Rochester Business Journal has selected Anthony J. Adams, Jr., partner at Adams Leclair LLP, as a 2026 Icon Honors recipient. 

Icon Honors recognizes accomplished Rochester business leaders whose influence extends beyond their industries. Not only are the honorees leaders in their fields; they display an inspiring commitment to community service.

“The 2026 Icon Honors recipients are trendsetters whose integrity, drive, and leadership have made a significant impact on their professions and in the community. These leaders demonstrate selfless service in many ways, including mentoring those who will follow in their footsteps,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Rochester Business Journal. “

Known as a true statesman of Adams Leclair LLP, Anthony Adams has served clients in the Greater Rochester area for more than four decades. In 1983, after completing a judicial clerkship for New York State Supreme Court Justice David O. Boehm, Adams launched a career in private practice that has redefined commercial and construction advocacy across Upstate New York.

Adams has practiced in state and federal courts at both trial and appellate levels and successfully argued three pivotal cases before the New York State Court of Appeals—New York’s highest court. His arguments set precedents by limiting the reach of the State Prevailing Wage law, establishing limits on public project labor agreements, and confirming the liability of financiers participating in the diversion of statutory trust funds.

Recognized repeatedly by his peers, Adams has been named to Super Lawyers and listed in The Best Lawyers in America® across multiple disciplines. A nine-time Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” recipient in construction law and construction litigation, he is widely regarded as a legal authority and regularly presents seminars to clients and fellow attorneys. He publishes insights on regulatory updates, wage laws, and contract dispute management, in addition to serving as an arbitrator on the American Arbitration Association’s commercial and construction panels.

“Tony’s wealth of knowledge is enormous, and he is exceptionally generous with his time, expertise, and guidance—not only for our clients, but for every attorney at the firm who turns to him,” shared partner Paul Leclair.

Beyond his legal accomplishments, Adams has consistently demonstrated selfless service with a civic component. He is a past chairman of the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester and a past trustee and past chair of the Rochester Museum & Science Center board. He currently serves on the Government Relations Committee for the Associated General Contractors (NYS Chapter), advocating for policy improvements that strengthen the regional building sector.

Above all, Adams remains grounded in his Catholic faith and focused on family values in honor of his late wife, Evelyn, their three children, and eight grandchildren.

Adams will be recognized along with the other honorees on December 14th at a networking event and dinner held at the Genesee Valley Club.

Adams Leclair LLP extends its congratulations to all the 2026 Icon Honorees:

• Tony Adams, Adams Leclair LLP
• Amitrajeet Batabyal, Rochester Institute of Technology
• Jeffrey Davis, Elmer W. Davis Inc.
• Richard “Chip” Davis, Rochester Regional Health
• Donna Dedee, Holy Childhood
• Steve Dubnik, The Strong National Museum of Play
• John Henderson, High Falls Brewing Company
• Marc Iacona, Simcona Electronics/Rochester International Jazz Festival
• Linda Kingsley, City of Rochester
• Michael A. Krupnicki, Rochester Arc + Flame
• Vince Leo, Insero Advisors, LLP
• Vinod Luthra, Barrington Residential
• Dr. Arlette Miller-Smith, St. John Fisher University
• Fabricio Morales, Intivity
• Eugene O’Connor, Chamberlain D’Amanda/Gallo & Iacovangelo
• Tim and Deb Smith, Sentinel Publishing
• Jon Terry, Allergy Advocates New York
• Elizabeth Thorley, Thorley Wealth Management, Inc.
• Carol Urbaitis, Finger Lakes Community College
• Linda Weller, Info Advantage

Tony Adams