Brooks Pierce is pleased to announce the election of James (Jimmy) C. Adams II as its new managing partner beginning February 1, 2025. Reid L. Phillips, Brooks Pierce’s managing partner since 2016, will work closely with Adams to ensure a smooth transition. This announcement follows a careful period of succession planning building on the 127-year legacy of the firm’s service to North Carolina businesses and communities, as well as the strong trajectory that Phillips’ forward-looking leadership has provided the firm.
Adams has spent his entire career at Brooks Pierce, spanning more than 30 years. He is a past member and chair of its finance committee and he currently serves on the firm’s management committee. His practice focuses on representing large national enterprises, small local companies, and individuals in all aspects of disputes and litigation.
“As our dedicated partner and established leader within the firm, I am pleased that Jimmy is moving into this critical role. He is ready and the entire management committee, including myself, is confident he will continue to position the firm for growth and long-term success,” said Phillips. “The commitment he brings to our clients and colleagues will build upon our collegial culture that enables us to engage in important and innovative work for our clients.”
Phillips will continue to be an active partner at the firm, serving clients in complex business disputes, and providing insights based on his leadership experience within the firm and legal community.
Phillips led the firm through a number of strategic initiatives and structural changes, impacting recruiting and retention, technology and knowledge management, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Under his leadership, Brooks Pierce was the first law firm to receive the Family First NC certification recognizing employers who provide family-friendly workplace benefits. Phillips seamlessly guided the firm through the transition to a fully remote workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic and orchestrated a successful return to office.
Additionally, his commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion led to the:
- Appointment of the firm’s first director of diversity and inclusion
- Establishment of the Chief Justice Henry E. Frye – Brooks Pierce Diversity Summer Fellowship, which was created to increase opportunities for underrepresented minorities in the practice of the law in honor of the first African American appointed to the Supreme Court of North Carolina and former Brooks Pierce partner who broke numerous racial barriers during his long and storied career
- Recruitment of the most diverse summer associate class in the firm’s history this past summer
“It is my honor and privilege to be entrusted to serve as the next managing partner of Brooks Pierce. Thanks to our firm’s incredibly strong team of lawyers and business professionals, I’m grateful to also continue representing our clients as I take on responsibility for the strategic leadership of the firm,” said Adams. “I am grateful for Reid’s guidance, mentorship, and friendship for more than 30 years and appreciate the example he continues to set through his client service and advocacy. Reid has built a strong legacy for himself and the firm. We look forward to the opportunity to pick up on the great work he has done for the continued success of our firm and clients.”