Emily M. McAdam
Attorney
Overview
Emily represents clients in complex civil litigation, government investigations, and internal investigations across a range of industries. Her relationship-centered approach ensures she deeply understands each client’s business—and then delivers results aligned with their goals.
A skilled advocate for companies facing high-stakes disputes, including those in the healthcare and life science spaces, Emily focuses her practice on False Claims Act defense, employment defense, products liability, healthcare litigation, and government and internal investigations. She is a driving force on litigation teams — the attorney clients rely on to identify and translate strategy into action, keep complex matters moving, and anticipate obstacles before they arise. Clients value Emily’s direct, practical counsel and her command of the court system. Listening is at the core of her practice, and she partners with clients to understand their objectives and builds strategy around what matters most to them.
Before joining Greene Espel, Emily clerked for the Honorable David S. Doty of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. Prior to law school, she managed alumni relations at Carleton College and Hamline University, which sharpened her ability to align diverse stakeholders around shared goals, a skill she brings to every client engagement.
EDUCATION
- J.D., University of Minnesota Law School, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif; Managing Editor, Minnesota Law Review
- B.A., Carleton College, History, cum laude
EXPERIENCE
- Fredrikson & Byron, Associate
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, The Honorable David S. Doty, Law Clerk
ADMISSIONS
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
- State Bar of Minnesota
AFFILIATIONS
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter
Emily's Practice Areas
-
Commercial Litigation
Explore Practice AreaOur business litigation practice embraces the wide variety of commercial disputes facing private and public companies today. Areas of particular expertise include intellectual property, antitrust, securities, employment, professional liability, and construction disputes.
-
Accountant Liability
Explore Practice AreaGreene Espel has extensive experience in a wide variety of disputes and problems confronting accounting firms, including the representation of Big Four, regional, and local accounting firms in audit, tax, and consulting negligence lawsuits, class action securities litigation, review board proceedings, and various federal and state regulatory and criminal matters.
-
Antitrust and Competition
Explore Practice AreaGreene Espel can help you navigate antitrust and competition investigations, government enforcement actions, white collar criminal investigations and litigation, trial and appellate litigation, and compliance counseling.
-
Class Actions
Explore Practice AreaClients regularly turn to Greene Espel when faced with high-stakes, class-action litigation. Greene Espel attorneys have defended dozens of putative class actions in federal and state courts all across the country.
-
False Claims Act and Health Care Litigation
Explore Practice AreaWe have the experience to help clients—particularly those in the healthcare industry—navigate the ever-expanding breadth of False Claims Act (“FCA”) and health care litigation. We have achieved success for our clients at every phase—conducting thorough investigations, persuading government agencies not to intervene in whistleblower suits, obtaining dismissals through motion practice, negotiating favorable settlements with government agencies and relators, and taking cases through litigation and trial.
-
Products Liability
Explore Practice AreaDefending products liability claims has been a cornerstone of Greene Espel’s practice since our founding in 1993. Manufacturers and other businesses turn to us when they face product defect allegations brought by individuals, by large groups of plaintiffs, or as putative class actions.
-
Internal Investigations
Explore Practice AreaWe leverage our experience to conduct sensitive and high-profile internal investigations for our clients. We also help clients navigate investigations to mitigate reputational, regulatory, and litigation risks.
-
White Collar Criminal and Regulatory Defense
Explore Practice AreaWe provide an insider’s perspective and the experience to vindicate your interests and defend your name in complex criminal and regulatory matters.
-
Constitutional Litigation
Explore Practice AreaConstitutional litigation is a cornerstone of Greene Espel’s practice. We represent individuals, private businesses, and government entities where their actions raise constitutional issues.
-
Anti-corruption and FCPA
Explore Practice AreaGreene Espel rivals big firms with its experienced group of corruption and FCPA investigators and counselors. We help companies efficiently and effectively investigate allegations of corruption, assess their compliance programs, and present their best possible case to prosecutors and regulators.
Emily's Recognition & Awards
- Up and Coming Attorney, Minnesota Lawyer (2024)
- Selected to Minnesota Rising Stars list, Minnesota Super Lawyers (2025)
- Recognized as Minnesota State Bar Association North Star Lawyer for pro bono service (2021)
- Minnesota State Bar Association Excellence in Employment Law Award, 2018
Emily's Community Involvement
-
Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter
-
Co-Vice President of Continuing Legal Education (2026-present)
-
Co-Vice President of Membership (2023 – 2026)
-
Law School Outreach Committee, Co-Chair (2021 - 2023)
-
- Board of Directors, Carleton Ultimate Fund, 2016-2019
Emily enjoys maintaining an active pro bono practice. She has represented pro bono clients seeking asylum in the United States and post-conviction relief from criminal sentences as well.