future. One client told Chambers USA, “Christine’s thorough analysis, nuanced understanding of law, and strategic guidance enable us to approach sensitive matters confidently, knowing that we are supported by a highly knowledgeable legal professional.”

When allegations of misconduct arise, entities turn to Christine to mitigate the damage. She has conducted internal investigations for globally recognized companies and municipal entities, supplying findings that clarify complicated decision-making processes. Conscious of the intricacies of institutional dynamics, Christine balances discretion with quick, expeditious action. She works closely with stakeholders at every phase of the investigation—from gathering facts to reviewing evidence to coordinating witness interviews—to ensure that priorities and parameters are aligned. This approach enables her clients to effectively resolve crises, avoid regulatory scrutiny, and safeguard their reputations.

 After leaving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Christine served as Associate General Counsel for The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. In that role, she advised and represented institutions, including The Broad Center (which trains leaders in public school education) and The Broad (a contemporary art museum) regarding various matters, including negotiations with public entities, litigation involving the museum, and sensitive investigations.

Before she became a federal prosecutor, Christine was a litigator at O’Melveny & Myers, where she defended against claims of securities fraud, antitrust violations, and white collar crimes.

Christine invests substantial time and effort into her communities. While at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she served as an instructor in fraud training programs for federal prosecutors and for several law enforcement agencies. Currently, her roles include:

• Women’s White Collar Defense Association, Thought Leadership Committee Co-Chair

• Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative for the Central District of California

• Federal Bar Association, Los Angeles Chapter, Board Member and Programs Committee Member

• Yale Law Fund Board, Nominations and Governance Committee Member

• Chancery Club, Member

• Yale Law School Executive Committee, Former Chair and President

• The Industry (a nonprofit dedicated to creating and producing diverse and inclusive, site-specific art and music in Los Angeles), Past Chair and Current Member

EDUCATION
J.D., Yale Law School
Yale Law Journal, Symposium Editor

B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara
Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
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EXPERIENCE
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and The Broad, Associate General Counsel

United States Attorney's Office, Central District of California, Assistant United States Attorney

O'Melveny & Myers, Litigation Associate

United States District Court, Honorable John G. Davies, Judicial Law Clerk

RECENT HONORS
Los Angeles Elite - White Collar Crime, The Legal 500 (2026)

Recognized by Best Lawyers for Criminal Defense: White Collar (2025-present)

Top White Collar Lawyer, Daily Journal (2024)

500 Leading Litigators in America, Lawdragon: White Collar Defense and Internal Investigations (2024-present)