News
West Palm Beach Attorney Gary S. Lesser Sworn in as 74th President of The Florida Bar
Orlando, FL (June 24, 2022) – Attorney Gary S. Lesser, Managing Partner of West Palm Beach-based Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, was sworn in today as the 74th President of The Florida Bar. More than 500 Bar members attended the ceremony, which took place this morning at the Bar’s Annual Convention at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek & Waldorf Astoria. Lesser is a longtime leader of the Florida Bar, having served for more than a decade on its Board of Governors. He served as Chair of the Bar’s
Jones Foster Attorneys Named 2022 Super Lawyers
Jones Foster is proud to announce that 50% of our shareholders and senior counsel have been selected for inclusion in the 2022 edition of Florida Super Lawyers, a prestigious and select list of no more than 5% of the 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 patented multiphase selection process involving independent research, peer nomination, and evaluation in which they are
Father's Day at City Oyster
Treat your favorite Superdad to a celebratory Father’s Day feast at beloved Delray Beach hotspot, City Oyster. Executive chef Jordan Stilley will present a plethora of brunch specialties, including City Oyster's decadent Belgian Waffle ($14.50); Petrossian Caviar Eggs Benedict ($30); Maine Lobster Roll ($21); Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ($20); and Fresh Fish & Chips ($19). Keep the party hopping with unlimited mimosas and bloody Mary’s for $17 (with purchase of an entrée). For dinner, seafood
Palm Beach Atlantic Alumnae Earn 3 More Fulbright Program Honors
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA — “Innovators. Trailblazers. Fulbrighters.” That’s how the Fulbright Program describes the people it honors, a select group that now includes 10 graduates of Palm Beach Atlantic University. The Fulbright Program, the flagship international academic exchange sponsored by the U.S. Government, appoints students, educators and researchers to serve and learn in other countries, seeking to foster mutual understanding between the United States and those countries. The latest PBA
Palm Beach Atlantic Student Wins Department of State's Gilman Scholarship
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA — Palm Beach Atlantic senior Miriam Edele has won the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study this summer in Cusco, Peru. The Gilman Scholarship is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). “This award is highly competitive on a level with the Fulbright Award,” said Dr. Carl Miller, who leads PBA’s Prestigious National Scholarship Program. “It’s always been a dream of mine to go to Peru,” said
NAI/MERIN HUNTER CODMAN’S NEIL E. MERIN, SIOR, CCIM & ADAM STARR EXECUTE AN 11-YEAR LEASE AT DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE’S 1 EAST BROWARD OFFICE BUILDING
NAI/MERIN HUNTER CODMAN’S NEIL E. MERIN, SIOR, CCIM & ADAM STARR EXECUTE AN 11-YEAR LEASE AT DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE’S 1 EAST BROWARD OFFICE BUILDING- 9,285 square feet leased to South Florida law firm Stok Kon + Braverman - Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – One of South Florida’s leading commercial real estate services firms, NAI/Merin Hunter Codman, Inc., announces that Chairman, Neil E. Merin, SIOR, CCIM and Managing Director, Adam Starr have finalized an 11-year, 9,285-square-foot lease transaction to Stok
Top 4 Tips to Declare Independence from LinkedIn Guilt
Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at noon EasternTop 4 Tips to Declare Independence from LinkedIn Guilt We get it! Life can throw us curve balls. It is easy to become distracted when priorities shift often! Sometimes, you may feel overwhelmed and “getting on LinkedIn” is the last thing on your mind. You know you need to log in, but you’re stuck … and now you’re feeling guilty because you’re behind on posting and invitations.Join DW Consulting Solutions Coaches, Dayve Gabbard and Kelli Winter, as they share
News Release: 6/7/2022NAI/MERIN HUNTER CODMAN’S NEIL E. MERIN, SIOR, CCIM & ADAM STARR EXECUTE AN 11-YEAR LEASE AT DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE’S 1 EAST BROWARD OFFICE BUILDING
For immediate release:June 7, 2022Melissa BeierNAI/Merin Hunter CodmanPhone: 561-471-8000mbeier@mhcreal.com NAI/MERIN HUNTER CODMAN’S NEIL E. MERIN, SIOR, CCIM & ADAM STARR EXECUTE AN 11-YEAR LEASE AT DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE’S 1 EAST BROWARD OFFICE BUILDING- 9,285 square feet leased to South Florida law firm Stok Kon + Braverman - Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – One of South Florida’s leading commercial real estate services firms, NAI/Merin Hunter Codman, Inc., announces that Chairman, Neil E. Merin,
CEO of Mint Eco Car Wash Wins 2022 Small Business Person of the Year
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, June 1, 2022 — Geoffrey Jervis, CEO and Co-founder of Mint Eco Car Wash, was named the 2022 Small Business Person of the Year Award winner last week by the Chamber of the Palm Beaches during their Business Awards breakfast. The annual award honors an individual who is a business leader that exhibits dedicated involvement to the community. Geoff was selected as one of four finalists, from over 80 nominations. During his acceptance speech, Geoff shared with those in attendance:
Mint Eco Car Wash to Wash All Police Vehicles for FREE
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, May 19, 2022 — In celebration of National Police Week, Mint Eco Car Wash has announced that they will be offering free car washes for police vehicles as a permanent part of Mint Eco’s community outreach initiative. To date, Mint Eco has washed over 500 police cars across many police departments in the county, including the West Palm Beach Police Department, the Palm Beach Police Department, the Jupiter Police Department, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.Geoffrey Jervis,
Jones Foster Attorney Zachary M. Rothman Graduates from Florida Fellows Institute
