At Adams and Reese, we take things personally. Our people are connected — to each other, to our clients, our families and our communities. We care deeply about the people around us.
As lawyers, it’s our business to know and understand our clients, their businesses, their current needs and their future plans. As neighbors, our commitment to volunteerism has become a deep-rooted characteristic of our firm's personality.
The keys to success in the practice of law are relationships and shared experiences.
Leadership Strategies for Industry Leaders
Our clients are the front-runners in their industries, and we’re right there with them, providing the advice and representation they need to stay on top. Our industry-focused practice groups of attorneys and advisors are strategically organized across offices throughout the southern U.S. and Washington, DC.
Clients acknowledge that our team approach creates the best results for them.
Client Service That Stands Out
We couldn’t be prouder of the many national and regional awards we have received as a firm for our service to clients – and we’re even more gratified by the countless recognitions awarded to individual attorneys by their peers and clients. But the many long-term relationships we have built with our clients is our greatest honor, and it’s ultimately how we measure our success.
Adams and Reese is proud to be named to AdvanceLaw’s preferred panel of law firms. AdvanceLaw is a group of more than 200 chief legal officers of large multinationals, whose mission is to improve the legal market and profession. This is accomplished in part through the sharing of in-house client feedback.
AdvanceLaw firms are selected on the basis of quality, client service, efficiency and innovation, as well as profession-friendly practices, including strengths in diversity and pro bono service. You may learn more about AdvanceLaw here.
Giving Back is Serious Business Here
HUGS (Hope, Understanding, Giving, and Support) is our grassroots philanthropy program, embraced by everyone at Adams and Reese. Founded in 1988, the volunteer programs supported by HUGS are proposed and initiated by our employees and funded by the firm. Over the years, we have devoted hundreds of thousands of dollars and volunteer hours to help people in need within our communities.
We believe it’s important to ensure access to quality legal services in the communities where we live and work. Our pro bono program allows every lawyer in the firm to provide pro bono work for clients and nonprofit organizations who cannot afford to pay for an attorney.
Leadership
Our leadership team is experienced, hard-working, hands-on and lean. Collaboration is our watchword up and down our law firm – we invite input and ideas to help us grow stronger and help us serve our clients better.
Recognitions
Adams and Reese is often recognized for our performance, reputation, contributions and experience. Our greatest thrill and achievements are those that come from our deep commitment to extraordinary client service.
Diversity
Our diversity initiative is not a program we measure in numbers alone; it’s an investment in our people and it’s designed to help diverse individuals truly succeed at Adams and Reese.
Community / Pro Bono
At Adams and Reese, our commitment to serving others helps define our culture, as we continually look for opportunities to give back to the communities in which we work and live.
Recognizing that the growth of our firm is intrinsically linked to the health, prosperity and quality of life of the people who live in our own cities and towns, we strongly encourage our people to participate in a wide range of worthwhile and rewarding volunteer efforts. And, our attorneys and staff respond by consistently demonstrating their dedication to volunteerism.
More than any other thing, our commitment to serving others defines who we are as a firm.
In addition, we appreciate that so many of our clients hold these same values, just as they say they appreciate ours. Often our paths cross in the community as we conduct our outreach service efforts to those in need, which enhances our relationships with clients, creates a ripple effect of goodwill and fosters mutual respect. Most importantly, it’s also the right thing to do.
Organizations want to know that their law firms have their same values and emphasis on making their communities better places to live and work, and Adams and Reese certainly shares those ideals.
Founded in 1988 by partner and Pro Bono Paladin Mark Surprenant, the firm’s Hope, Understanding, Giving and Support (HUGS) Program represents the embodiment of the firm’s emphasis on giving back. Through HUGS, attorneys and employees across the firm donate their time to more than 100 charitable organizations in various philanthropic projects. Thirty years after the founding of HUGS, our attorneys and employees and their community spirit keep this program alive and thriving. Caring Adams and Reese Employees (CA&RE) allows every lawyer to provide pro bono work for clients and nonprofit organizations who cannot afford to pay for an attorney.
Because our firm has been the recipient of much good fortune, we enthusiastically embrace our obligation to give back and make substantial donations of not just our money, but also our time. HUGS allows our attorneys, advisors and employees to contribute hands-on work to meaningful projects and events that forge and build on connections and friendships. We involve families and friends in the hands-on projects throughout the entire year — not just during the holidays. Some volunteer service becomes an annual tradition that people fondly look forward to throughout the year, such as the basketball tournament we organize and sponsor for students at a special-needs school.
