Keri Curtis Axel is a trial and appellate lawyer with extensive experience in federal court. Known for her tenacity and strategic vision, as a federal prosecutor, Keri developed a reputation of successfully taking on the most challenging investigations and finding a way to charge or resolve them. Drawing on her experience in complex civil litigation and as an enforcement attorney at the Securities & Exchange Commission, Keri fearlessly tackled securities, investor, procurement, and immigration benefit fraud as well as federal tax fraud and evasion cases, working in parallel with federal and state criminal and civil agencies to charge and resolve cases.
In the private sector, Keri applies these talents to help clients navigate difficult legal challenges. Whether assisting clients in responding to government subpoenas, bringing a civil case, or defending criminal charges, Keri uses her experience and judgment to help clients resolve matters efficiently and effectively. Keri has always been curious to learn how businesses work, an interest that has motivated her throughout her career. In private practice, Keri uses this natural curiosity to know her clients, their businesses, and their priorities, which helps her provide more strategic and cost-effective legal advice.
In her twenty-year career, Keri has tackled challenging cases and found solutions for intractable problems. As sole or lead counsel, Keri has personally tried nine cases to verdict; she also litigated numerous appeals before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Keri is committed to serving the community and devotes substantial time to pro bono work. She volunteers regularly with Public Counsel and has taken on pro bono cases from family law to immigration to consumer fraud.
Outside of the office, Keri sings in a local community chorale, and enjoys following the various pursuits of her three active school-aged children. She has also served on the Pasadena Historic Preservation Commission, and as a trustee on two community boards.
