About Us
Our team
James L. Wadhams
Jim Wadhams is a veteran of Nevada government relations with over four decades of legislative and regulatory advocacy experience. His career spans both sides of the policy table—as Insurance Commissioner, Director of the Department of Commerce, Deputy Attorney General, and staff attorney for insurance regulatory agencies in two states—giving him rare insight into how legislation becomes law and regulation becomes enforcement.
Since 1977, Jim has represented public and private clients before the Nevada Legislature, including Nevada Independent Insurance Agents, the Nevada Hospital Association, Newmont Mining Corporation, and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. His peer-elected induction into the Lobbying Hall of Fame reflects a career defined by results: transforming Nevada's workers' compensation system from a state monopoly to a competitive market, establishing nationally recognized mining reclamation standards, and shaping major tax legislation across sales, property, cannabis, and net proceeds of mines.
Jim holds an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been named to Best Lawyers in America® for Government Relations Practice from 2007–2024. He serves as Chairman of the Nevada Captive Insurance Association and sits on the boards of the Public Education Foundation and Westcare Foundation.
Admitted to practice in Nevada, Nebraska, and Washington, D.C., Jim earned his JD from the University of Nebraska and BA from Stanford University.
Jesse A. Wadhams
Jesse Wadhams specializes in government relations, regulatory strategy, and policy development. With a career spanning both high-level corporate strategy and public service, Jesse offers clients a unique dual perspective on navigating Nevada's complex regulatory landscape. His practice covers a broad spectrum of state agencies—from the Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Health Authority to the Division of Environmental Protection and the Taxation Commission—guiding clients through intricate licensing, compliance, and legislative challenges.
Jesse’s experience includes serving as Director of Regional Government Relations for Newmont Mining Corporation, where he shaped legislative policy and regulatory strategy for a global industry leader. His public service background includes roles as Deputy Attorney General for the Nevada Department of Justice and as Technology Policy Counsel to the U.S. Senate High Tech Task Force under Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. A recognized expert in his field, he has served as an expert witness for the Nevada Department of Taxation on liquor licensing and distribution matters.
Jesse was recognized by his peers as the Administrative and Regulatory Lawyer of the year in 2026 and "Legal Elite" by Nevada Business Magazine, Jesse combines strategic advocacy with deep institutional knowledge. He currently serves as Treasurer for Nevada Volunteers (a gubernatorial appointment) and sits on the Life and Health and Property and Casualty Insurance Advisory Committees for the Nevada Commissioner of Insurance.
Jesse earned his JD and BA from Santa Clara University and is admitted to practice in Nevada.