Some of the organizations and philanthropies touched by our HUGS corporate volunteer program throughout the Southeast include: Episcopal Place in Birmingham, Lawyers 4 Vets through the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center, South Carolina Bar Young Lawyer’s Division Voices Against Violence, Boys Hope Girls Hope, Big Buddy Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters, March of Dimes, Susan G. Komen Foundation, National Conference for Community and Justice, United Way, Charter Schools, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Junior Achievement, My Sister’s Closet, YMCA, YWCA, Camp for All, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Special Olympics, Star of Hope, Adopt a Family, Gateway Rescue Mission, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Operation Shoestring, Stewpot Ministries, Wingard Home, Happy Hearts, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Child Advocacy Center, St. Mary’s Children’s Home, Community Foundation, Hands on Nashville, Second Harvest Food Bank, Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Bureau, Children’s Hospital, Disabled Adults with Needs, Domestic Violence Donate a Phone Project; Dress for Success, Odyssey House, St. Andrew’s Village, St. Michael’s Special School, STARC of Louisiana, SOLACE, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota, and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Operation Partnership Program for Military Veterans.
Recognitions
- Community Award - Thomy Lafon Award, Odyssey House, 2019
- Community Award - Corporate Citizen Finalist,
Birmingham Business Journal Nonprofit Awards 2016 -
Community Award - Business of the Year (Sarasota),
Goodwill Manasota 2016 -
Community Award - Among the 50 Most Generous Workplaces in Sarasota, Sarasota Herald-Tribune 2014
-
Community Award - Corporate Philanthropy Award,
Tampa Bay Business Journal 2013, 2012 -
Community Award - Good Samaritan Award,
STARC 2012 -
Community Award - United Way Community Partnership Award,
United Way of Sarasota 2012 -
Blue Ribbon of Recognition at "Soup's On" Hunger Awareness Luncheon,
St. Petersburg Free Clinic 2012 -
Community Award - Corporate Philanthropy Award,
Nashville Business Journal 2010 -
Community Award - Cumberland Gold Volunteer Award,
United Way Nashville 2008 -
Urban Forest Recognition - Replenishment of trees along Gulf Coast,
Mississippi Urban Forest Council 2009 -
Business Partner of the Year,
Goodwill Industries of Greater New Orleans 2007 -
Cumberland Volunteer Award and Gold Award,
United Way Nashville 2008 -
Chamber Member of the Year,
Jefferson Parish Chamber of Commerce 2007 -
Community Award - Innovator of the Year Adams and Reese Partnership with Louisiana Appleseed and ConocoPhillips, New Orleans CityBusiness 2007
-
Education Partner of the Year,
WDSU-TV 6 and UNO Business Alliance 2003 -
Corporate Volunteer Effort Award,
WDSU-TV 6 and UNO Business Alliance 2003 -
Excellence in Corporate Community Service, Points of Light Foundation,
Washington DC 1993 -
Corporate Philanthropist of the Year,
Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater New Orleans Chapter 2006 -
Distinguished Partner of the Year Award, Louisiana Department of Education,
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education 1995 -
Top 200 Pro Bono Firms in the Nation, American Lawyer Since 2012
-
Pro Bono Publico Award - Baton Rouge, Louisiana State Bar Association 2012
-
Pro Bono Publico Award - New Orleans, Louisiana State Bar Association 2012
-
Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year, New Orleans Pro Bono Project 2011
-
Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year, Are You Safe 2011
-
Friend of Pro Bono Award, Louisiana State Bar Association 2008, 2011
-
Outstanding Contribution to Volunteer Lawyer Project, Houston Bar Association 2011
-
Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, Mississippi Bar Association 2010
-
Alabama State Bar Recognition, Committee on Volunteer Lawyers Program 2010
-
Alabama State Bar Pro Bono Award, Alabama State Bar Association 2010
-
Volunteer for Justice. Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands,
Nashville Pro Bono Program 2010 -
Mandatory Pro Bono Policy Recognition, Tennessee Bar Association 2009
-
Big Mover in Pro Bono - American Lawyer Pro Bono Report, American Lawyer 2009, 2008
-
The Pro Bono Project Benefactor / Justice for All Ball, The Pro Bono Project 2009
-
Outstanding Contribution Award Pro Bono Work Mid-Size Firm, Houston Bar Foundation 2010
-
Memphis Area Legal Services Pro Bono Award 2008
-
Equal Access Star, Houston Bar Association 2007
-
Pro Bono Firm of the Year, New Orleans Pro Bono Project 2001
-
Pro Bono Publico Award, Louisiana State Bar Association 2001
-
Pro Bono Firm of the Year, Mississippi Pro Bono Project 2001
Diversity
Leadership
Sending an email to Adams and Reese LLP does not create an attorney-client relationship. We do not accept client representations by email. We do not treat unsolicited information received by email from our website as confidential. If you are contacting us about a possible representation, we cannot represent you until we know that we would not have a conflict of interest. Please do not send us any information about a potential representation until you communicate with one of our lawyers by telephone or in person about representation.
