Adlow was born in the West End of Boston, Massachusetts to Jewish immigrant parents.

Two years later, he was graduated from Harvard Law School, and after passing his bar exam, he served in the Navy until the end of World War I.

[G][2] A Republican, Adlow was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 16th Suffolk District from 1921 through 1926, in addition to his private law practice.

[G][2] Adlow's judicial career began in October 1928 when he was appointed Special Justice of the Municipal Court by Governor Alvan T.

[3] His position with the court was made permanent one year later when Governor Frank G. Allen named him associate justice.