James C. Adams, II
Brooks Pierce
Recognized for
Commercial Litigation
The Elite Counsel Perspective
Jimmy’s distinguished standing in Greensboro commercial litigation reflects more than 30 years of trial and appellate experience, alongside his leadership of Brooks Pierce.
Jimmy’s distinguished standing in Greensboro commercial litigation reflects more than 30 years of trial and appellate experience, alongside his leadership of Brooks Pierce.
Overview
Jimmy Adams focuses on commercial litigation, representing large national enterprises, small local companies and individuals in disputes before federal and state courts and in arbitration. With more than 30 years of litigation experience, he handles corporate and commercial matters involving contracts, shareholders and closely held companies, real estate development, and post-employment disputes, including covenants not to compete. He has also represented parties in litigation over interest rate swaps involving large financial institutions.
Jimmy’s practice extends to state and federal tax disputes, ERISA matters, and estate litigation, including caveat proceedings. He handles accounting and other professional malpractice disputes, as well as health care matters involving Certificate of Need applications and litigation. His experience at both the trial and appellate levels informs an approach that begins with positioning clients to avoid litigation where possible and, when a dispute proceeds, focuses on their prospects in the litigation.
As managing partner of Brooks Pierce, Jimmy is responsible for the firm’s strategic leadership and overall management.
Education
- Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1991, magna cum laude; Order of the Coif; Articles Editor, Georgetown Law Review, 1990-91
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., 1988, with honors in economics and distinction, Phi Beta Kappa
Admissions
- North Carolina
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th and 8th Circuits
- U.S. District Court for the Western, Middle and Eastern Districts of North Carolina
Honors & Recognition
- Recognized in Business North Carolina's "Power List" (2025)
- Recognized in North Carolina Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) in Business Litigation (2009-2023, 2025-2026); recognized in Super Lawyers Business Edition for Business Litigation (2015)
- Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in Commercial Litigation (2011-2027), Labor & Employment Litigation and Securities Litigation (2008-2027); "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation: Securities (2015, 2017)
- Recognized as a "Litigation Star" by Benchmark Litigation for General Commercial (2015-2023)
- Recognized by his peers for inclusion in Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite" in Litigation Law (2023)
Professional Associations
- Member, Council of the Litigation Section, North Carolina Bar Association (2003-2005)
- Editor, "Litigator", Newsletter of the North Carolina Bar Association Litigation Section (2001-03)
- Member, Litigation Section, North Carolina Bar Association (1992-present)
- Member, Litigation and Intellectual Property Sections, American Bar Association (1992-present)
- Member, Citizen Lawyer Committee, North Carolina Bar Association (2013-2014)
- Chairman (2001-03, 2018-2020), and Member, Cornerstone Baptist Church (1997-present)
- Member, Antitrust and Complex Business Litigation, American Bar Association (2011-present)
- Member, Board of Directors, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (2011-2014); Member, Executive Committee (2012-2015); Chairman, Business Services Special Committee (2012-2015)
- Parliamentarian, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (2008-2022)