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    Jim Pettis photograph

    Jim Pettis

    Senior Partner

    Jackson
    601-360-9308
    jim.pettis@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    TaxTrusts and Estates/Estate PlanningMergers and Acquisitions

    Jim Pettis brings significant depth to his representation of clients in tax, estate planning and mergers and acquisitions. 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, and furniture manufacturing 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. He’s also a proud Gator, having earned his LLM in tax from the University of Florida.

    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. He’s also a proud Gator, having earned his LLM in tax from the University of Florida.

    Insights

    • August 15, 2024

      185 Phelps Lawyers Chosen for Best Lawyers in America, 20 Named "Lawyer of the Year," 26 Added to “Ones to Watch” List…

    • August 17, 2023

      Best Lawyers in America Selects 208 Phelps Lawyers, Names 12 "Lawyer of the Year," Adds 47 to "Ones to Watch" List…

    More +
    • November 9, 2022

      Phelps Welcomes James Pettis to Trusts & Estates Group in Jackson…

    Recognition

    • Litigation and Controversy - Tax (2009-2025), Tax Law (2009-2025), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Litigation and Controversy - Tax (2009-2025), Tax Law (2009-2025), The Best Lawyers in America

    Education

    • University of Florida, LL.M., Tax, 1983
    • University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., 1983
    • University of Mississippi, B.A., 1979
    • University of Florida, LL.M., Tax, 1983
    • University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., 1983
    • University of Mississippi, B.A., 1979

    Credentials

    • Mississippi
    • Mississippi
    • Overview
    • Insights
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials

    Related Services

    • Business
    • Tax
    • Trusts and Estates/Estate Planning
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Health Care
    • Unfair Competition and Business Torts
    • Real Estate and Construction
    • Health Care
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