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
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
CDL's Tiffany Rinda Joins Board of Friends of Foster Children of Palm Beach County, Inc.
The CPA firm of Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil, P.A. (CDL) is proud to announce that Tiffany Rinda has joined the board of directors of Friends of Foster Children (FFC) of Palm Beach County. Rinda, a Family Office bookkeeper, will support FFC’s mission of enriching lives impacted by foster care in Palm Beach County. The agency provides services, support and educational opportunities to help children overcome the effects of child abuse and neglect. There are currently more
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
Jones Foster Sponsors Annual Florida Tax Institute Conference
Jones Foster served as a sponsor of the annual Florida Tax Institute conference, held virtually for an audience of nearly 400. The three-day conference is geared to attorneys, accountants, trust officers, insurance and financial planners, and planned giving professionals, and features renowned speakers and panelists from corporations, law firms, and academic institutions. Topics included developments in state, local, and federal taxation, partnership and real estate debt workouts, transfer taxes,
Jones Foster Shareholder Peter A. Sachs Elected to Trustbridge Hospice Foundation Board of Directors
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Shareholder Peter A. Sachs has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation for a 3-year term. Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, formerly Hospice of Palm Beach/Broward County Foundation and Hospice by the Sea Foundation, is the philanthropic arm of Trustbridge. The Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for the organization’s programs and services, including comfort care, charitable care, music therapy, pet therapy, adult and
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
Jones Foster Adds Attorneys to Real Estate and Litigation Practice Groups
Jones Foster is pleased to announce the addition of two attorneys, Greg S. DeMeuse and Travis J. Foels. Greg DeMeuse has joined the Firm’s Real Estate practice group and is based out of the Palm Beach office, while Travis Foels has joined the Firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group in the West Palm Beach office. “Greg and Travis are talented young attorneys who add to our capabilities in key areas where we continue to see an increased need and anticipate long-term growth,” said Chairman
Jones Foster Shareholder William G. Smith Elected President of Local Kiwanis Club Foundation
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Shareholder William G. Smith has been elected president of The Kiwanis Club of West Palm Beach Foundation for the 2021 term. The Kiwanis Club of West Palm Beach Foundation, Inc. is committed to academic excellence and offers one of the largest scholarship programs in Florida. In 2020 alone, the Foundation awarded $295,000 in scholarships to 78 undergraduate and graduate students with connections to central Palm Beach County. Scholarship grants are given to
Jones Foster Shareholder Joanne M. O’Connor, Featured Speaker at The Florida Bar CLE Webinar
Litigation Shareholder Joanne O’Connor was one of several distinguished speakers at The Florida Bar’s Trial Lawyer’s Section continuing legal education (CLE) webinar titled “Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review 2021.” Joanne, a Board Certified Business Litigation Specialist and member of The Florida Bar’s Business Litigation Certification Committee, presented “Recent Developments in Business Litigation”, and discussed a variety of topics including the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade
Jones Foster - Can you force your employees to get vaccinated?
