Celebrating 75 Years: Adams & Reese's Commitment to Growth and Culture

As law firms across the United States adapt to rapid changes in the legal landscape, Adams & Reese proudly marks its 75th anniversary, shining a light on the culture that has propelled its growth. Founded in 1951 in New Orleans, this firm has evolved from a local practice to a prominent Am Law 200 firm, boasting nearly 350 attorneys and advisors across 20 offices in the southern and western regions of the country.

In an era characterized by fierce competition for talent and shifting client demands, Adams & Reese attributes much of its success to a deeply embedded principle: culture matters. The managing partner of the firm, Gif Thornton, emphasizes the interconnectedness of culture and growth, stating, "People often talk about growth and culture as if they're competing priorities. We've always viewed them as interconnected. Our culture is one of the reasons we've grown without compromising our core values."

At the heart of Adams & Reese's operations is what the firm refers to as "The AR Way." This set of shared values encompasses integrity, teamwork, intelligence, a positive mindset, and a commitment to excellence. These principles guide the collaborative efforts of attorneys, foster leadership development, and enhance client service.

Unlike many firms that prioritize geographical expansion, Adams & Reese’s growth strategy focuses on cultivating practices that enable attorneys to form client teams based on expertise rather than location. This model not only strengthens inter-office relationships but also allows the firm to match clients with specialists in virtually any field, further enhancing service delivery.

In pursuing intentional growth, the firm remains attentive to both strategic acquisitions and individual talent additions, all the while promoting integrated practices across various sectors. This includes a recent expansion of its Global Intellectual Property practice, enabling the firm to assist clients from regions as diverse as Asia, Europe, Canada, and Latin America.

Mitch Boult, an Intellectual Property Partner and Growth Liaison for Adams & Reese, articulates the necessity of a practice-based structure in realizing effective client service: "We've always believed that organizing around practices rather than location is what allows us to deliver the best talent to our clients, regardless of where they sit. That practice-based approach has fueled our growth in a very deliberate way." He explains that the swift expansion of the firm's intellectual property capabilities is a direct result of cross-practice collaboration and a steadfast commitment to shared success.

While exceptional client service is a key focus, the importance of maintaining a vibrant culture is paramount for Adams & Reese. The firm actively invests in succession planning and leadership development, ensuring that attorneys have ample opportunities to build sustainable careers within its ranks. Leaders of the firm see these initiatives as fundamental to preserving their identity while simultaneously adapting to the constantly evolving legal market.

As technology and artificial intelligence reshape industry standards and client expectations, Adams & Reese recognizes that culture will play an increasingly vital role in its evolution. The firm's commitment to a people-centered approach is central to its adaptability, allowing attorneys to collaborate efficiently across disciplines while remaining agile in meeting client needs.

"Where do you want to be? It's a question we've been asking ourselves for 75 years," Thornton reflects. "The answer has always started with people, including our clients and the talent within our firm. If you invest in great people, create an environment where they can share success and stay focused on serving clients with excellence, growth follows."

As it embarks on this new chapter, Adams & Reese continues to uphold its original vision: to create a law firm where talented individuals collaborate across diverse offices, practices, and industries to generate lasting value for clients and communities alike. Visit Adams & Reese's official website to learn more about their extensive services and team.

About Adams & Reese LLP

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Adams & Reese LLP is a multidisciplinary law firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services across more than 50 practice areas. With a team of nearly 350 attorneys strategically positioned in major cities, the firm serves a wide range of clients, including multinational corporations and local businesses, by delivering innovative, results-driven legal solutions tailored to unique objectives.