Recognitions
Adams and Reese is consistently recognized in the legal industry for professional excellence, as well as for our dedication to serving our communities. Our distinctions are a direct result of our clients, attorneys, advisors and staff.
Firm
Ranked Among Top Law Firms Nationwide
- Am Law 200 - Nationally ranked among highest grossing law firms,
American Lawyer Magazine, 2004-2024 - NLJ 500 - Nationally ranked among the top 200 of the nation's largest law firms,
National Law Journal, 2003-2024 - Law360 - Top 400 Law Firms, 2014-2024
- Best Lawyers in America® (BL Rankings LLC) Since 1983 - Over 160 Attorneys Annually Ranked "Leaders in their Field, Best Lawyers®, 2008-2024
- Best Law Firms in America® - Over 175 Practice Areas Ranked Nationally and by City, U.S. News - Best Law Firms Ranking - U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® (BL Rankings LLC) 2008-2024
- Benchmark Litigation - Listed Among Highly Recommended Firms,
Louisiana Litigation, 2013-2024 - Chambers USA® - 34
Top Ranked Attorneys, Leaders in their Field, 2006-2024 - Chambers USA® - 19 Top Tier Ranked Practice Areas - 2006-2024
- Super Lawyers® (by Thomas Reuters) - Over 100 Attorneys listed Mid South states, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Louisiana and South Carolina, 2010-2024
- Client Service
A Team - Outstanding Client Service, BTI Consulting Group, 2006-2024 - Recommended Law Firms - BTI Consulting Group, 2021
- BTI Brand Elite:
Best Branded Law Firms, Top Innovative National Law Firms - Client Perceptions of the Top Innovative National Law Firms, BTI Consulting Group, 2014-2019 - BTI Legal Innovation & Technology Outlook, BTI Consulting Group, 2019
- Power Rankings: Law Firms with the Best Client Relationships,
BTI Consulting Group, 2016, 2017 - Top 100 Law Firms in Mergers and Acquisitions - Guide to Corporate Transactions,
BTI Consulting Group, 2007 - Market Movers - One of 22 law firms named nationally for shaping the legal markets, Client Relationship Scorecard - Power Rankings, BTI Consulting Group, 2007-2008
- Go-To Law Firms for the Top 500 Fortune Corporations,
American Lawyer Corporate Counsel, 2013 - 2016 - Go-To Law Firm for Leading Financial Services, American Lawyer, 2007 - 2009
- 5,000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies, INC Magazine, 2010-2011
- Mid-Size Hot List - Nationally ranked Top 20 law firms, National Law Journal, 2009
Partnering with Businesses on Economic Development
- The South's Best Economic Development Law Firms - 2013, 2018, 2023
Southern Business and Development - Best Economic Development Law Firms in Louisiana - 2015
Southern Business and Development - Economic Development Partner of the Year
St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation - Project Finance Firm of the Year - USA, Finance Monthly
- Banking and Finance Firm of the Year - USA, Finance Monthly
Practice Areas Recognized
- Top 50 Construction Law Firms, Construction Executive, 2019-2024
- IP STARS - Highly Recommended Globally in Intellectual Property,
Managing Intellectual Property, 2013-2024 - Intellectual Property, Top Trademark Law Firms, Legal 500, 2024
- Top Patent Firms, IP Today, Since 2009
- South's Top Government Affairs Firms and Lobbyists - No. 1 in Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee; No. 2 in Mississippi; No. 5 in South Carolina, Southern Political Report Magazine, 2015
- Top 10 Lobbying/Law Firms - Bloomberg Government, 2018
- Top Entertainment Firm List Ranked #3 in Nashville, Nashville Business Journal, 2009-2015
- Top 15 Percent Nationally in Litigation, Intellectual Property, Complex Commercial and Complex Employment, BTI Litigation Outlook, 2015-2017
- Securities Law Firm of the Year, Louisiana, Acquisition International's M&A Awards, 2014
- Largest Healthcare Law Firms, Modern Healthcare, 2013-2014
- Tennessee Firm of the Year Honors: IP Law Firm of the Year; Litigation Law Firm of the Year; Media Law Firm of the Year; Florida: Corporate Law Firm of the Year; and Louisiana: Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year in Louisiana, Corporate INTL Magazine, 2013
- Trademark Practice - Nationally ranked among Top 150 in the United States,
IP Today, 2008-2013 - Go-To Law Firm in Intellectual Property, American Lawyer, 2011-2012
- Go-To Law Firm in Litigation, American Lawyer, 2007-2011