We are thankful to Jones Foster Employment Law Shareholder, Michael Gore, as he discussed some key considerations for employers, including:Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Title VIIEEOC GuidelinePotential claims by employees As the availability of the vaccine increases throughout the year, employers will wonder whether they can or should compel employees to get vaccinated. Meeting
The Future of Luxury - Chamber workshop hosted by Local IQ
THE FUTURE OF LUXURY - PALM BEACH DAILY NEWS | LOCALiQ WEBINAR It's no secret that the pandemic has permanently shifted consumer psychology, creating new opportunities. Together, we'll examine the affluent consumer and how luxury brands can stay ahead in 2021. Learn how to attract and retain affluent consumers through impactful storytelling and elevate advertising strategies in this engaging webinar! If you were not able to attend in person, watch the video presentation.Video Presentation
Jones Foster Shareholder Robert W. Wilkins Serves as Panelist at Palm Beach County Bar Association Virtual Seminar
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Robert W. Wilkins served as a panelist at the Palm Beach County Bar Association (PBCBA) virtual seminar titled "ADR Now - What the Covid Are We Doing?” The seminar, presented by the organization’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Business Litigation Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Committees, was comprised of several presentations by legal practitioners and industry professionals. Rob, the Firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group Leader, was
Successful Defense of Developer's Claim for Specific Performance Regarding Purchase of Property
M & M Realty Partners, LLC v. Mazzoni in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Jones Foster Litigation Shareholders Roberto M. Vargas and James C. Gavigan, Jr. successfully represented a Palm Beach County landowner in a lawsuit and subsequent court appeal brought by a developer seeking to compel specific performance regarding the purchase of an undeveloped 5-acre commercial parcel in Boynton Beach. A purchase agreement was entered into between the landowner (seller) and developer
January Chamber Meeting - FPL Pam Rauch host
The Palm Beach Chamber continues its monthly meetings via ZOOM, focusing on the economic influences in the community. The January 14th meeting was hosted by Pam Rauch, Vice President, External Affairs and Economic Development at FPL. She will talk about the delivery of America’s best energy value and its impact on the local community by one of the nation’s leading electric utilities.Ms. Rauch has been with FPL for two decades. Her experience with governmental agencies, permitting and licensing has been
Jones Foster Vice-Chair Scott G. Hawkins Named Committee Chair for The Economic Council of Palm Beach County
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that The Economic Council of Palm Beach County has named Vice-Chair and Litigation Shareholder, Scott G. Hawkins, as Chair of the Policy Committee. The Policy Committee is tasked with identifying policies and issues of importance to the county as well as monitoring county and statewide legislation and ordinances. The Economic Council of Palm Beach County is dedicated to providing community leadership that helps businesses thrive and grow in Palm Beach County.
Joanne M. O’Connor Elected as a Jones Foster Officer
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that Litigation Shareholder, Joanne M. O’Connor, has been elected as an Officer of the Firm. “We congratulate Joanne on her well-deserved elevation to Officer”, said Chairman Larry B. Alexander. “Joanne began her career as an Associate at Jones Foster and has built a highly successful practice through her exceptional talent, leadership ability, and dedication to her clients, earning the respect of her peers and the legal community.” Joanne is a Florida Bar Board
Successful Representation of The City of Delray Beach in City Manager Termination
George Gretsas vs. City of Delray Beach, Florida, Shelly Petrolia, Adam Frankel, Ryan Boyston, Shirley Johnson, and Julie Casale Delray Beach City Commissioners voted to suspend City Manager, George Gretsas, along with a preliminary notice to terminate for cause, pending an investigation into allegations of bullying several city employees. He was subsequently charged during a quasi-judicial proceeding with engaging in “a number of instances of misconduct” that warranted his firing. The City Manager filed
Jones Foster Named a Tier 1 Best Law Firm by U.S. News–Best Lawyers® 2021
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that the Firm has been named a 2021 Best Law Firm by U.S. News-Best Lawyers®in West Palm Beach. The annual report rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations. Surveys solicit information regarding a firm’s expertise, responsiveness, understanding of a business and its needs, cost-effectiveness, civility, and more. The tier-ranking is based upon the combined quantitative and qualitative data scores for
Jones Foster Serves as Proud Sponsor of Virtual Fundraiser for Local Legal Aid Society
Jones Foster is proud to have served as a sponsor of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County’s live virtual fundraiser in support of the organization’s work to provide equal access to our judicial system to qualified and low-income residents and non-profits in Palm Beach County. The event, Lawyers on the Front Lines: Caring for Palm Beach County During the COVID Crisis, was live-streamed on Facebook Live and YouTube and featured musical performances, videos, raffles, and an online
Jones Foster Shareholder David E. Bowers Discusses The SECURE Act and the Use of Trusts at ECEPC Virtual Luncheon
Shareholder David E. Bowers, head of Jones Foster’s Corporate & Tax and Private Wealth, Trusts & Estates practice groups, was the featured speaker at the East Coast Estate Planning Council’s first virtual luncheon of the season. David’s CLE-accredited presentation entitled “Use of Trusts After SECURE” was tailored to the audience of estate and tax planning attorneys, CPAs, CFPs, and trust officers and highlighted key considerations and consequences of The SECURE Act. He offered insight into required
The Transformative Face of Palm Beach County
Mark F. Bideau is quoted and listed in the directory of a Florida Trend article titled "The Transformative Face of Palm Beach County." LINKS Read "The Transformative Face of Palm Beach County."
