Adrienne Dawn Gurley is a seasoned trial attorney and investigations counsel with extensive experience representing corporations, executives, and high-profile individuals in complex civil disputes, internal investigations, regulatory matters, and government-facing inquiries. She brings nearly two decades of litigation and enforcement experience across the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in-house counsel, and national law firms.
 

Adrienne first-chaired more than 60 trials to verdict as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and is known for her ability to manage high-stakes, fast-moving matters involving alleged fraud or misconduct, whistleblower claims, employment and workplace issues, financial and regulatory disputes, and situations presenting significant reputational risk. Clients rely on her strategic judgment, investigative instincts, and practical guidance in navigating sensitive situations. She is particularly adept at crisis management, including supporting a major financial institution in responding to government inquiries during a significant and rapidly evolving corporate event.

 

Drawing on her experience spanning government service, in-house operations, and private practice, Adrienne brings a uniquely holistic perspective that positions her to advise clients across diverse industries. She regularly oversees complex internal investigations, counsels boards and senior leadership, and manages parallel civil, criminal, and regulatory matters.


Beyond her client representations, Adrienne contributes to the legal community through active engagement and thought leadership, regularly sharing insights on trial practice, internal investigations, government enforcement priorities, and litigation strategy. Adrienne is active in her community through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and serves on the board for the Los Angeles Valley College Foundation.


Adrienne earned her J.D. from Howard University School of Law and her B.A. in Economics and Philosophy from Columbia University. She also holds an M.A. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Certificate in Securities and Financial Regulation from Georgetown University Law Center.

Publications
  • Co-author, “Bench Trials,” in California Trial Practice: Civil Procedure During Trial, 3rd ed., ed. Linda Compton et al., (Berkeley, CA: CEB, 1994)
  • Co-author, Recent Developments in Arbitration of Employment Discrimination Disputes, National Employment Law Council, 1998
Published Opinions
  • PUBLISHED OPINIONS HUD v. Rucker, 535 U.S. 125 (2002)
  • Ingram v. Pacific Gas & Electric Company, 690 Fed.Appx. 527 (9th Cir. 2017)
  • Veloz v. Pacific Gas & Electric Company, 655 Fed.Appx. 537 (9th Cir. 2016)
  • Gregory v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 611 Fed.Appx. 410 (9th Cir. 2015)
  • Goos v. Shell Oil Co., 451 Fed.Appx. 700 (9th Cir. 2011)
  • Embury v. King, 179 Fed.Appx. 409 (9th Cir. 2006)
  • Embury v. King, 361 F.3d 562 (9th Cir. 2004)
  • Lifescan, Inc. v. Premier Diabetic Services, Inc., 363 F.3d 1010 (9th Cir. 2004)
  • U.S. ex rel. Honeywell, Inc. v. San Francisco Housing Authority, 83 Fed.Appx. 181 (9th Cir. 2003)
  • Rucker v. Davis, 304 F.3d 904 (9th Cir. 2002)
  • Rucker v. Davis, 237 F.3d 1113 (9th Cir. 2001)
Speaking Engagements
  • “Vore, vire, vua- what the …?? Figuring out Voir Dire,” National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms Driving Diversity & Leadership Conference, March 2024
  • “Electronic Evidence Issues In The Modern Era: Laying A Foundation For Trial,” National Employment Law Council Annual Conference, May 2023
  • “Off the Record: The Real Experience of POC Attorneys,” California Minority Counsel Program Business Conference, October 2022
  • “Inclusive Sourcing: Insights from Minority and Women-Owned Legal Firms and the In-House Teams That Hire Them,” National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms Annual Meeting, September 2022
  • “Labor Issues in the Biden Administration,” Elevating Black Excellence Regional Summit (Midwest, Virtual), June 2021
  • “Labor Issues in the Biden Administration,” Elevating Black Excellence Summit (Virtual), April 2021
Education
  • B.A., Dartmouth College
  • J.D., University of California at Berkeley, School of Law
Admissions
  • California