Paul Adams is a seasoned in-house legal executive with deep expertise in the retail industry and a career spanning both legal and human resources leadership. He currently serves as General Counsel at World Market, where he oversees the full spectrum of legal affairs and acts as a strategic advisor to the executive team. Prior to joining World Market, he spent nearly two decades at Gap Inc., ultimately serving as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. In that role, he led multiple legal functions including employment, labor, corporate governance, commercial contracts, litigation, compliance, real estate, privacy, and intellectual property — partnering closely with business leaders across Gap Inc.’s portfolio of brands.

Paul began his career in Human Resources at Macy’s in New York, a foundation that has shaped his people-centered approach to legal leadership. After earning his law degree, he practiced labor and employment law as an associate at Sheppard Mullin. He then transitioned in-house to Mervyn’s, where he led employment and litigation matters before being promoted to oversee several HR functions — further blending his legal and operational expertise.

Paul received his JD from George Washington University and is BA in history from Dickinson College.