14 Greenberg Traurig Attorneys Recognized in 2021 Benchmark Litigation US Rankings
NEW YORK – Oct. 15, 2020 – Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has 14 attorneys listed in the Benchmark Litigation United States guide’s 2021 rankings. According to the publication’s website, Benchmark Litigation is the definitive guide to the world’s leading litigation firms and lawyers. The guide provides law firm and lawyer rankings based on extensive interviews with litigators, dispute resolution specialists, and their clients, as well as analysis of the market’s most important cases and firm
October Monthly Meeting with Chris Ramey
The October monthly meeting was hosted by Chris Ramey of The HomeTrust. ‘Revitalizing Retail Post Pandemic.’ Myths, obligations, and reality related to the new role of luxury retail in Palm Beach.How you can succeed where Neiman Marcus failed. The October 2020 meeting was hosted virtually on the zoom platform. As can happen with virtual, the zoom platform crashed and we had to regroup. As it was a quick glitz, the video recording was disrupted. We have edited the recording and you can view it in
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Steven J. Rothman Appointed to Prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates Board of Directors
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation Shareholder Steven J. Rothman has been named to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Palm Beach chapter Board of Directors, effective January 2021. “It will be an honor to serve the local chapter as a Board Member alongside some of the most accomplished lawyers in Palm Beach County. I look forward to actively supporting the important work of ABOTA.” In addition to Steve’s Board of Directors role, he currently serves on the Remote Jury Trials
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Sidney A. Stubbs Receives ‘Distinguished Leader’ Award from Daily Business Review
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation Shareholder and Former Chairman, Sid Stubbs, has been named a 2020 Distinguished Leader honoree by the Daily Business Review. The Daily Business Review’s annual Professional Excellence Awards recognizes exemplary members of the South Florida legal community in various areas of the law and relies upon extensive industry research to make its selections. An esteemed litigator and revered leader in the legal field, Mr. Stubbs has focused his practice in the
Jones Foster Sponsors Virtual ‘Raise the Bar’ Event to Benefit Women’s Foundation of Florida
Jones Foster is proud to have served as a sponsor of the 2020 Raise the Bar event benefitting the Women’s Foundation of Florida. This year’s event took place as a virtual gathering, comprised of a mentoring workshop, leadership group discussion, and movie night. A range of professional and societal issues were discussed during the event, including topics such as women in leadership, diversity, equity, and racial injustice. The Women’s Foundation of Florida is a non-profit organization focused on
September Chamber Breakfast Event
On September 10, 2020 Rick Asnani of Cornerstone Solutions hosted the First Virtual Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Event. He and his team shared with our audience of 180 guests insights of the November 2020 Election. Please watch the recording here.
