Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Adeyemi Adenrele Returns to Barnes & Thornburg

“We are thrilled to welcome Adey back to Barnes & Thornburg,” said Litigation Department Chair Randy Brown. “We proudly nurtured his talent and growth as an associate with the firm at the start of his career and remained among his biggest cheerleaders as he continued to develop as a federal prosecutor and public servant. Now, with his additional government experience, his capabilities and skills will only further strengthen our litigation practice.” 

During his career as a federal prosecutor, Adenrele worked closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agents and officers to investigate and prosecute several major cases. Whether serving as first chair or as part of a team, Adenrele helped convict a prominent appellate attorney for tax evasion and mortgage fraud; two biotech CEOs in a securities fraud scheme; one of Maryland’s most successful high school football coaches for overtime fraud and tax evasion; and a Prince George’s County (Maryland) police chief for insurance fraud.  

Adenrele prosecuted a number of these cases up to and through trial in the District of Maryland, including legal arguments before the court, closing arguments before juries, and examining expert, fact, victim, and law enforcement witnesses. He also represented the United States on appeal, including a successful oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

After beginning his career at Barnes & Thornburg as a summer associate and then law clerk, Adenrele received his J.D. from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and served as an associate for seven years. During that time, Adenrele represented clients in investigations by several government agencies primarily related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the False Claims Act, and fraud, bribery and antitrust matters. 

“I am excited to be back at Barnes & Thornburg, where it all began for me,” said Adenrele. “I gained valuable experience working with so many smart and talented colleagues here. Now I’m looking forward to rejoining the firm and applying my government experience to help our clients navigate their biggest challenges.” 

Adenrele joins a wave of recent hires in the firm’s WCCI practice following the arrival of partners Jeffrey Lehtman in February and Margot Laporte in November 2025, both in Washington, D.C. In July, the firm added three former assistant U.S. attorneys including partners Jeff Ansley and Andrew Robbins in Dallas and partner David Last in Washington, D.C., who served as the former chief of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Unit at the Department of Justice (DOJ). The firm’s WCCI practice now includes five former U.S. attorneys and 19 former assistant U.S. attorneys.  

“Our nationally recognized white collar practice has become even more formidable with the return of Adey,” said Roscoe C. Howard Jr., managing partner of the Washington, D.C., office. “His experience navigating complex investigations and cases in the government and the private sector, and his proven track record in the courtroom, will provide immediate value to our clients.” 

About Barnes & Thornburg 

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