News
Successful Defense of Municipality in FLSA Overtime Dispute
Jeffrey Bernstein, Vincent Curcio, and John Angelone v. Town Of Jupiter, Case No. 9:21-cv-81215 (S.D. Fla.) Jones Foster attorneys across multiple practice groups combined their extensive knowledge and experience to successfully defend the Town of Jupiter in an attempted collective action lawsuit brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The team included Shareholder and Chair of the Firm’s Land Use & Governmental Practice
Tax Collector Gannon's February Update
Dear Friends:Well, the new year has gotten off to a challenging start here in the Tax Collector’s Office as we are managing through the latest COVID-19 surge. Like many other offices and businesses, this latest surge has resulted in numerous staff being out in order to rest and get healthy. My staff is working diligently to process the influx of work we are receiving as a result of being in the middle of tax season. Rest assured, that our focus is to process the volumes of work as quickly as possible and
10 Sweet Tips to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Wednesday, January 26th at noon Eastern10 Sweet Tips to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile The holiday hang-over has passed, January is nearly completed, and it looks like 2022 is starting with a bang! You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Is your LinkedIn Profile representing you as well as it should? Join DW Consulting Solutions Coaches, Dayve Gabbard and Kelli Winter, as they show you how to start the year right by optimizing your LinkedIn Profile.All registrants will receive the
Big Time Restaurant Group Names Robert Morris as GM of City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill and Barrio
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Big Time Restaurant Group has recently appointed seasoned hospitality pro Robert Morris to its award-winning, restaurant operations team. As the General Manager of City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill and Barrio, both located at The Square in West Palm Beach, his day-to-day responsibilities include planning and directing restaurant operations, maintaining high standards of food, service, health, and safety, while ensuring efficient and profitable business performance, and spearheading
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION ADDS INDUSTRY VETERAN TOBY JOHNSON TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (January 7, 2022)- West Palm Beach-based Verdex Construction has selected Toby Johnson as Vice President and Managing Director of their Florida West Coast team. Based out of Verdex’s Tampa office, Toby is responsible for regional operational excellence, increasing Verdex’s presence in the market, advancing Owner and Subcontractor relationships and supporting Verdex’s seasoned Tampa team.Having successfully grown and operated multiple companies, Toby’s expertise at creating consensus to
Celebrating Our Year of Success
Celebrating Our Year of Success Over the last year, Clerk Joseph Abruzzo has helped to shape the way in which our office serves the community, by putting an emphasis on service and duty. Throughout 2021, we have focused on new ways to increase efficiency, invest and protect your tax money and improve access across the county to the vital services we provide. There's more to come in 2022.Read Clerk Abruzzo’s Message About Our Office’s Accomplishments Clerk Seeks Legislature’s Help to Release Epstein
Tax Collector Gannon's Top Tips for the New Year
Dear Friends: First, Happy New Year to you and your family and friends. I am hopeful that 2022 will be a very good year as we return to some level of normalcy. The new year typically means declaring well-intended resolutions. While not a traditional resolution, I always look forward to this time of year when the weather offers cooler temperatures and gorgeous sunny days, and I can commit to spending more time working in my garden. From planting and weeding to tending to my very productive honeybees,
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
Cryptocurrency 101: Getting Up To Speed
By David E. Bowers, LL.M. and Brittany E. Cobb, LL.M. Almost overnight Bitcoin took the financial market by storm as it became the first successful cryptocurrency exchange in the United States in 2009. The success of Bitcoin has spawned new cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, Tether, and Binance Coin, to name a few. While cryptocurrency was once touted as being a vehicle for illicit activities, digital currency has, for some time now, been recognized as a legitimate form of payment, and many
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Ideal Nutrition to Expand in Palm Beach County
November 16, 2021 – West Palm Beach, FL – The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB) is pleased to announce that Ideal Nutrition, a healthy meal delivery company, will expand in West Palm Beach. The company will create 170 new jobs at the new 43,000 sq. ft. facility located at 350 Haverhill Road. Founded in Palm Beach County in 2016, Ideal Nutrition has grown to four storefront locations spanning from Boca Raton up to Palm Beach Gardens. The distribution facility in West Palm Beach will
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
Lewis, Longman & Walker Receives “Band 1” Ranking in Environmental Law by Chambers and Partners
For the 13th year in a row, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. (LLW) has been recognized by Chambers and Partners with a Band 1 ranking in Environmental Law. LLW is one of only four law firms in Florida to receive this top-tier ranking. Additionally, four shareholders from LLW have been recognized as leaders in environmental law in the Guide: Terry E. Lewis, R. Steven Lewis, Stephen A. Walker and Alfred J. Malefatto. Chambers and Partners is one of the world’s most respected and longest-standing directories
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
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
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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,
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
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
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
