News
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Earns Three Top Honors for Transparent Financial Reports
WEST PALM BEACH – North America’s leading association for government finance experts has awarded the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller its highest honors for providing Palm Beach County residents with clear information about their tax dollars. For the eighth consecutive year, the Clerk’s office has earned the “Triple Crown” of awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The three awards are given to government organizations who meet the GFOA’s highest standards for excellence in
Jones Foster Shareholder Robert W. Wilkins Serves at Panelist at ACC South Florida Conference
Jones Foster Litigation Practice Group Leader and Shareholder Robert W. Wilkins served as a panelist at the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) South Florida 11th Annual CLE Conference. The conference was held in person at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL and virtually via Zoom, offering a platform for members to discuss the use and rapid evolution of technology in managing litigation and considerations related to maturing and emerging technologies. Rob was among a panel of
GOODWILL® WEEK CELEBRATES THE POWER OF TEAMWORK
Gulfstream Goodwill Transforms Lives Through Empowerment, Education, and Employment West Palm Beach, FL — Every year during the first full week of May, Goodwill organizations across the United States and Canada celebrate Goodwill Industries Week to highlight the mission of local Goodwills— Changing Lives through Employment, Training, and Housing. This year, Goodwill Week runs May 2 – 8. Throughout the week, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries (GGI) will share the Victories they have achieved over the past
Doane & Doane, PA Welcomes New Associate Attorney Joanne H. Rogers
Doane & Doane, PA is please to announce the addition of attorney Joanne H. Rogers as a member of the firm. Ms. Rogers has previously practiced in South Florida at boutique estate planning firms. She also held various key estate planning and trust administration positions within a national financial institution both in California and in New York City, consulting with the organization’s clients regarding their estate planning needs. Her areas of practice are dedicated to estate planning, business succession
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller to Hold Virtual Career Fair on May 13
WEST PALM BEACH – Looking for a new career opportunity? The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County wants you to join its team. The Clerk’s office will hold its first Virtual Career Fair from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 13 to recruit candidates for multiple positions at its offices throughout Palm Beach County. Career opportunities are available in all areas of the organization, including:Customer Service RepresentativesCourt & Official Records SpecialistsCourtroom
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Launches New Website
WEST PALM BEACH – The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s new website makes it easier than ever to access the office’s online services and public records. The new MyPalmBeachClerk.com allows visitors to quickly get to the office’s most popular services, including records searches, marriage licenses, traffic ticket payments and more. The website’s service-focused design reduces the number of clicks it takes for visitors to find the information they need. In addition to the new user-friendly
Webauthor celebrates 25 Years in providing online data management solutions
Webauthor, the Palm Beach County based software technology firm that develops cloud-based business applications designed to streamline and automate essential business functions, recently celebrated its 25th year in business. Mario Rodrigues, co-founder and CEO previously served as the Director of Web Development for Spherion Corporation. At the time, Spherion (later sold to Randstad) was the fourth largest non-governmental employer in the U.S. and technology that Mario developed for the organization
Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Rinker School of Business Welcomes New Dean
WEST PALM BEACH – After a national search, Dr. Brian Strow was appointed dean of the Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business. Strow comes from Western Kentucky University, where he served as the BB&T professor for the study of capitalism and director of the WKU Center for the Study of Capitalism. During his 21 years at WKU, Strow served as the president of the Kentucky Economic Association, was a member of the Board of Scholars for the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions and was elected to
Palm Beach Atlantic University Names Knapp as Senior Director of Development
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – James A. Knapp has joined Palm Beach Atlantic University as senior director of development. Knapp came to PBA last month from The Cushman School, a private, non-profit pre-K-12 school in Miami where he served as chief strategy officer. In that role, he worked alongside the head of school, board and faculty to build a vision and corresponding development strategy to meet the school’s needs and drive growth. Knapp was instrumental in the revitalization of the school’s annual fund and
Palm Beach Atlantic University’s LeMieux Center Welcomes CPA, Attorney to Advisory Board
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic University’s LeMieux Center for Public Policy has named two new members to its advisory board. James C. (Jim) Jenkins is past chair of the University Board of Trustees and executive vice president of Esko Inc., a Palm Beach-based family office/private investment firm. He has more than 30 years experience starting and growing businesses in real estate, credit and wealth management. He co-founded SROA Capital, an institutional owner-operator of self-storage
