News
New Chair, Board Members Appointed at Jewish Federation’s Annual Meeting
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (July 7, 2020) – During its annual meeting on Thursday, June 25 2020, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach Countywelcomed Hope Silverman as its new Board Chair, and the following individuals to its 2020-2021Board of Directors: Sandra Bornstein, Jonathan Chane, Pam Comiter Alan Haspel, Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik, Karen List, Robert Naftaly, Warren Spector, Beth Wayne and Penni Weinberg. Held virtually via Zoom, more than 400 guests came together to hear about the state of the Jewish community,
CPA Firm Caler Donten Levine Announces Promotions
The certified public accounting firm of Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil, P.A. (CDL) is pleased to announce the promotion of 16 employees. These individuals were promoted from within the Firm’s Administrative, Audit, Family Office, Tax and Valuation and Litigation Support Departments. From Administrative:Sonya Piotrowski Human Resources Coordinator From Audit:John Dingle ManagerLaura Vergara SeniorCarlos
Patrick E. Mangan Named Shareholder at CPA Firm Caler Donten Levine
The certified public accounting firm of Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter and Veil, P.A. (CDL) is pleased to announce that Patrick E. Mangan CPA, has been promoted to Shareholder. Mangan will join CDL’s 13 Shareholders to advance client services and engagements, and help recruit professional talent for the Firm. Mangan joined the Firm in 2016 and specializes in income and estate tax planning, compliance for high net worth individuals and families, and gift and generation skipping transfer tax
Rachel Commerford of CPA Firm Caler Donten Levine, Receives CPA License
The CPA firm of Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil, P.A. (CDL) is pleased to announce that Rachel Commerford received her CPA license on June 29. Commerford, a Tax Supervisor, is a graduate of Bethel University (St. Paul, MN) where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business with an emphasis in accounting. Commerford joined CDL in October 2018. She works primarily on business, individual and trust returns. She also specializes in the restaurant and hospitality
Palm Beach Outlets to Host Drive-Thru Food Distribution with Schumacher Auto Group and The Tree of Life Resource Center
Palm Beach Outlets (PalmBeachOutlets.com) will host a second drive-thru food distribution in partnership with the Schumacher Auto Group and The Tree of Life Resource Center on Friday, July 10, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. All vehicles will enter through the Congress Avenue entrance, where the organizations’ staff and volunteers, along with local officers, will assist in the distribution of items on a first-come, first-served basis to include produce, non-perishable foods, dairy, and diapers for 500
Michael Gore Hosts Palm Beach Chamber Webinar to Discuss Legal Considerations for Reopening Businesses
By Michael J. Gore Michael Gore served as a featured speaker at a recent Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce webinar on the topic of legal considerations for employers tasked with reopening their businesses and implementing procedures to protect employees in the months following the COVID-19 outbreak. We have outlined the following key considerations and resources for businesses and employers. Employee Safety | OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Employers should be mindful of and comply
MHCommercial Real Estate Fund and Waterfall Asset Management Acquire Prestigious Palm Beach Office Project - Golden Bear Plaza - for $49,750,000
Press Release For immediate release:May 22, 2020Melissa BeierNAI/Merin Hunter CodmanPhone: 561-471-8000mbeier@mhcreal.com MHCommercial Real Estate Fund and Waterfall Asset Management Acquire Prestigious Palm Beach Office Project - Golden Bear Plaza - for $49,750,000-- NAI/Merin Hunter Codman has been retained for the managementand leasing of the property - West Palm Beach, Fla. – MHCommercial Real Estate Fund LLC (“MHC”) a Florida based discretionary private real estate fund
Major Boca Raton Office Campus in Foreclosure Sale
Press Release For immediate release:May 21, 2020Melissa BeierNAI/Merin Hunter CodmanPhone: 561-471-8000mbeier@mhcreal.com Major Boca Raton Office Campus in Foreclosure Sale-- NAI/Merin Hunter Codman bringing former Canon Solutions Campus to market. -- West Palm Beach, Fla. – The former Canon Solutions America, Inc. customer experience and showroom center, located in the Park at Broken Sound, is being offered for sale by Court Appointed Receiver Neil Merin, Chairman of NAI/Merin
New SBA Guidance on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