Honored for Employee Culture, Health, and Wellness
- Best Companies to Work For: Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report, 2024
- Best Places to Work in New Orleans, New Orleans CityBusiness, 2004-2023
- Top Workplaces in New Orleans, First Place, Appreciation of Employees,
nola.com / The Times-Picayune, 2015, 2016 - Best Places to Work in Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Business Report, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2023
- Best Places to Work in Mississippi, Mississippi Business Journal, 2006-2016; First Place, 2013-2014
- Best Places to Work in Nashville, Nashville Business Journal, 2007-2011
- Best Places to Work in Memphis, Memphis Business Journal, 2008, 2016
- Best Places to Work in Birmingham, Birmingham Business Journal, 2006, 2011
- Healthiest Employers, Birmingham Business Journal, 2010 - 2015
- Healthiest Employers in Middle Tennessee, Nashville Business Journal, 2013
- Healthiest Employers, Tampa Bay Business Journal, 2012
- Mid-South's Healthiest Employers, Memphis Business Journal 2010-2013; First Place, 2011
Diversity
- Outstanding Diversity Champion, Houston Business Journal, 2024
- Southeast's Top Law Firm Diversity Initiative Award, ALM/Law.com, 2023
- Mansfield Certification, Diversity Lab, 2021-2022, 2022-2023
- MCCA Approved Silver Seal, 2023
- Diversity Scorecard - Top Law Firms in Diversity, American Lawyer, 2008-2023
- Top 200 Law Firms in Diversity, Minority Law Journal, 2008-2023
- Human Rights Award, Louisiana State Bar Association, 2014
- Law Firm Diversity Award, National Bar Association Corporate Law Section, 2013
- Unity Award in Large Company Category, Biz941 Magazine, 2012
- Corporate Counsel Women of Color Diversity Award of Excellence,
Corporate Counsel Women of Color, 2011 - Top 200 Law Firms for Women Equity Partners, American Lawyer, 2012
- Commitment to Diversity Award, Human Resources Management Association, 2011
- Commendation of Diversity Principles, Louisiana State Bar Association, 2010
- Women in Law Firms - Nationally ranked among nation's best law firms for women, American Lawyer, 2009
- Encouraging Diversity Award, Finalist, Minority Business Awards,
Birmingham Business Journal, 2009, 2007 - Encouraging Diversity Award, First Place, Minority Business Awards,
Birmingham Business Journal, 2008 - Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity, MultiCultural Law Magazine, 2008
- Diversity Recognition - Top 100 Law Firms for Women, Women 3.0 Magazine, 2008
- Lighthouse Award - Fostering diversity in the legal profession,
International Paper Legal Department, 2006
Community
-
Community Award - Thomy Lafon Award, Odyssey House, 2019
-
Community Award - Corporate Citizen Finalist,
Birmingham Business Journal Nonprofit Awards, 2016 -
Community Award - Business of the Year (Sarasota),
Goodwill Manasota, 2016 -
Community Award - Among the 50 Most Generous Workplaces in Sarasota, Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 2014
-
Community Award - Corporate Philanthropy Award,
Tampa Bay Business Journal, 2012, 2013 -
Community Award - Good Samaritan Award, STARC 2012
-
Community Award - United Way Community Partnership Award,
United Way of Sarasota, 2012 -
Blue Ribbon of Recognition at "Soup's On" Hunger Awareness Luncheon,
St. Petersburg Free Clinic, 2012 -
Community Award - Corporate Philanthropy Award,
Nashville Business Journal, 2010 -
Community Award - Cumberland Gold Volunteer Award,
United Way Nashville, 2008 -
Urban Forest Recognition - Replenishment of trees along Gulf Coast,
Mississippi Urban Forest Council, 2009 -
Business Partner of the Year, Goodwill Industries of Greater New Orleans, 2007
-
Chamber Member of the Year, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, 2007
-
Cumberland Volunteer Award and Gold Award, United Way Nashville, 2008
-
Chamber Member of the Year, Jefferson Parish Chamber of Commerce, 2007
-
Community Award - Innovator of the Year, Adams and Reese Partnership with Louisiana Appleseed and ConocoPhillip, New Orleans CityBusiness, 2007
-
Education Partner of the Year, WDSU-TV 6 and UNO Business Alliance, 2003
-
Corporate Volunteer Effort Award, WDSU-TV 6 and UNO Business Alliance, 2003
-
Excellence in Corporate Community Service,
Points of Light Foundation, Washington DC, 1993 -
Corporate Philanthropist of the Year,
Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater New Orleans Chapter, 2006 -
