 ADRIAN J. ADAMS
In the 1980s, a young Marine with expertise in radar, infrared, and reconnaissance systems in F-4 Phantom fighter jets and a degree in psychology began managing large-scale common interest developments while earning an MBA from UCLA. He had been managing large gated communities and luxury highrises and planned to move into large-scale resort management. Those plans took an unexpected turn when two law firms independently approached Adrian and asked him to enter the legal profession and specialize in common interest developments.
A law degree soon followed, as did a line of clients the day he was sworn into the practice of law. Adrian quickly built a large boutique law firm providing quality legal services to common interest developments throughout California.
He used his background in technology to create Davis-Stirling.com, which Adrian launched in January 2004. His website won awards and quickly became the leading resource in the industry with thousands of pages of content and millions of page views per year. That same year, he began publishing the ADAMS | STIRLING Newsletter. Adrian’s unique blend of humor and common-sense approach to the law made his newsletter the most popular and most-read CID newsletter in California.
HON. LARRY STIRLING
A born leader, Larry Stirling served in the Army where he quickly became an officer commanding a 550-man unit in Korea and was awarded the Combat Badge for infantry operations along the DMZ. He was then assigned to the 12th Special Forces (Green Berets), attended airborne school, and became an A-Team commander. From there, Mr. Stirling was assigned to the Pentagon before retiring from the Army.
Following active duty, Larry graduated from law school and was elected to the San Diego City Council. He then served four terms in the Assembly and one in the Senate. In the legislature, Larry authored over 200 pieces of legislation, including the landmark legislation known as the Davis-Stirling Act, which governs all common interest developments in California.
Larry was then elected to the State Senate. While in the Senate, he was appointed to the Bench by Governor Deukmejian, where he served for fourteen years. It was upon his retirement as a judge that Larry joined forces with Adrian Adams to form ADAMS | STIRLING PLC.
30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAVIS-STIRLING ACT
  On February 27, 2015, Adrian Adams and a team of industry professionals put on a black-tie event to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the passage of the Davis-Stirling Act.
The industry-wide celebration brought together the author of the Act, Larry Stirling, and the law professor who drafted the Act, Katharine Rosenberry, to honor their accomplishment.
Thanks to their efforts, a comprehensive body of law governing common interest developments was signed into law by Governor Deukmejian on September 18, 1985.
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
As the firm grew and opened offices throughout the state, it attracted talented attorneys who rose to become partners. As part of their practice, the firm’s partners assumed leadership positions both in California and on the national level. In addition to speaking and writing, they are active in training boards of directors and managers on how to reduce legal exposure for themselves and their associations.
 Foundation for Community Association Research
Adrian Adams became President of the Foundation for Community Association Research. The Foundation is led by a 16-member Board of Directors. The Board is made up of dedicated volunteers who give their time and expertise to making the Foundation a leader in community association research and development.
The Foundation publishes statistics, trends, and research on community, homeowner, and condominium associations. The Foundation also publishes data-driven reports, studies, and resources designed to help association leaders, managers, and residents build stronger, more harmonious, and financially sustainable communities. In addition, the Foundation supports education and research through a variety of scholarships, programs, and honors. Under Adrian's leadership, the Foundation conducted a study of deferred maintenance by associations and published a report warning boards of the need to build healthy reserves and properly maintain their common areas. Shortly after its publication, Champlain Towers, a 12-floor condominium building in Surfside, Florida, collapsed, due to deferred maintenance, killing 98 people.
 College of Community Association Lawyers
Shareholder Laurie Poole was elected President of the Board of Governors of the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). Fellows of the College distinguish themselves through contributions to the development of community association law. Their service is demonstrated by a commitment to educate and empower boards and residents of community associations across the country.
CCAL attorneys commit themselves to high standards of professional and ethical conduct and work to create a community of experienced legal professionals to advance community association law for the betterment of the communities they serve. Annually, CCAL hosts a law conference to keep HOA lawyers current on changes in the law and legal trends in the industry.
THE FIRM'S 25th ANNIVERSARY
In 2025, the Firm celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Firm's founding. With Larry Stirling and his wife Linda in attendance, the event was held in San Diego on the top floor of the Hilton Hotel overlooking the beautiful San Diego Bay.
Adrian spoke about the humble beginnings of the firm, how he and a secretary rented space in the office of another law firm in Century City, and wondered if anyone would call. The firm grew steadily, and they moved to their own space in another building. At that point, Adrian decided to create a website for the firm. To give clients easy access to information, he added the Davis-Stirling Act to the website and named it "Davis-Stirling.com." His decision filled a huge need. Overnight, traffic on the website skyrocketed and, with it, the firm. Before long, Adrian was opening offices around the state.
Laurie Poole spoke about the accomplishments of attorneys in the firm and, with the assistance of the Firm's Chief Operating Officer, Melina Drasich, and Adrian Adams, passed out awards and Bobble heads modeled after each attorney and staff member in the firm.
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