By David E. Bowers, Erica R. Haft The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), established by the CARES Act in late March 2020, is a new frontier that has left individuals puzzled. However, the SBA recently issued additional guidance that we hope will provide some clarification. Background To obtain a PPP loan, borrowers are required to complete an application and therein certify in good faith that “the uncertainty of current economic conditions makes necessary the loan request
SMR by the Specialists is offering Complimentary Disaster Planning to Chamber Businesses
Up to 40% of businesses affected by a natural or human-caused disaster never reopen.*Do you know what to do? We do. According to Ready.gov, businesses that take the time to create a disaster recovery plan and practice that plan are far more successful in negotiating events that affect their businesses. ServiceMaster by the Specialists is offering you our highly customized Emergency Response Plan, free of charge. This no cost plan allows you to take a proactive approach to plan for and respond to a variety
Reopening Businesses: Legal Considerations for Employers
By Michael J. Gore While the pandemic continues, much of the nation, including Florida, has shifted its focus on reopening. Naturally, there are a number of legal issues that businesses need to be aware of as the economy begins to restart. We have outlined below some key considerations for businesses and employers. 1) Safety of Employees Employers should be mindful of and comply with applicable federal, state, and local orders and guidelines regarding employee safety in the workplace. A good resource
Unintended Consequences of Furloughing Employees
By Michael J. Gore Many employers are rightfully concerned with how best to manage the implications of the COVID-19 crisis on their business, with some considering “furloughing” their employees as a way to mitigate the financial impact. While this trend is increasing in popularity, there are a number of unintended consequences associated with furloughing employees that businesses should consider in the decision-making process. For example, issues may arise regarding non-compete agreements or employee
Can COVID-19 Get Me Out Of My Real Estate Contract?
By Mark H. Dahlmeier and Jesse J. Hap There is no doubt that COVID-19 is affecting every industry and market across the globe. Many impacts of the pandemic remain to be seen, but buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants of residential and commercial properties are already experiencing some of the consequences. Many buyers are wondering if it’s possible that COVID-19 could get them out of a signed real estate contract that is pending closing. This is a fair question, especially for buyers who were
Using Zoom to Stay Connected? Protect Your Privacy.
By Robert W. Wilkins, ShareholderWhat you need to know about protecting your privacy while working remotely. The impact of COVID-19 is being felt by individuals and businesses across the country, resulting in many of us working remotely and relying heavily on technology such as Zoom to stay connected. Zoom, the well-known video and web conferencing platform, has seen a sharp rise in use over the past few weeks with a growing number of individuals and professionals in all industries using the app. While
How The SECURE Act May Affect You and Your Beneficiaries
By David E. Bowers, William G. Smith, Erica R. Haft On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed legislation that contains provisions from the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (referred to as the “SECURE Act”). We have summarized below some key considerations and consequences. Significant Changes The SECURE Act alters how Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) are transferred upon the IRA holder’s death. Effective January 1, 2020, the SECURE Act changes IRA provisions,
Peter A. Sachs, Featured Speaker at the Planned Giving Council of Palm Beach County Event
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder, Peter Sachs, was a featured speaker at the Planned Giving Council of Palm Beach County’s monthly breakfast meeting. The gathering provides a forum for members and guests to learn from prominent speakers in various industries and to network with professionals who have a role in designing and implementing philanthropic plans. Mr. Sach’s presentation, entitled, Understanding the Diminishing Capacity of Donors and Clients within Philanthropy, discussed the importance of
Get to Know Corporate & Tax and Private Client Attorney William G. Smith
Bill Smith, Firm Shareholder and a member of the Corporate & Tax and Private Client teams, concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, taxation, and corporate law. We sat down with Bill to discuss his practice here at Jones Foster, as well as some current issues that may impact clients. How do you describe your practice to non-attorneys? I concentrate my practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, taxation, and corporate
