News
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
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, Robert Wilkins, Authors PBCBA Article on Ephemeral Messaging App Risks
Client Litigation Risks When Using Ephemeral Messaging Apps By Robert W. Wilkins According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, ephemeral means “lasting a very short time.” A number of messaging apps are designed for this very purpose — to allow messages and photos to self-destruct. SnapChat, Confide, Telegram, Hash, Signal, Wickr and an ever-growing number of similar messaging apps promote themselves based on both the power of their end-to-end encryption and their ability to disappear without a trace. For
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
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
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
Construction Defense 101 – It’s All About the Budget
By Robert W. Wilkins Best practices for defense counsel when working with insurance adjusters in construction cases A typical construction project involves the owner, the design professionals (architects and engineers), the general contractor, and numerous subcontractors. When something goes wrong and litigation ensues, there are many potential defendants. Which of these defendants you represent affects how you evaluate your litigation strategy. Regardless whom you represent, one challenge is universal:
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
John C. Randolph Receives Proclamation from the Mayor of the Town of Palm Beach
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Land Use and Governmental Shareholder, John “Skip” Randolph, has received a Proclamation of the Mayor of the Town of Palm Beach, Gail Coniglio, in appreciation of his 40 years of service to the Town of Palm Beach. Mayor Coniglio proclaimed the date of December 11, 2019, a day of gratitude for his outstanding commitment to the community.Mr. Randolph began his service to the Town of Palm Beach on September 19, 1979, and during his tenure as Town Attorney, he
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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
Robert W. Wilkins Reappointed Co-Chair of American Bar Association Subcommittees
Litigation Shareholder and Practice Group Leader, Rob Wilkins, has been reappointed as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Data Breach and Internet Subcommittee and the E-Discovery Subcommittee, both a part of the Commercial and Business Litigation Committee (CBL). As the largest and most active section of Litigation within the ABA, the CBL focuses on issues facing litigators with broad commercial practices, including substantive areas such as bankruptcy, creditor rights, professional
Grasford W. Smith Appointed by Florida Supreme Court to Advisory Committee
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder, Grasford W. Smith, was appointed to the Chief Justice’s Advisory Committee for the Pro Bono Service Awards by the Florida Supreme Court. Each year, the Florida Supreme Courtand The Florida Bar give special recognition to lawyers, groups, and members of the judiciary who make public service commitments of their time and expertise in ensuring access to justice for those who otherwise could not afford it. The Chief Justice’s Pro Bono Advisory Committee recommends the
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
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Kelly A. Gardner Appointed Chair of Arts4All Florida – Palm Beach County Steering Committee
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation and Private Client Attorney, Kelly A. Gardner, has been appointed Chair of the Arts4All Florida - Palm Beach County (A4AFL-PBC) Steering Committee for a 2-year term. Kelly has been involved with A4AFL-PBC for several years as a member of the Fundraising Committee for the organization’s annual golf tournament, and previously served as Vice-Chair of the Steering Committee. A4AFL-PBC is a non-profit and currently serves 1,800 Palm Beach County children and
Jones Foster Named a Tier 1 “Best Law Firm” By U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2020
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that the Firm has been named to the 2020 “Best Law Firms” list for West Palm Beach in the below practice areas. The annual report rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that uses quantitative data, client surveys, and lawyer peer reviews resulting in a comprehensive guide of the top 5 percent of practicing attorneys in the United States. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must have at least one lawyer named in the previous edition of Best Lawyers in
Joanne M. O’Connor’s 2020 Vision Leads the Federal Bar Association Palm Beach County Chapter
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Litigation Shareholder, Joanne O’Connor, has been appointed as President of the Federal Bar Association Palm Beach County Chapter for a one-year term. Previously Joanne served as the President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Chapter. As President, Joanne will support the Association’s mission to strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the interests and the needs of the federal practitioner, both public and private, and
Jones Foster Adds to Litigation and Real Estate Practices with 2 Attorneys
Jones Foster is proud to announce the addition of Carlee Rizzolo as an Associate in the Firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group, and Jesse Hap as an Associate in the Real Estate practice group. Both will be based in the Firm’s West Palm Beach office. Carlee and Jesse participated in the 2018 Jones Foster Summer Program, and the decision to hire both University of Florida Levin College of Law graduates is part of the Firm’s ongoing commitment to the development of the next generation of
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
Grasford W. Smith Appointed to the American Heart Association’s Palm Beach County Board of Directors
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation & Dispute Resolution Shareholder, Grasford Smith, has been appointed to the American Heart Association’s Palm Beach County Board of Directors and will serve as the Chair of the Leadership Development Committee. Grasford will work alongside many notable business and community leaders to lead the fight against heart disease and stroke and further AHA’s mission, “to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.” The American Heart Association,
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®
Grasford Smith Installed as 2019 President of the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association
Grasford Smith, Litigation & Dispute Resolution Shareholder at Jones Foster, was sworn in as the 2019 President of the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association (VHFCNBA). He has been actively involved in the organization for the past two years, initially serving as Vice President. The VHFCNBA has been a driving force in advocating for important issues such as ensuring equal access to the justice system and increasing economic parity for marginalized members of our community.