QuenchTime announces incentive loyalty program for diners, benefits Florida restaurants
Local Culinary and Business Professionals Team Up to Launch ‘QuenchTime,’ A Dining and Charity Program to Support Area Restaurants NORTH PALM BEACH, FL – A group of local business and culinary leaders have teamed up to launch QuenchTime, a creative loyalty program that provides diners with exclusive offers at participating restaurants. The initiative was designed to support area restaurants that have struggled over the past year due to the pandemic and economic anxiety and is the collective
Jones Foster Attorney Kelly A. Gardner Serves as Co-Moderator at 2021 PBCBA Bench Bar Virtual Conference Session
Litigation and Private Wealth attorney, Kelly A. Gardner, served as a co-moderator and co-chair of the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s (PBCBA) virtual Bench Bar Conference Probate and Guardianship Session. The combined session was geared to lawyers and paralegals interested in probate, trust, and guardianship practice, and offered attendees an introduction to current Probate and Guardianship Division Circuit Judges, including the Honorable Dina Keever-Agrama, Honorable James Martz, Honorable Scott
Diagnostic Centers of America is Expanding in Palm Beach County
Diagnostic Centers of America is a premier outpatient imaging center with an Xtreme team focused on excellence, committed to patient care. Providing comprehensive imaging services, delivered through legendary service with integrity throughout Palm Beach and North Broward communities. We offer a family-like atmosphere, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, working alongside one of the largest and most prestigious radiology groups in South Florida.DCA was the first outpatient imaging center and still holds a
Jones Foster Appoints Shareholder Roberto M. Vargas to Vice Chair, Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Litigation Shareholder Roberto M. Vargas has been named Vice Chair of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group. Rob will work closely with Litigation Practice Group Leader, Robert W. Wilkins, providing leadership to the expanding litigation team as well as establishing priorities, strategy, and fostering further growth. “Our litigation department offers a wide array of services and specialties and we believe that the decades of experience and proven
Clerk Alert: Guardianship Investigations Making a Difference in Palm Beach County, Statewide
Clerk’s Office Guardianship Investigations Making a Difference in Palm Beach County, Statewide By Joseph Abruzzo Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County Guardianship has made national headlines in recent weeks, thanks to two movies – one documentary, one fictional – that place court-appointed guardianship squarely in the spotlight. Both the documentary Framing Britney Spears, about pop star Britney Spears, and the fictional film I Care A Lot examine court-appointed guardianships and
YMCA of the Palm Beaches Welcomes Courtney Lovely Evans as its Newest Board Member
West Palm Beach, Fla. (April 5, 2021) – The YMCA of the Palm Beaches is pleased to announce that Courtney Lovely Evans has joined as their newest board member. Lovely Evans joins a team of well-respected and highly involved community leaders committed to promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Lovely Evans currently serves as the Director of Athletics for Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). She is the first minority female to be appointed to the role and is the third
Jones Foster Vice-Chair Scott G. Hawkins Serves as Panelist at National Association of Legal Fee Analysis Webinar
Jones Foster Vice-Chair and Litigation Shareholder, Scott G. Hawkins, served as a panel speaker at the National Association of Legal Fee Analysis (NALFA) continuing legal education webinar titled, “Proving Attorney Fees in Court”. Geared to an audience of litigators from across the U.S. as well as journalists from national industry publications and news outlets, the program discussed a range of issues that arise from the fee-setting stage of litigation and provided practice tips for fee-seeking and
Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. Promotes Jeffrey C. Boes to Chief Information Officer
Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeffrey C. Boes to Chief Information Officer. Jeffrey (“Jeff”) will be celebrating his 12th year with LLW next week. When asked about what he finds most rewarding about his career choice, he answers without hesitation “I like helping others become more efficient with technology—which allows them to be the best at what they do.” In March of 2020, Jeff quickly and seamlessly transitioned every single LLW employee across the state
South Florida Legal Guide 2021 Names Jones Foster Attorneys ''Top Lawyers''
Jones Foster is proud to announce that the South Florida Legal Guide 2021 has named several Shareholders to their annual “Top Lawyers” list. For more than 2 decades the South Florida Legal Guide has been a valuable resource, using peer nominations to determine the most well-regarded attorneys in the community, in addition to a review process that weighs factors such as board certifications, industry rankings, and distinguished records of achievement that attest to the attorney’s credentials. The
Important Year-End Tax Planning
By William G. Smith & Brittany E. Cobb There are a number of steps that can be taken this year to reduce your future estate tax liability, should certain tax proposals be enacted. Depending on the outcome of the November 3rd elections, Congress could make immediate and substantial changes to the tax code, including significantly reducing the estate and gift tax exemption amounts and increasing estate, gift, and income tax rates. If these changes are enacted, existing estate and gift tax exemption
