Barrie Adams spent most of his career as a corporate and general counsel to various companies involved in the communications industry. When the establishment of the Canadian Radio-television Commission (CRTC) in 1968, Mr. Adams career changed quite drastically early on. However, over the years he developed a strong practice advocating in front of the commission, and eventually established his own law practice, focused on broadcasting regulation. With the inclusion of telecommunications law under the jurisdiction of the CRTC, Adams expanded his scope of practice to represent clients with a broad range of telephone and telecommunications services. He also worked during his career to defend numerous satellite television operators from federal prosecution.
Over the course of his career, Adams had the opportunity to acquire some interests in the communications field, which he was later able to sell in support of his retirement. He spends his retired days avidly pursuing fly fishing.