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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 andPrivate Wealth, Trusts & Estatespractice 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”
American Bar Association’s Technology Subcommittees Reappoint Robert W. Wilkins as Co-Chair
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder and Practice Group Leader, Rob Wilkins, has been reappointed as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Data Breach and Internet Subcommittee and the E-Discovery Subcommittee, both part of the Commercial and Business Litigation Committee (CBL). The CBL focuses on issues facing litigators with broad commercial practices, including substantive areas such as bankruptcy, creditor rights, professional liability, and trade secret law, and procedural matters such as
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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 recruitment of
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
David E. Bowers, Featured Guest on Hall of Champions Florida Bar Tax Section Podcast
David E. Bowers, Corporate & Tax Practice Group Leader, was a featured guest on The Florida Bar Tax Section’s Hall of Champions Interview Series podcast. The purpose of the interview series is to “record and preserve the wisdom of lawyers like David who have meant so much to the development of tax law and policy in the State of Florida”, offering Tax Section members the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field. In the hour-long interview, David discusses his distinguished legal career and why the
Shawmut Design and Construction Announces New Technology-Aided Safety Protocols in Response to COVID-19
Shawmut Design and Construction, a leading $1.5 billion national construction management firm, has developed a robust COVID-19 safety plan, created in partnership with trade unions, industry peer groups, and other leading firms. The firm has rolled out safety protocols, new job-site innovation, and an exhaustive COVID-19 risk assessment and response plan to all project sites in Palm Beach, ensuring the safety of all employees and team members. Known for its world-class safety program, Shawmut developed
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
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
Jones Foster’s 2020 Summer Associate Program Commences
Jones Foster is pleased to announce that three summer associates have joined the Firm for its 2020 Summer Associate Program. This year’s summer program scheduled to begin at the end of May was delayed due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The accelerated schedule will run from late June through mid-August. The Firm’s competitive program admits highly accomplished law students who are dedicated to building a career in the legal field. During their training, summer associates receive invaluable experience,
Michael Gore Hosts Palm Beach Chamber Webinar to Discuss Legal Considerations for Reopening Businesses
By Michael J. Gore Michael Gore served as a featured speaker at a recent Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce webinar on the topic of legal considerations for employers tasked with reopening their businesses and implementing procedures to protect employees in the months following the COVID-19 outbreak. We have outlined the following key considerations and resources for businesses and employers. Employee Safety | OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Employers should be mindful of and comply
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
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
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
Harvey Oyer - The Last Egret
Harvey Oyer, Historian of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, local historian and author, has collaborated with the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum to produce a historical video based on his book The Last Egret. Charlie Pierce Adventures videos were made to enhance the Florida History learning experience for Palm Beach County Fourth Graders at home. The first video – “The Last Egret” – can be accessed and shared by clicking on this Vimeo link: The Last Egret Video. Enjoy!It's perfect for the whole family!
Unintended Consequences of Furloughing Employees
By Michael J. Gore Many employers are rightfully concerned with how best to manage the implications of the COVID-19 crisis on their business, with some considering “furloughing” their employees as a way to mitigate the financial impact. While this trend is increasing in popularity, there are a number of unintended consequences associated with furloughing employees that businesses should consider in the decision-making process. For example, issues may arise regarding non-compete agreements or employee
Can COVID-19 Get Me Out Of My Real Estate Contract?
By Mark H. Dahlmeier and Jesse J. Hap There is no doubt that COVID-19 is affecting every industry and market across the globe. Many impacts of the pandemic remain to be seen, but buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants of residential and commercial properties are already experiencing some of the consequences. Many buyers are wondering if it’s possible that COVID-19 could get them out of a signed real estate contract that is pending closing. This is a fair question, especially for buyers who were
Using Zoom to Stay Connected? Protect Your Privacy.