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Jones Foster Shareholder David E. Bowers, Featured Speaker at The Florida Bar Tax Section Virtual Seminar
Shareholder David E. Bowers, head of Jones Foster’s Corporate & Tax and Private Wealth, Trusts & Estates practice groups, was a featured speaker at The Florida Bar Tax Section’s 2020 fall meeting. The four-day virtual gathering included committee and division meetings, networking events, and a full day of continuing legal education (CLE) presentations by leaders in the field on the topic of “Practical Estate Planning in Uncertain Times”. David’s presentation entitled “Use of Trusts After SECURE”
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Getting Comfortable with Electronic Signings
Enforceability of E-Signatures, E-Notarization and E-Witnesses in Florida Transactions By L. Benton Alexander, Jr. and Laura D. MaxwellThe current pandemic has made obtaining original signatures and having documents witnessed and notarized difficult, if not impossible at times. This has particularly affected real estate transactions in Florida, where, like other states, certain documents must be witnessed and notarized to be recorded. Consequently, many are asking whether documents can be signed,
News Release: THE “ANY TIME IS 3TS TIME” CAMPAIGN COMES TO PALM BEACH COUNTY, THANKS TO THE PNC FOUNDATION
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Megan Kossove, Director of Communication 561.514.3388megan.kossove@elcpalmbeach.org THE “ANY TIME IS 3Ts TIME” CAMPAIGN COMES TO PALM BEACH COUNTY, THANKS TO THE PNC FOUNDATION Free, bilingual resources will empower hundreds of parents statewide to advance brain development for children birth to age three Palm Beach County, FL (September 15, 2020) - The PNC Foundation has awarded a $400,000 grant to the Florida Association of Early Learning
Jones Foster Expands Practice Groups with Two Attorneys
Jones Foster is pleased to announce the addition of two new attorneys, Laura D. Maxwell and Brittany E. Cobb, to the Firm’s West Palm Beach office. Laura Maxwell has joined the Real Estate practice group, while Brittany Cobb has joined the Firm’s Corporate & Tax and Private Wealth, Trusts & Estates practice groups. These hires denote the Firm’s resilience and commitment to its clients during a time of unprecedented adversity within the community and the nation. “Our continued emphasis on
Jones Foster Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America 2021 Edition
Jones Foster is proud to announce that nearly half of the Firm’s attorneys have been named in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, a prestigious legal peer-review publication that recognizes the top 5 percent of practicing lawyers in the nation. This annual guide of outstanding attorneys is the result of exhaustive peer-review surveys of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area. Best Lawyers selects one
Joanne M. O’Connor Serves as Moderator for Judges Panel at Palm Beach County Bar Association Webinar
Litigation Shareholder Joanne O’Connor served as co-moderator for the Palm Beach County Bar Association (PBCBA) webinar entitled, “Civility and Good Practice: Navigating Complex Cases During the Pandemic.” The webinar featured a distinguished panel of federal and state court judges, including U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg, U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Judge Glenn Kelley, and Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Judge Cymonie Rowe. Civility and good practice within the legal
Adapting Distressed M&A Due Diligence Practices in the Age of Covid-19
By Kevin T. Lamb, Corporate Law Senior Counsel and Hanna B. Rubin, Intern, 2020 Summer Associate Program In a year that has come to be defined in large part by a global pandemic, many businesses have faced challenges they were not prepared to weather. As a result, mergers and acquisitions involving distressed companies (commonly known as “distressed M&A”) have increasingly attracted the attention of legal and financial industries. Entities that “thrive” amidst the challenges “will have the opportunity to
Genny Bernstein Receives “Member of the Year” Award from The Florida Bar Elder Law Section
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Estate Planning and Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, Genny Bernstein, has been named by The Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section as a Member of the Year. The announcement came during a recent Executive Council meeting in which three Elder Law Section members were recognized for their outstanding service. Genny was chosen as an award recipient for her dedication and longstanding contributions to the Section. She was recently named Chair of the Publication Committee,
Shareholder William G. Smith Assumes Role of President, East Coast Estate Planning Council
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Shareholder William G. Smith has been elected president of the East Coast Estate Planning Council Palm Beach County for the 2020-2021 term. Bill will lead the Council’s Board of Directors in planning and conducting the Council’s Fall 2020 – Spring 2021 season and will host the Council’s monthly meetings during the season. The East Coast Estate Planning Councilhas been serving the professional education and business development needs of estate planning
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
Genny Bernstein Named Chair of The Florida Bar Elder Law Publication Committee
