About Adam Michael
Adam Michael Carlson graduated from Middlebury College with a B.A. in 2004 and earned his J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2008. He entered law school after a liberal arts education that emphasized writing and analysis. His academic record positioned him for courtroom work and public service.
He began his legal career at the Alameda County Public Defender's Office. There he worked as a trial attorney representing clients in criminal matters. The role exposed him to high-volume dockets, evidentiary hearings and jury trials. It also offered regular contact with judges, prosecutors and investigators.
After several years in public defense, Carlson moved into private practice. He became a managing partner at Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook. In that role he took on both casework and firm management responsibilities. He oversaw litigation strategies, mentored junior attorneys and handled client relations while maintaining an active caseload.
Carlson is active in several professional organizations. He belongs to the Consumer Lawyers of California, the Earl Warren Inn of Court, the Contra Costa County Bar Association and the Alameda Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association. Those memberships reflect continued engagement in trial practice, continuing legal education and bar-related activities. He has participated in local bar events and programs intended to improve courtroom technique and professional standards.
His background spans public defense and private trial practice. That combination has informed how he approaches evidence, witness preparation and courtroom procedure. Colleagues describe him as steady under pressure and attentive to case details. He has handled matters that required contested hearings and negotiated resolutions outside of trial.
Carlson now practices from his role at Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, where he manages firm matters and maintains an active litigation practice. He focuses his work on courtroom advocacy and civil matters that draw on his public defender experience and trial practice skills.
