Jesse R. Jay Adams

Litigation and Controversy - Tax

5.0 (1 reviews)

New Orleans, Louisiana

38+ years experience

Jones Walker LLP

Updated: Jan 02, 2026

Contact Information

504-582-8000

https://www.joneswalker.com/professionals/jesse-r-adams-iii.html

201 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70170-5100

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Bio

Jay Adams is a partner in the Tax Practice Group and leader of the state and local tax team. Through partnering with his clients, Jay has developed a broad knowledge of the energy, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and retail industries that allows him to provide comprehensive and cost-effective advice in those areas. For more than 25 years, Jay has represented clients in matters involving virtually every type of state and local tax and in numerous jurisdictions. He has successfully represented clients in landmark Louisiana tax cases before the Louisiana Supreme Court and courts of appeal, including the high-profile matters International Paper Company v. Bridges and Tin, Inc v. Washington Parish. In those cases, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued rulings that have resulted in tax savings and refund opportunities in the tens of millions of dollars for businesses operating in the state. Jay speaks frequently to a variety of professional organizations, including the Institute for Professionals in Taxation, the Council on State Taxation, and the Tax Executives Institute. He is also a founder and editor of Cooking with SALT, a legal blog committed to providing timely insights on recent legal and practical developments concerning clients in many state and local taxing jurisdictions on matters involving income, franchise, net worth, gross receipts, sales/use, business and occupational license, severance, ad valorem property, and other miscellaneous taxes.

Practice Areas

Litigation and Controversy - Tax

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Litigation and Controversy - Tax, New Orleans (2023)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation and Controversy - Tax, New Orleans (2020)
Lawyer of the Year: Tax Law, New Orleans (2020)
Recognized: Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Recognized: Tax Law

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013

Education

University of Mississippi, B.A., graduated 1987
Tulane University, J.D., graduated 1990

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Reviews

Raymond Hill

2 weeks ago

An exceptional tax litigator with deep Louisiana expertise

Our company faced a complex, multi-million dollar dispute with the Louisiana Department of Revenue regarding tax credits for our manufacturing operations. The situation was highly technical and the stakes were immense. We engaged Jay Adams based on his formidable reputation in state and local tax matters. From our first meeting, his 38 years of experience, particularly his deep knowledge of Louisiana's unique tax landscape, was evident. He didn't just react; he partnered with us to understand our business fully, explaining intricate tax litigation strategies with remarkable clarity. His leadership of Jones Walker's state and local tax team proved invaluable. The recent recognition as 'Lawyer of the Year' in Tax Litigation was clearly well-deserved. Jay's strategic counsel and negotiation skills resulted in a settlement far more favorable than we anticipated, preserving our capital and operational stability. He is the definitive expert for any serious tax controversy in New Orleans.