Distinguished Partner of the Year Award, Louisiana Department of Education,
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, 1995
Pro Bono
-
Top 200 Pro Bono Firms in the Nation, American Lawyer, Since 2012
-
Pro Bono Publico Award - Baton Rouge, Louisiana State Bar Association, 2012
-
Pro Bono Publico Award - New Orleans, Louisiana State Bar Association, 2012
-
Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year, New Orleans Pro Bono Project, 2011
-
Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year, Are You Safe, 2011
-
Friend of Pro Bono Award, Louisiana State Bar Association, 2008, 2011
-
Outstanding Contribution to Volunteer Lawyer Project, Houston Bar Association, 2011
-
Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, Mississippi Bar Association, 2010
-
Alabama State Bar Recognition, Committee on Volunteer Lawyers Program, 2010
-
Alabama State Bar Pro Bono Award, Alabama State Bar Association, 2010
-
Volunteer for Justice. Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands,
Nashville Pro Bono Program, 2010 -
Mandatory Pro Bono Policy Recognition, Tennessee Bar Association, 2009
-
Big Mover in Pro Bono - American Lawyer Pro Bono Report, American Lawyer, 2009, 2008
-
The Pro Bono Project Benefactor / Justice for All Ball, The Pro Bono Project, 2009
-
Outstanding Contribution Award Pro Bono Work Mid-SizeFirm, Houston Bar Foundation, 2010
-
Memphis Area Legal Services Pro Bono Award, 2008
-
Equal Access Star, Houston Bar Association, 2007
-
Pro Bono Firm of the Year, New Orleans Pro Bono Project, 2001
-
Pro Bono Publico Award, Louisiana State Bar Association, 2001
-
Pro Bono Firm of the Year, Mississippi Pro Bono Project, 2001
Marketing
- Legal Marketing Association Southwest Region Your Honor Award - Marketing and Public Relations, Increasing Firm Visibility Through Thought Leadership Articles by Attorneys, 2023
- Webby Honoree, 23rd Annual Webby Awards, International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), 2019
- W3 Silver Award, International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), 2018
-
First Place Events, Houston Astrodome Event,
Southeastern Legal Marketing Association, 2015 -
First Place Community Relations; Honorable Mentions in Events and Practice Development,
Legal Marketing Association Southeastern Chapter, "Your Honor" Awards, 2014 -
Runner-Up, Community Relations - HUGS 25th Birthday,
Legal Marketing Association Southeastern Chapter, 2013 -
Top 50 MLF 50: Top Law Firms in Marketing and Communications,
American Lawyer Law Journal Newsletters, 2007 - 2011 -
First Place, Community Relations Marketing Project,
Legal Marketing Association, 2008 -
First Place, Public / Media Relations - "Partnering for Pro Bono - Update"
Southeastern Legal Marketing Association, 2008 -
First Place, Direct Mail - "Houston Rodeo Invitation"
Southeastern Legal Marketing Association, 2008 -
First Place, Promotional - "Retreat Swag"
Southeastern Legal Marketing Association, 2008 -
Second Place, Client Development - "New Orleans/Baton Rouge Cross Marketing"
Southeastern Legal Marketing Association, 2008 -
First Place, Promotional - "Diversity Awareness Campaign"
Southeastern Legal Marketing Association, 2007
For over 70 years, Adams and Reese has developed leaders in the legal field who have made their mark on law, business, and government, as well as in our communities. Our connection with former colleagues remains strong through the Adams and Reese Alumni Network.
As our attorneys and advisors move on to the next steps in their careers, we remain supportive of their personal and professional development no matter what’s next, including retirement.
The Adams and Reese Alumni Network allows us all to foster the spirit of connection that united us as colleagues, sharing news, updates on what’s happening around the firm, and invitations to special events throughout our regional footprint.
We invite former Adams and Reese attorneys and advisors to stay in touch through this new program as part of our celebration of over 70 years of service and excellence.
Please send us your updated contact information, and share your successes and your story.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Paige Sensenbrenner
E. Paige Sensenbrenner
Adams and Reese Alumni Network Chair
paige.sensenbrenner@arlaw.com
504.585.0420