Phelps Dunbar LLP Logo
Phelps Dunbar LLP Logo
Eddy Edwards Photograph

A.M. "Eddy" Edwards III

Senior Partner

Areas Of Focus
TaxTrusts and Estates/Estate Planning

Eddy Edwards has practiced in the area of business law for more than 30 years, with concentrations in taxation, finance and real estate. His practice in the field of taxation includes wills, trusts and estate planning as well as tax controversies and tax-exempt organizations, while his business practice includes commercial financing and real estate transactions.

Eddy advises individuals and families in estate planning, including wills, trusts, family businesses and gifts, focusing on the effect of gift and estate taxation. He also advises clients on charitable giving and transitioning family businesses among generations. He serves as a trustee for several clients with life insurance trusts, education trusts and family trusts. In addition, Mr. Edwards represents clients in probate matters in court, assisting with the collection of estate assets, settlement of taxes and expenses, and distribution of assets to beneficiaries.

In the area of tax controversies, he represents his clients in matters involving income tax disputes, employment taxes, estate and gift taxes, sales and use tax issues and settlements before the IRS as well as the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Eddy also focuses in the area of tax-exempt organizations, assisting clients in the establishment of these organizations as well as private family foundations.

He assists small and emerging businesses with business formation as well as established and thriving businesses with acquisitions. He also manages day-to-day legal issues for businesses, helps businesses to structure asset acquisitions, property development, sales, and advises on tax issues.

Eddy also focuses on real estate transactions, representing developers in commercial purchases and sales primarily in residential developments. This representation includes contract negotiations, commercial loans and leases, and title insurance as well as financing, subdivision plats, restrictive covenants and homeowners association issues.

Insights

Recognition

  • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
  • Business Organizations (including LLC's and Partnerships) (2015-2025), Tax Law (2016-2025), Trusts and Estates (2015-2025), The Best Lawyers in America

Education

  • New York University School of Law, LL.M., Taxation, 1980
  • University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., 1978
  • University of Mississippi, B.B.A., 1976

Credentials

  • Mississippi
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Tax Court
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Mississippi
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Mississippi

Memberships and Affiliations

  • The Mississippi Bar, Taxation and Trust and Estates Sections - Board of Directors (1987-1989)
  • Capital Area Bar Association
  • Mississippi Estate Planning Council - Board of Directors (1985-1987, 2000-2002)
  • Mississippi Law Institute - Member (1981-1988), Chairman (1988)
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Related Services