Rachel W. Adams

Rachel W. Adams is a partner in ThompsonMcMullan’s Civil Litigation Practice Group, representing clients in and out of the courtroom across Virginia. She advises publicly traded companies, business owners, government entities, and individuals in matters involving business torts, contract disputes, employment issues, and government liability.

Rachel earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the University of Richmond Law Review. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from American University.

Rachel has extensive trial and arbitration experience in both state and federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Her work spans all phases of litigation, from pretrial strategy and motion practice to witness examinations and closing arguments. Clients value her ability to combine persuasive advocacy with practical problem-solving.

In addition to litigation, Rachel regularly serves as outside general counsel to business clients. Her advisory work focuses on risk management, contractual planning, and dispute-avoidance strategies to reduce exposure and protect long-term interests. When litigation is unavoidable, she is known for decisively defending her clients’ rights.

Rachel’s professional excellence has been widely recognized, including honors from The Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch,” Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite and Forty Under 40. She remains actively involved in bar leadership, civic service, and legal education initiatives.

Rachel W. Adams is admitted to practice in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and multiple federal courts. She continues to deliver thoughtful counsel and skilled advocacy backed by deep litigation experience and a strong commitment to client service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, ThompsonMcMullan P.C.
• Chair-Elect, Richmond Bar Association, Administration of Justice Committee (2025-2026)
• Member, Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference
• Member, Virginia Bar Association, CLE Committee Chair, Young Lawyers, Division, Employment Section
• Member, Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys
• Member, Local Government Attorneys of Virginia
• Member, Federal Bar Association, Richmond Chapter
• Member, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., American Inn of Court
• Associate Trustee, Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (2019-2021)

Licensed State

• Virginia
• Columbia

Education

• University of Richmond School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD) Magna Cum Laude
• American University
  Bachelor of Arts

Awards & Badges