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Estate Planning and Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, Genny Bernstein, has been appointed Chair of the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section Publication Committee for the 2020-2021 term. As Chair, Genny will be responsible for the publication of the Section’s newsletter,The Elder Law Advocate. Released 3 times per year, the newsletter provides South Florida Elder Law practitioners with legal insights, recommendations and strategies, industry resources, and analysis
Jones Foster Attorneys Reappointed to Florida Bar Committees
Jones Foster is pleased to announce the reappointment of several attorneys to serve on Florida Bar Standing Committees. Attorneys have been appointed by The Florida Bar president Dori Foster-Morales for the term beginning July 1, 2020, and will actively participate in the following committees throughout the year, using their experience to further enhance the important work of The Florida Bar. Board Member and Shareholder, Theo S. Kypreos, will serve on the Probate Rules Committee, a committee charged
Peter A. Sachs Appointed to Board of Directors for Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Firm Board Member and Litigation & Dispute Resolution Shareholder Peter A. Sachs has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County for a 3-year term. The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County was founded in 1949 with a mission of providing equal access to our judicial system to qualified and low-income residents and non-profits in Palm Beach County. The range of services now offered to the community extends beyond the
Cleveland Clinic Weston Appoints Chairman of Dermatology
Media Contacts:Arlene Allen-Mitchell (954) 270-9666 / allena@ccf.orgNatalie Alatriste (305) 801-8775 / Natalie.alatriste@rbbcommunications.com WESTON, Fla. – June 10, 2020 – Paul X. Benedetto, MD has been named Chairman of Dermatology at Cleveland Clinic Weston. He will be based at both the Weston and Parkland locations. Dr. Benedetto specializes in skin cancers and dermatologic surgery. He has published numerous scholarly articles on topics ranging from an atypical spindle cell neoplasm, to
Jones Foster’s Joanne M. O’Connor Appointed as Defendants’ Liaison Counsel in Zantac Multidistrict Litigation
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Joanne M. O’Connor has been appointed by U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg as Defendants’ Liaison Counsel in the Zantac (Ranitidine) multidistrict products liability litigation. As Defendants’ Liaison Counsel, Ms. O’Connor holds a pivotal leadership role as the point of contact for the transferee court, charged with expediting the resolution of complex litigation through the centralized distribution of information among and between defense counsel, the
Genny Bernstein Named Co-Chair of FAWL PBC Board Certification Committee
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney, Genny Bernstein, has been named by the Florida Association for Women Lawyers Palm Beach County chapter (FAWL PBC) as Co-Chair of the Board Certification Committee for the 2020-2021 term. As Co-Chair, Genny’s focus is to create opportunities for FAWL members to learn more about the importance of becoming Board Certified, its value to an attorney’s practice, tips about the application process, and exam requirements. As a
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
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
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
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
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
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
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS INDUSTRY AWARD FOR CENTRAL GARDENS GRAND APARTMENTS
West Palm Beach, Fla. – (November 12, 2019) – For the third consecutive year, West Palm Beach-based Verdex Construction has been named a recipient of the prestigious Eagle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida East Coast Chapter at their 2019 Excellence in Construction Awards. The Eagle Award, given to best-in-class projects, was presented to Verdex for Central Gardens Grand apartments in Palm Beach Gardens in the highly-competitive category of Best Market Rate Rental project ($20
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
Upcoming Music & Memories: Palm Beach County Book to Include Foreword by Philanthropist and Arts Patron, Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr.
Photo: L-R, Don McClintock, Brenda Star, Alexander J. Dreyfoos, Jr. West Palm Beach, November 11, 2019 – West Palm Beach-based philanthropist and Arts patron, Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr., will contribute his thoughts on the significance of music and its impact on the community, in an upcoming coffee table book being produced by StarGroup Books, entitled, Music & Memories: Palm Beach County. Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. is one of the most prominent and notable patrons of the Arts in Palm Beach County. In
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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
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,
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION SET TO BEGIN WORK ON THE SOVANA AT STUART
West Palm Beach, Fla. – (August 7, 2019) – West Palm Beach-based Verdex Construction announces it has been selected to build The Sovana at Stuart, a 55+ resort-style rental community in Stuart, Florida. Developed by United Group of Companies, The Sovana at Stuart consists of 182 one- and two-bedroom apartments in three- and four-story buildings, plus a stand-alone, 15,000 sq. ft. clubhouse at 1950 Northwest Federal Highway. Clubhouse amenities include a resort-style pool, living room with fireplace,
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
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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
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
