Jim Pettis brings significant depth to his representation of clients in tax, estate planning and mergers and acquisitions. Jim is a Senior Partner at Phelps Dunbar. In his work with individual and corporate clients, Jim deals with and resolves IRS and state tax appeals and controversy work. He represents and counsels clients in the real estate development, oil and gas distribution, financial, telecommunications, furniture manufacturing, and casino gaming industries. In the area of estate planning, high net worth individuals, closely held and family business owners rely on Jim for his experience and strategic guidance. Jim also has an active mergers and acquisitions practice, and has represented large construction, corporate, medical and manufacturing clients in transactions.

In his estate planning work, Jim takes pride in helping businesses create the road map that positions clients for continued success. He has helped numerous businesses transfer ownership and leadership from generation to generation. Jim helps clients identify those family members, or external candidates, best suited to lead the business and develop strategies to provide for other family members not directly involved in the business.

Jim is active in the business and faith communities in Jackson. He has served as former Chairman of the Tax section and former Chairman of the Health law section of the Mississippi Bar. Jim has also been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for Litigation and Controversy – Tax and Tax law. He also dedicates numerous hours working pro bono with businesses and charities in Jackson and around the state. Outside of his work, Jim loves to sail and enjoys playing tennis. Jim attended the University of Mississippi for both of his undergraduate and law degrees. He’s also a proud Gator, having earned his LLM in tax from the University of Florida.