Adam M. Elewa

Associate

Adam M. Elewa has defended numerous individuals accused of committing various crimes in federal and state courts, including in cutting-edge technology related matters. Mr. Elewa has a background in computer science and computer networking and has successfully applied his expertise in this area to defend people accused of computer-based crimes, civil violations of computer trespass laws, and those whose cases involve digital forensics or high-tech government surveillance. He has defended journalists, information technology professionals, pilots, and individuals accused of being associated with Anonymous (the “hacktivist” collective). Mr. Elewa also served as a public defender to countless indigent New Yorkers accused of crimes in his role as a trial attorney with The Legal Aid Society, the oldest and largest provider of legal aid in the United States.

Prior to joining Whipple Azzarello, LLC, Mr. Elewa held a year-long fellowship with a boutique cyber security law firm that was part of a team representing Apple Inc. in their dispute with the Department of Justice over iPhone encryption. Mr. Elewa was also an associate at two New York firms, one a nationally recognized computer law, intellectual property, and criminal defense practice, and the other, a firm focusing on sex crimes, complex federal crimes, and serious civil rights abuses. Mr. Elewa also worked in-house at a major financial technology company, Venmo, Inc., on issues related to money-laundering, terrorist financing, crypto currencies such as Bitcoin, and financial crimes.

Mr. Elewa is an adjunct professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology, where he teaches engineers and computer scientists about the U.S. Constitution and the criminal justice system, including legal developments related to computer crime, government surveillance, and digital searches. Mr. Elewa has also consulted with criminal defense attorneys on technical or legal matters related to digital forensics, computer crime, and digital searches.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

Represented an airline pilot in an appeal to the New York Appellate Division that garnered amicus support from both the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)’s Project on Speech, Privacy, and Technology and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). The appeal challenged the government’s ability to search electronic devices at the U.S. border without suspicion and their ability to compel a person to unlock their digital devices.
Challenged the government’s use of malware (a/k/a Network Investigative Technique) in connection with a nationwide sting operation targeting a “darknet” website accessible only via “Tor.”
Drafted a successful appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversing the conviction of a purported leader of an international drug trafficking conspiracy due to the government’s failure to timely disclose a digital forensic report related to a cooperating witness’s cellphone.
Represented a journalist indicted under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) for his alleged role in defacing the Los Angeles Times website.
Successfully opposed extradition of an alleged computer hacker from the United Kingdom to the United States to face charges for intrusions into various government computers operated by the Federal Reserve, the FBI, and the Department of Defense.
Represented an information technology professional indicted under the CFAA for his alleged role in damaging his employer’s computer network.
Secured numerous acquittals, dismissals, and favorable outcomes on behalf of clients charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New York Courts.

Education

J.D., Fordham University School of Law

B.A., Stevens Institute of Technology

Bar Admissions

New Jersey and New York

Court Admissions

District of New Jersey, Southern and Eastern District of New York and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

What Sets Us Apart?

We handle each client's matter as if it were our own

Focused Exclusively on Criminal Law & Complex Civil Disputes
Personal Care & Attention to Our Client’s Legal Needs
Direct Access to Attorneys From Start to Finish
Extensive Knowledge About Both Sides of The Law

Whipple Azzarello is a firm where every client is treated like a family member and no stone is left unturned.

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