Adam J. Turton

Professional Experience

Adam is a seasoned labor and employment law litigator with experience defending companies of all sizes ranging from start-ups to multinational corporations. Adam has brought tangible and long-lasting results for his clients through the following:

• Defending companies against EEOC complaints alleging disability discrimination, failure to accommodate and failure to engage in the interactive process.
• Defending against an EEOC complaint asserting damages of approximately $100,000 and procuring a settlement of only $5,000 via mediation.
• Handling DLSE/DIR complaints regarding wage and hour claims for unpaid overtime, meal and rest break premiums and unpaid PTO payouts.
• Obtaining a $1,000 settlement on behalf of a banking institution in a DLSE matter wherein the initial demand by the plaintiff was approximately $30,000.
• Aggressively defending companies against class action and PAGA lawsuits.
• Advising clients and providing counsel as to how best engage in the interactive process and avoid violating the ADA, Unruh Civil Rights Act and FEHA.
• Obtaining workplace violence restraining orders.
• Assisting institutions of higher learning with regard to Title IX and Title VII complaints via conducting investigations and providing position statements on behalf of the universities.

Adam has also been recognized via Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2024 and 2025. He is a member of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy's Alumni network and worked closely with members of the Institute to address various issues of public concern.

Community

Adam is an advocate for various causes and foundations, including the Tourette's Association of America, Tourette’s Action UK and Oxfam. Adam is a member of the San Francisco Bar Association, San Mateo Bar Association, and Santa Clara Bar Association. He has written an article for Tourette's Action UK designed to provide hope and guidance for those struggling with Tourette’s syndrome and similar conditions, with the message that they can achieve whatever they put their minds to and not to give up.

When he is not litigating and zealously defending his clients, Adam spends his time volunteering for charitable causes in the local area and previously worked on a volunteer basis for Oxfam and other charities focused on poverty relief and ending homelessness.

Education

Adam is a graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law. While there, he was a member of Santa Clara Law's mock trial team for two years. He also wrote articles regarding changes to California’s copyright law for the school’s newspaper, The Advocate, and put together care packages for homeless veterans with the help of the Veteran’s Law Society.

During his time at Santa Clara Law, Adam participated in the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association’s (SFTLA) 2022 mock trial competition. He and his team won first place in this competition and were publicly recognized at the SFTLA 2022 Gala. Adam was also awarded the Honorable Donald J. Sullivan Award for his contributions to Santa Clara Law's win at the SFTLA mock trial competition.

Personal

In his spare time, Adam enjoys playing piano and singing at open mics. His specialties are jazz and arrangements of grunge rock songs à la Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. He also enjoys spending time in nature via hiking, fishing, and camping. Adam is very partial to a glass of scotch, especially Lagavulin and Macallan.