Jones Foster Attorneys Named Florida Trend’s 2019 Legal Elite
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Genny Bernstein, Tasha Dickinson, Stanley Klett, Jr., Joanne O’Connor, and Sidney Stubbs have been selected as 2019 “Legal Elite” by Florida Trend. Each year, Florida Trend presents a prestigious roster of attorneys selected for recognition by their peers. Initial voting is followed by a panel review comprised of previous Legal Elite honorees. The final list of selected attorneys represents just over 1% of the active Florida Bar members who practice in
Arbitration: Past, Precedents, and Future
By Scott G. Hawkins | Grasford W. Smith | Jacob Z. CoatesPart I in a 5-part series Is it wise to pursue arbitration as a form of alternative dispute resolution? This is an important consideration for both practitioners and clients. For many types of practitioners — from the transactional attorney considering including an arbitration clause in an agreement to the litigation attorney deciding whether to compel arbitration — it is important to have an understanding of the current policies and judicial
Theodore S. Kypreos Appointed to UF Law’s Law Center Association Board of Trustees
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Shareholder, Theo Kypreos, has been appointed to the University of Florida Levin College of Law’s Law Center Association (LCA) Board of Trustees. He was selected by the Board’s nominating committee, led by immediate Past Chair Oscar Sanchez. The University of Florida Law Center Association Inc. has existed for more than 40 years as a financial support organization for the Levin College of Law. The LCA Board of Trustees assists in the budgetary process, provides financial
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
H. Adams Weaver Reappointed to The Florida Bar’s Eminent Domain Committee
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Shareholder, H. Adams Weaver, has been reappointed by The Florida Bar’s president-elect, John M. Stewart, to serve on the Eminent Domain Committee. The scope and function of the Eminent Domain Committee is to study and keep informed of recent developments in the field of condemnation of private property for public use by governmental agencies or private companies who have the power of eminent domain. Adams has maintained a statewide practice in eminent domain and
Robert Wilkins, Speaker at the Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section eDiscovery Seminar
Rob Wilkins, Shareholder and Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group Leader, served as a speaker and panelist at The Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section eDiscovery seminar, held on Friday, May 31st at the Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. Rob discussed Technical Aspects of ESI Collection and Florida ESI Evidence Cases, Duty to Disclose General Provisions Governing Discovery, and the Sedona Process and Conference.The Trial Lawyers Section of The Florida Bar provides a forum
2019 Florida Super Lawyers Names Jones Foster Attorneys
Jones Foster is proud to announce that 13 of our attorneys, half of the Firm’s Shareholders, have been selected for inclusion in the 2019 edition of Florida Super Lawyers, a prestigious list of attorneys representing the top 5% of total lawyers in the state. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who are nominated from more than 70 practice areas. Candidates go through a rigorous and methodical selection process in which they are measured against 12 indicators of peer recognition and
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Scott Hawkins Receives 2019 UF Law Distinguished Service Award
West Palm Beach, FL - Scott Hawkins, Litigation Shareholder and the Firm’s Vice-Chair, was awarded the 2019 Distinguished Service Award by the University of Florida Levin College of Law. The Distinguished Service Award is conferred upon an alum who has contributed outstanding service over an extended period toward the progress and activities of the law school and its students. Presenting the prestigious award was Dean Laura A. Rosenbury who spoke of Scott’sinvaluable leadership and unwavering
Joanne M. O’Connor to Serve on Two Florida Bar Committees
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Shareholder, Joanne O’Connor, has been newly appointed by The Florida Bar’s president-elect, John M. Stewart, to serve on the Federal Court Practice Committee. In addition, she will continue to serve as a member of the Business Litigation Certification Committee. The Federal Court Practice Committee acts as the Bar’s liaison to the federal courts, federal bar organizations in Florida, the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Conference, and others interested in federal practice.
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Theodore S. Kypreos Reappointed to The Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Shareholder, Theo Kypreos, has been reappointed by The Florida Bar’s president-elect, John M. Stewart, to serve on the Probate Rules Committee. The scope and function of the Probate Rules Committee is to carry out the mandate of Rule 2.140, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, concerning the proposal of new rules of procedure and changes to existing rules. Theo Kypreos practices in?the areas of probate and trust litigation, trust and estate administration,
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Jones Foster Teams Up with the American Heart Association’s CycleNation Campaign
Jones Foster is proud serve as a local sponsor of the American Heart Association (AHA) CycleNation event, a high-energy road and stationary cycling movement to create awareness and raise funds to stop the cycle of stroke and heart disease. Two teams of four cyclists each represented Jones Foster at CycleBar Palm Beach Gardens during the 2-hour rally-style event on May 23. The event sponsors and community efforts raised a total of $170,000. Both road and stationary cycling events are taking place
Jones Foster Strengthens Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team with Board Certified Business Litigation Attorney Stanley D. Klett, Jr.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - May 20, 2019 – Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Stanley D. Klett, Jr. has joined the Firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group as Senior Counsel. Stan will be based in the Firm’s Jupiter office, bolstering the scope of core practice groups represented at the North Palm Beach County location. Stan is a Florida Bar Board Certified Business Litigation specialist with 30 years of experience. His practice includes commercial litigation, trusts and estates
Grasford W. Smith Named “Corporate Executive of the Year” by Legacy South Florida
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation ShareholderGrasford W. Smith has been selected by Legacy South Florida magazine as the “Corporate Executive of the Year” for 2019. A black-tie Gala reception was held on Saturday, May 4th at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, FL to honor the most powerful and influential black business leaders of the year. Grasford Smith focuses his practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, cybersecurity, and