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Steven J. Rothman Joins Prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation Shareholder, Steven Rothman, has been accepted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Membership in ABOTA is by invitation-only and is considered to be one of the most prestigious affiliations for trial attorneys. All members must meet a list of professional requirements as well as extol the virtues of civility, integrity, and professionalism. The local Palm Beach Chapter of ABOTA is comprised of only 107 select members of the legal
CPA Firm Receives “All Star” Recognition From INSIDE Public Accounting
The CPA firm of Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil, P.A. (CDL) has made the “2019 All-Stars in Niche Specialization” list in the January 2020 edition of INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA). CDL was recognized for being one of the top five CPA firms in the nation for deriving a high percentage of revenue from the specialty practice area of High Net Worth Clients. “We are extremely proud of our tax services, and particularly to be recognized for our work with High Net Worth Clients and
Jones Foster Sponsors Peggy Adams’ 2020 Walk for the Animals
Jones Foster was a proud sponsor of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League’s 2020 Annual Barry Crown Walk for the Animals, which took place at the Meyer Amphitheater on Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach on February 22, 2020. As a corporate sponsor of the event’s Pet Costume Contest, Firm Shareholder Theo Kypreos and Attorney Erica Haft were selected to serve as Judges alongside WPBF TV’s Ron Burke and Vanessa Vinent. Jones Foster employees and their families took part in the walk as part of the Firm’s
Local Coffee Table Book Reveals Palm Beach County’s Love of Music
StarGroup Books, a locally based book production company, has released a hardcover coffee table book, entitled, Music & Memories: Palm Beach County 2020. The company solicited feedback from “community voices” late last year and received submissions from Palm Beach County residents and local music professionals in the form of thoughts, anecdotes, and insights, which are featured in the book and document the uniquely personal yet universal power of music. Music-related imagery is interspersed with the
Joanne M. O’Connor, Speaker at The Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section Event
Litigation Shareholder Joanne O’Connor was a featured speaker at The Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section’s Civil Trial Update & Board Certification CLE course. Her presentation, entitled ‘Recent Developments in Business Litigation’, discussed topics including; The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practice Act (FDUTPA); the rise of the independent tort doctrine; proposals for settlement; and new developments in arbitration. The Trial Lawyers Section of The Florida Bar provides a forum for discussion
Understanding Your 2020 Long-Term Care Benefits
“When I sit down with a client, I look at the big picture. I consider the individual, their family situation, medical and emotional needs (short-term and long-term), possible government benefits available (Medicaid, Veterans benefits), tax implications, and then I assist in determining the best plan for their circumstances.” – Genny BernsteinElder Law is a complex and highly specialized area of practice that requires a comprehensive understanding of both State and Federal Laws in addition to the ability to
Get to Know Land Use & Governmental Attorney Thomas J. Baird
Thomas J. Baird, Land Use & Governmental Practice Group Co-Chair, is a Florida Bar Board Certified specialist in City, County, and Local Government Law, and is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners as a land use planner. We sat down with Tom to get a little more information about his background and his practice here at Jones Foster. How do you describe your practice to non-attorneys? A large part of my practice involves the representation of municipalities and other governmental
Robert W. Wilkins and Joanne M. O’Connor Serve as Panelist and Moderator at Palm Beach County Bar Association Luncheon
Litigation Shareholders Rob Wilkins and Joanne O’Connor served as panelist and moderator, respectively, at the Palm Beach County Bar Association (PBCBA) Judicial Relations Committee ESI Discovery Luncheon, held at the Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse. The Judicial Relations Committee presented “A Practitioners Guide to Federal and Florida ESI Discovery”, with panelists assembled to discuss recent federal opinions regarding ESI discovery and the practical implications of ESI for state
Jones Foster Launches New Community Program