WEST PALM BEACH-BASED VERDEX CONSTRUCTION EXPANDS TO TAMPA TO BUILD THE POINTE ON WESTSHORE
West Palm Beach, Fla. – (May 15, 2019) – West Palm Beach-based Verdex Construction announces a May 22 groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for The Pointe on Westshore, a luxury multi-family apartment and townhome community in Tampa, FL, being developed by Jupiter, FL-based Index Investments. This marks Verdex’s first project beyond Florida’s east coast. The Pointe on Westshore, located at 4950 West Prescott Street, will consist of six, five-story buildings with 444 luxury apartments
218 Akerman Lawyers Across the United States Named to 2018 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, and today announced nearly one-third of its lawyers were named to Super Lawyers. The 2018 edition of Super Lawyers Magazine recognized 218 professionals, including 83 Rising Stars. In Florida, Partners David Ackerman and Katherine Giddings were named to the Top 100 Florida Super Lawyers and Top 50 Florida Women Super Lawyers lists, respectively. Los Angeles Partner Jeffrey Horton Thomas was named to the Top 100 Southern California
Akerman Garners Tops Rankings in The Legal 500
Firm Lawyers Named Among Best in M&A, Real Estate, Land Use, Construction, Immigration, and Tax Law Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced that The Legal 500 has ranked the firm as a first tier law firm for land use and zoning in the Real Estate: Land Use/Zoning category. Akerman is one of only eight firms in the United States to share this distinction. Akerman land use lawyers were singled out as among the best in their field by the Guide, including
Nelson Mullins and Broad and Cassel to Combine Into Super-Regional Law Firm
Combined Firm to Have Over 725 Attorneys Across 11 States and the District of Columbia Columbia, SC (June 11, 2018): Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and Broad and Cassel LLP announced today that both partnerships have approved an agreement to combine effective August 1, 2018, to be known in Florida as Nelson Mullins Broad and Cassel. Both firms’ partnerships voted overwhelmingly to approve the combination, which will create a firm with over 725 attorneys and professionals operating in 25 offices
Scott Meyers Appointed Managing Partner of Akerman LLP
Addition of Leadership Role Will Help Drive and Implement Firm StrategyAkerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today announced Scott A. Meyers has been named managing partner. An integral member of firm leadership, Meyers will help create, implement and drive enterprise-wide initiatives. “Scott is a proven leader, accomplished member of our management team and exceptionally skilled at firm operations. Having Scott in this new role will accelerate our efforts to deliver an
Akerman Once Again Recognized Among Top Law Firms by Chambers USA
Firm Lawyers Ranked Among the Best in Corporate, Real Estate, and Tax Law Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, was once again recognized by leading legal guide Chambers and Partners as one of the nation’s most prominent law firms in middle market mergers and acquisitions, and for complex work within the financial services and real estate sectors. The 2018 edition of Chambers USA Guide recognized the firm in 17 practices areas, and also honored 52 lawyers representing
Akerman Ranked by U.S. News – Best Lawyers Among ‘Best Law Firms’ Nationally with Record Number of Tier 1 Rankings
Firm Again Achieves Top Rankings in Corporate, M&A, Real Estate, and Litigation Practice Areas Top 100 U.S. law firm Akerman has once again been recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers as among the “Best Law Firms” in the United States. The firm earned a record 35 national practice rankings, recognized for its corporate, real estate, and litigation teams, among others. The firm also increased its national Tier 1 rankings to 16 practice areas, including Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Real Estate,
Broad and Cassel Among 2018 Best Law Firms by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®
ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2017) — Statewide law firm Broad and Cassel LLP today announced it has been named among the 2018 “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®. The annual rankings recognize the top law firms in the country for professional excellence. Ranked firms are presented in tiers and listed on a national and/or metropolitan scale. Broad and Cassel saw seven national and numerous regional rankings throughout the state. National RankingsCommercial LitigationHealth Care LawLand Use & Zoning
28 South Florida Attorneys from Broad and Cassel Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2018, Two Selected as Lawyers of the Year
SOUTH FLORIDA (Sept. 6, 2017) — Statewide law firm Broad and Cassel LLP today announced 28 attorneys from the firm’s four South Florida offices have been included in The Best Lawyers in America® 2018. In total, 45 of the firm’s attorneys were recognized from six offices across the state. Additionally, two South Florida attorneys were named a “Lawyer of the Year,” a designation held by only one attorney in each region for that specific practice area. South Florida attorneys named a “Lawyer of the Year”
Broad and Cassel Announces Clifford Hertz as New West Palm Beach Office Managing Partner
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Aug. 23, 2017— Patricia Lebow, the founding partner of Broad and Cassel’s West Palm Beach office, today announced plans to transition from her role as managing partner of the office. Clifford Hertz, co-chair of the firm's Land Use and Environmental Law Department and a member of the Real Estate and Government Relations Practice Groups, has been selected by Broad and Cassel to move into this position. A veteran real estate and land use attorney, Hertz has anchored the West Palm
