(Memphis, Tennessee/October 11, 2012) Ben C. Adams, chairman and chief executive officer of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, has been named one of the ten Most Innovative Managing Partners in the country by Law360, a national newswire for business lawyers.
Mr. Adams is one of a very select group of law firm managing partners from across the nation who were recognized by Law360 because they "took risks that paid off and adopted innovative approaches to law firm management during challenging economic times." Law360 recognized Mr. Adams for his frequent and varied methods of communication with Baker Donelson employees to ensure a culture of transparency, noting that his approach to managing Baker Donelson "all starts with listening, giving straight answers and simply treating employees with respect."
In an article profiling Mr. Adams, Law360 highlighted as examples the "Ask Ben" video series, in which he responds to questions from Baker Donelson employees about topics such as the Firm's financial standing and plans for growth, and the "Daily Docket," during which attorneys and staff across the Firm meet in small groups each day for a brief discussion that focuses on one of the firm's 12 client service standards. Other examples include an internal blog through which Mr. Adams regularly shares firm news, frequent visits to Baker Donelson's 18 offices during which he meets informally with attorneys and staff, and personal phone calls to congratulate employees who have reached milestone anniversaries with the Firm.
"Ben's leadership style inspires confidence and loyalty across the Firm and ensures that people are truly happy to be a part of Baker Donelson," said Baker Donelson President and Chief Operating Officer Jerry Stauffer. "That culture is a big part of our success, and it is a tremendous credit to Ben as a leader that we have maintained that culture through periods of real change, including significant growth and an economic downturn that drastically impacted the legal industry."
Mr. Adams has served as chairman and CEO of Baker Donelson since 2003. In that time he has led the law firm's growth from fewer than 300 attorneys and advisors in 10 offices to its current total of more than 630 attorneys and advisors in 18 locations across seven states and Washington, D.C. Growth within the last year has included Baker Donelson's entry into two new states with the addition of locations in Orlando, Florida, and Houston, Texas.
Under the leadership of Mr. Adams, Baker Donelson has received numerous recognitions as an exceptional workplace, including three consecutive rankings (2010, 2011 and 2012) among FORTUNE's prestigious "100 Best Companies to Work For" and a fourth place overall ranking in the 2013 edition of Vault, Inc.'s "Best Law Firms to Work For." The Firm regularly earns similar recognitions across its geographic footprint, being included in lists of the top companies to work for in Birmingham, Alabama; Atlanta, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; and Houston, Texas.
"To be included among such outstanding law firm leaders, many of whom I have long admired, is a real honor," said Mr. Adams. "It's humbling to be recognized for doing something I truly enjoy and for having the opportunity to lead an organization of such exceptional people."