Jones Foster Impact, a firmwide community program, was announced this week by the Board of Directors. Jones Foster Impact will offer all employees a platform to collaborate, engage, and collectively impact the community through efforts designed to support local charitable organizations. Board Member and Litigation Shareholder, Theo Kypreos, expects that many positive outcomes will result from this initiative. “I am personally very excited about Jones Foster Impact. For almost a century, our Firm and
Dixie Vodka Secures Multi-Year NASCAR Partnership as First “Official Vodka”
Jones Foster Corporate attorney, Kevin T. Lamb, represented Grain & Barrel Spirits brand, Dixie Vodka, in a multi-year sponsorship deal as the first official vodka of NASCAR. A certified South Carolina product, Dixie Vodka is the largest premium craft vodka produced in the Southeast and is one of the fastest-growing spirit brands in the United States. The NASCAR partnership represents a major branding initiative to expand its market presence by aligning with the iconic sports league and its fervent fan
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Get to Know Litigation Attorney Peter Sachs
Peter Sachs, Litigation Shareholder and the 2020 Best Lawyers in America "Lawyer of the Year" for Trusts & Estates Litigation in West Palm Beach, represents individuals and institutions in the prosecution and defense of complex trust and estate, guardianship, and commercial litigation matters. Peter is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial and Business Litigation specialist, and is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We sat down with
Scott G. Hawkins Reflects on Role as Former Florida Bar President
PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVES: SCOTT HAWKINS, 2011-12This article was first published on FloridaBar.org, October 10, 2019 As part of a project to document the history of The Florida Bar, the former presidents were asked to comment on the same three questions.Q: How would you like to be remembered as a lawyer and a former Bar president? Hawkins: The opportunity to serve as president of The Florida Bar was a much “richer” experience than I anticipated. Certainly, the opportunities to speak across the state
DRIFTWOOD HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE TEAM TO LAUNCH CANOPY WEST PALM BEACH DOWNTOWN
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 23, 2019) – Driftwood Hospitality Management has appointed three industry-leading executives to launch Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown, the brand's first Canopy in Florida. The Canopy will feature a full complement of locally-inspired design features, amenities and menu selections from hyper-local, favorite food and beverage sources when the hotel opens in January 2020. It will offer 150 “Just-Right” rooms including spacious suites with large balconies, a
Palm Beach Illustrated Names Jones Foster Attorneys as 2019 Top Lawyers
Jones Foster is proud to announce that 13 attorneys, representing the Firm’s 5 main practice groups, have been named “Top Lawyers” 2019 by Palm Beach Illustrated. Palm Beach Illustrated, a luxury lifestyle magazine, debuted in 1952 and is distributed from Boca Raton to Vero Beach. This annual honor is the result of a peer-review nomination survey sent to all certified lawyers throughout Palm Beach County, conducted by Palm Beach Illustrated and Professional Research Services. The following Jones
16 Jones Foster Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2020
Jones Foster is proud to announce that nearly half of the Firm’s attorneys have been named in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, a prestigious legal peer-review publication that recognizes the top 5 percent of lawyers in private practice in the nation. This annual guide of outstanding attorneys is the result of exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers evaluate their colleagues. Notably, two of the Firm’s Shareholders have been named as Best Lawyers®
Michael J. Gore Receives LL.M. from Georgetown University
Litigation and Corporate Shareholder, Michael Gore, has received his LL.M. in Securities & Financial Regulation from Georgetown University Law Center. Mike pursued a master of laws degree in Securities and Financial Regulation to further his in-depth understanding of this specialized industry and provide value to clients through Jones Foster’s Securities Litigation services. Mike has extensive experience representing clients in the areas of construction, employment, and securities law, including
The Buzz! Beeline Commons coming to the Palm Beach Park of Commerce
The Buzz! Beeline Commons coming to the Palm Beach Park of Commerce-- NAI/Merin Hunter Codman tapped to lease the retail development at Beeline Commons. -- West Palm Beach, Fla. – NAI/Merin Hunter Codman, Palm Beach County’s leading commercial real estate firm, announces the retail leasing assignment of Palm Beach Park of Common’s Beeline Commons, 15519 Beeline Highway, 15279, 15319, and 15320 Commercial Circle in Jupiter. NAI/Merin Hunter Codman has partnered with Palm Beach Investment Property