By Robert W. Wilkins, ShareholderWhat you need to know about protecting your privacy while working remotely. The impact of COVID-19 is being felt by individuals and businesses across the country, resulting in many of us working remotely and relying heavily on technology such as Zoom to stay connected. Zoom, the well-known video and web conferencing platform, has seen a sharp rise in use over the past few weeks with a growing number of individuals and professionals in all industries using the app. While
How The SECURE Act May Affect You and Your Beneficiaries
By David E. Bowers, William G. Smith, Erica R. Haft On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed legislation that contains provisions from the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (referred to as the “SECURE Act”). We have summarized below some key considerations and consequences. Significant Changes The SECURE Act alters how Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) are transferred upon the IRA holder’s death. Effective January 1, 2020, the SECURE Act changes IRA provisions,
Peter A. Sachs, Featured Speaker at the Planned Giving Council of Palm Beach County Event
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder, Peter Sachs, was a featured speaker at the Planned Giving Council of Palm Beach County’s monthly breakfast meeting. The gathering provides a forum for members and guests to learn from prominent speakers in various industries and to network with professionals who have a role in designing and implementing philanthropic plans. Mr. Sach’s presentation, entitled, Understanding the Diminishing Capacity of Donors and Clients within Philanthropy, discussed the importance of
Get to Know Corporate & Tax and Private Client Attorney William G. Smith
Bill Smith, Firm Shareholder and a member of the Corporate & Tax and Private Client teams, concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, taxation, and corporate law. We sat down with Bill to discuss his practice here at Jones Foster, as well as some current issues that may impact clients. How do you describe your practice to non-attorneys? I concentrate my practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, taxation, and corporate
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder, Robert Wilkins, Authors PBCBA Article on Ephemeral Messaging App Risks
Client Litigation Risks When Using Ephemeral Messaging Apps By Robert W. Wilkins According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, ephemeral means “lasting a very short time.” A number of messaging apps are designed for this very purpose — to allow messages and photos to self-destruct. SnapChat, Confide, Telegram, Hash, Signal, Wickr and an ever-growing number of similar messaging apps promote themselves based on both the power of their end-to-end encryption and their ability to disappear without a trace. For
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder Steven J. Rothman Joins Prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation Shareholder, Steven Rothman, has been accepted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Membership in ABOTA is by invitation-only and is considered to be one of the most prestigious affiliations for trial attorneys. All members must meet a list of professional requirements as well as extol the virtues of civility, integrity, and professionalism. The local Palm Beach Chapter of ABOTA is comprised of only 107 select members of the legal
CPA Firm Receives “All Star” Recognition From INSIDE Public Accounting
The CPA firm of Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil, P.A. (CDL) has made the “2019 All-Stars in Niche Specialization” list in the January 2020 edition of INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA). CDL was recognized for being one of the top five CPA firms in the nation for deriving a high percentage of revenue from the specialty practice area of High Net Worth Clients. “We are extremely proud of our tax services, and particularly to be recognized for our work with High Net Worth Clients and
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
David E. Bowers, Featured Speaker at the 2020 Florida Tax Institute
David Bowers, Corporate & Tax Practice Group Leader, was a featured speaker at the Firm-sponsored Florida Tax Institute conference, held in Tampa, Florida. Corporate & Tax Shareholder, William Smith, LL.M., and Attorney Erica R. Haft, LL.M., also represented the Corporate & Tax Practice Group at the event. The three-day conference is geared to attorneys, accountants, trust officers, insurance and financial planners, and planned giving professionals, with renowned speakers and panelists discussing
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
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
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 W. 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,
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
StarGroup Books Receives International Indie Book Award for Promotional Book Highlighting Prestigious Palm Beach Estates and Lifestyles
West Palm Beach, FL – May 29, 2019 – West Palm Beach marketing and publishing company, StarGroup International, has announced their latest Palm Beach promotional book, Palm Beach Estates and Lifestyles: The Best of the Best, has received an award from the 2019 Indie Book Awards. The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is the world’s largest not-for-profit awards program, established to recognize and honor the most exceptional independently published books each year. In the publishing world, the Indie Book
Grasford W. Smith Named “Corporate Executive of the Year” by Legacy South Florida
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation ShareholderGrasford W. Smith has been selected by Legacy South Florida magazine as the “Corporate Executive of the Year” for 2019. A black-tie Gala reception was held on Saturday, May 4th at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, FL to honor the most powerful and influential black business leaders of the year.Grasford Smith focuses his practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, cybersecurity, and