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation and Private Wealth attorney Zachary M. Rothman has graduated from the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Class V. The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) is a national organization of lawyers elected to membership by demonstrating the highest level of integrity, commitment to the profession, competence, and experience as trust and estate counselors. The Florida Fellows Institute was created by
MHCommercial Real Estate Fund II Acquires Boca Raton Office Complex, Yamato Office Center, for $45.9 Million
Press ReleaseMelissa BeierNAI/Merin Hunter CodmanPhone: 561-471-8000mbeier@mhcreal.com May 10, 2022 MHCommercial Real Estate Fund II Acquires Boca Raton Office Complex, Yamato Office Center, for $45.9 Million West Palm Beach, FL – MHCommercial Real Estate Fund II (“MHCREFII”), a discretionary real estate private equity fund formed by Dung Lam, Neil E. Merin and Jordan Paul, has closed on the purchase of Yamato Office Center in Boca Raton for $45,925,000 ($267/SF) in a joint venture partnership
Mint Eco Car Wash Wins The Palm Beach Post’s “Best Car Wash in Palm Beach County” Award
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, April 14, 2022 — Mint Eco Car Wash has officially been recognized as the “Best Car Wash in Palm Beach County” by the Palm Beach Post in their annual “Best of the Best” local fan-based award.Geoffrey Jervis, Co-Founder and CEO of Mint Eco, shared, “We are incredibly honored to receive this prestigious accolade. When you set out to do something dramatically different in an industry, you are always fearful that your concept may not be appreciated by the market. This award is
MHCommercial Real Estate Fund and Waterfall Asset Management Purchase LEED® Gold Certified 100,525 SF Office Building in West Palm Beach, Florida for $32.5 Million
MHCommercial Real Estate Fund and Waterfall Asset Management Purchase LEED® Gold Certified 100,525 SF Office Building in West Palm Beach, Florida for $32.5 Million West Palm Beach, FL – A joint venture between affiliates of West Palm Beach based MHCommercial Real Estate Fund II (“MHCREF”), a discretionary real estate private equity fund formed by NAI/Merin Hunter Codman principals Dung Lam, Neil E. Merin and Jordan Paul and Waterfall Asset Management (“Waterfall”), a New York based SEC-registered
SUNFEST ANNOUNCES IDEAL NUTRITION AS NEW STAGE SPONSOR
MEDIA CONTACT: Slatkow & Husak Public Relations Ally CecilAlly@slatkowhusak.com or 561.278.0850FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUNFEST ANNOUNCES IDEAL NUTRITION AND LABOVICK LAW GROUP AS NEW STAGE SPONSORS (West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Organizers for SunFest 2022 recently announced Ideal Nutrition and LaBovick Law Group as the new stage sponsors of the festival’s stages at Meyer Amphitheatre and the South Stage. These businesses join the prestigious group of strong partners who support SunFest including long-time
TRUSTBRIDGE HOSPICE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT GREG LEACH ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER 13 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
West Palm Beach, FL (December 15, 2021) – After thirteen years of dedicating his compassionate leadership as president and CEO of the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation (Hospice of Palm Beach County/Hospice by the Sea) Greg Leach has announced his retirement to the Board of Directors. Leach will continue in his position through March of 2021 to ensure a smooth transition for his successor. He will remain as a consultant for fiduciary issues reporting to the Board Chairman. Leach began his tenure with the
Lewis, Longman & Walker Recognized Among 2022 “Best Law Firms”
Florida law firm Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. has been recognized among 2022 “Best Law Firms” byU.S. News & World Report. The LLW offices that received “Tier 1” rankings are:Jacksonville – Environmental LawTallahassee – Environmental Law; Environmental Litigation and Natural Resources LawWest Palm Beach – Environmental Law and Environmental LitigationRankings are determined by a combination of hard data, peer reviews and client assessments. Best Law Firms® lists are excerpted in a wide range of general
Lewis, Longman & Walker Attorney Kathryn Rossmell Named an Honoree of South Florida Business & Wealth 2021 Legal Awards
Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. attorney Kathryn Rossmell has been named an honoree of South Florida Business & Wealth Magazine’s first annual Legal Awards. Kathryn is one of only two attorneys to win an award in the Junior Associate category. SFBW legal awards celebrate the accomplishments, acumen and dedication of “top-flight attorneys” in the region. Kathryn was presented with the award last night at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. Kathryn will be featured alongside other award
Helping Women Succeed is an Everyday Mission for LLW Attorney Kathryn Rossmell
September 17, 2021 – When it comes to inspiring and supporting women in the workforce to achieve their full potential, Kathryn Rossmell makes that mission an integral part of her professional and personal life every day. That deeply embedded commitment has now brought Rossmell well-deserved recognition as a finalist for the 2021 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. The award celebrates emerging women leaders 40 years of age or younger who
LLW President Michelle Diffenderfer Elected Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources
Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. President and Shareholder Michelle Diffenderfer was recently elected Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (ABA SEER). She will serve a one-year term, through August 2022. “I am excited and honored to be named Chair of the Section. I grew up as an environmental lawyer in SEER and am thrilled to be able to give back to the Section that provided me with mentoring, leadership experience and so many friends through the years,” said
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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