We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs and small business owners, I was immersed in a culture of self-starters and innovators from a young age. This environment fostered a deep-rooted understanding of the challenges and rewards of building a business from the ground up. My great grandfather came from Italy with a skill, tailoring, and opened The Michael Adams Company after he arrived in Ellis Island in the early part of the last century. My grandfather continued the tradition and owned a uniform and tailoring company in Las Vegas and my dad runs several small businesses that improve the profitability of retail organizations throughout the United States. Opening and running a business is a family legacy.

During college at the University of California, San Diego, I realized my ability to analyze and solve complex problems would suit a career in law. Further, as an empathetic person I saw how law and power could improve or harm the community. While I didn’t set out originally to start my own law firm, looking back it was inevitable.

In my early career I worked as an associate attorney for a big law firm. I hated it. The personalities were crass and, frankly, uninteresting. The work was boring. Two thoughts occurred to me: 1) even if I worked my hardest the best I could do is improve the value a lawsuit by a few percentage points during trial or settlement as compared to any other warm body with a law degree, and 2) the rate I was billed out at by the law firm was a large multiple of what I actually took home. The math was really simple. I needed to be my own boss.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As an immigration lawyer with a specialty practice dedicated to artists, entertainers, athletes and entrepreneurs, I find immense fulfillment in the unique blend of my professional and personal passions. I love that my job allows me to meet some of the best and brightest people in the world. It’s not lost of me for a minute that the United States continues to be the most desirable place in the world to settle if you’re a high achiever. There is only one Hollywood, one Broadway, one Silicon Valley. I am so lucky my ancestors decided to make the U.S. their home and so fortunate the 14th amendment guaranteed my birthright citizenship.

Other very talented have to navigate a very complicated series of laws, regulations, and norms in order to achieve their American Dreams and I am privileged to be able to help them.

My journey into this niche area of law was driven by my deep appreciation for the arts and innovation, coupled with an understanding of the transformative power of immigration. I am constantly inspired by the stories of creatives and innovators from around the world who seek to share their talents and dreams within a new community. My practice is not just about navigating complex immigration laws; it’s about empowering individuals to bring their unique contributions to a global stage, fostering cultural exchange, and driving economic growth.

I take great pride in offering personalized, compassionate legal assistance to those whose voices and visions can redefine industries and enrich societies. Each case is a new narrative, a unique blend of aspirations and challenges, and I am dedicated to guiding my clients through their journeys with empathy and expertise. Beyond the confines of my practice, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community. Before and after the pandemic I regularly conduct in person workshops and seminars to demystify the immigration process for artists and entrepreneurs, and I offer pro bono services to those who cannot afford legal representation.

Forthcoming I am working on a book profiling twelve “extraordinary aliens” that should be out later this year and I am working on a companion video series with television producer James Sunderland. The book and video series will hopefully inspire young people around the world to consider making the U.S. their home and I hope it will add to the immigration debate going on nationally about immigration. I can’t wait for you to see it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love living in Los Angeles. The people and institutions here are simply unparalleled. I would start with a breakfast at Cecconi’s and insist on the blueberry pancakes (my mom’s favorite). Then we would take advantage of the false mid-winter Summer and go to Ginger Rogers beach for some sun and beers. Alternatively we would stop by Book Soup on the Sunset Strip and catch an author event. By afternoon we would have a picnic at the Hollywood Bowl and take in a show by the LA Philharmonic and after a little nightlife on the Sunset Strip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could not be where I am today without the love, encouragement, and support of my parents, John and Cindy Adams. They are my rock.

Website: https://www.jaesq.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeadamsla/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeAdamsLA

Image Credits
Main photo by Shaun Vadella

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