Adams and Reese LLP is pleased to announce the election of Partners Mitch Boult and Robert P. Bethea Jr. to the Executive Committee, which oversees strategic operations of the AmLaw 200 and NLJ 500 multidisciplinary law firm.
Boult and Bethea will succeed outgoing EC members Edwin C. Laizer and James B. McLaren Jr.
In addition to Boult and Bethea’s elections, Adams and Reese has elected Clarence Wilbon as Executive Committee Chair. Wilbon, a Litigation Partner in Memphis and the firm’s former DEI Committee Chair, has practiced at Adams and Reese since 2014. Wilbon was initially elected to the EC in 2021.
“I am excited to work with both Mitch and Rob on our Executive Committee,” said Wilbon. “Mitch, who has led the way in expanding our IP practice globally, and Rob, who is heading up our M&A practice and steering our clients through growth opportunities amidst evolving economic times, will be very beneficial additions as we move forward with Adams and Reese’s strategic vision, goals, and initiatives for the years to come.”
Boult will serve a third term on the Executive Committee; he has practiced at Adams and Reese since 2005, playing a leading role in the Global IP practice. “It is an honor to lead and serve with my colleagues on the Executive Committee to execute goals that continue to deliver superior client service, and put in place initiatives to grow Adams and Reese through opportunities across our global footprint,” said Boult.
Bethea, a Partner in Columbia, will serve his first term on the Executive Committee; he serves as the Middle Market Mergers & Acquisitions practice team leader. He joined Adams and Reese in 2013. “It is a privilege to join the leadership team at Adams and Reese,” said Bethea. “One of our firm’s strengths is the communication and collaboration among our 21 offices that fosters a collective entrepreneurial, diverse, and inclusive culture that not only builds upon our firm’s business, but also adds value to meeting the legal needs of our existing and prospective clients across our practice areas and industries.”
Boult, frequently honored for his national and international service to clients, represents a wide range of clients in multi-jurisdictional IP litigation and serves as lead advisor on branding campaigns throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. With more than 9,000 trademarks under management, Boult and his team devise commercial and legal tactics to drive brand value, fortify brand strength, and lower the cost of global trademark portfolios.
Boult has served on the International Trademark Association’s Emerging Issues Committee, and Fair Use and Other Boundaries Subcommittee. In the community, he volunteers as Director of the Stung Treng (Cambodia) Women’s Development Center, and as Trustee of the Allen Foundation.
Boult and his team are recognized among the top global IP practices by the most respected rating services including Chambers USA, Managing Intellectual Property, The Legal 500, U.S. News, Best Lawyers, Lexology, and Super Lawyers.
In addition to serving as Middle Market M&A practice team leader, Bethea advises clients on business transactions in the southeastern United States and beyond, covering a range of industries including health care, professional services, manufacturing, logistics and distribution, marine products, specialty software, and industrial services. He provides counsel on startups, mergers, stock and asset acquisitions, recapitalizations, taxation, business contracts and agreements, corporate governance, succession planning, franchising, securities and finance.
With advanced training in tax law, Bethea has extensive experience advising clients on the often-complex tax consequences of business decisions and deal structures. He has represented clients in contractual and business disputes, as well as in government and regulatory investigations and compliance matters. He also provides counsel on the protection of trade secrets and intellectual property, including restrictive covenants, confidentiality, and non-solicitation agreements.
In the community, Bethea is a graduate of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Columbia program. He has served multiple terms on the Hammond School Board of Trustees, served on the Discovery Council Board for EdVenture Children’s Museum, and provided pro bono counsel to Sustain SC - Intersection of Commerce and Conservation, Carolina Therapeutic Riding, Columbia Classical Ballet Company, and other charitable organizations.