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
News Release: 6/3/2020 Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa Invites Guests to “Press Play” This Summer In Palm Beach Beginning July 1
EAU PALM BEACH RESORT & SPA INVITES GUESTS TO ‘PRESS PLAY’ THIS SUMMER IN PALM BEACH BEGINNING JULY 1 Reopening In Time for Its Seventh Anniversary, Eau Palm Beach Welcomes Guests Back With Summer Values and Celebrations PALM BEACH, Fla. (June 3, 2020) – Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, the award-winning oceanfront oasis situated along Florida’s Gold Coast, today announced that it will reopen on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, welcoming both overnight and local guests for a sun-splashed summer season. To
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
Jones Foster Sponsors Peggy Adams’ 2020 Walk for the Animals
Jones Foster was a proud sponsor of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League’s 2020 Annual Barry Crown Walk for the Animals, which took place at the Meyer Amphitheater on Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach on February 22, 2020. As a corporate sponsor of the event’s Pet Costume Contest, Firm Shareholder Theo Kypreos and Attorney Erica Haft were selected to serve as Judges alongside WPBF TV’s Ron Burke and Vanessa Vinent. Jones Foster employees and their families took part in the walk as part of the Firm’s
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:
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
Lauren Whetstone Appointed to the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission
WEST PALM BEACH – Jan. 15, 2020 – Lauren R. Whetstone, a shareholder in the West Palm Beach office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, P.A., has been appointed to the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission (CJC). The CJC consists of 21 public sector members, 10 private sector business leaders representing the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and one clergy member. Whetstone was appointed by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. and approved by the Board of Palm Beach County
Dixie Vodka Secures Multi-Year NASCAR Partnership as First “Official Vodka”
Jones Foster Corporate attorney, Kevin T. Lamb, represented Grain & Barrel Spirits brand, Dixie Vodka, in a multi-year sponsorship deal as the first official vodka of NASCAR. A certified South Carolina product, Dixie Vodka is the largest premium craft vodka produced in the Southeast and is one of the fastest-growing spirit brands in the United States. The NASCAR partnership represents a major branding initiative to expand its market presence by aligning with the iconic sports league and its fervent fan
John C. Randolph Receives Proclamation from the Mayor of the Town of Palm Beach
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Land Use and Governmental Shareholder, John “Skip” Randolph, has received a Proclamation of the Mayor of the Town of Palm Beach, Gail Coniglio, in appreciation of his 40 years of service to the Town of Palm Beach. Mayor Coniglio proclaimed the date of December 11, 2019, a day of gratitude for his outstanding commitment to the community.Mr. Randolph began his service to the Town of Palm Beach on September 19, 1979, and during his tenure as Town Attorney, he
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Get to Know Litigation Attorney Peter Sachs
Peter Sachs, Litigation Shareholder and the 2020 Best Lawyers in America "Lawyer of the Year" for Trusts & Estates Litigation in West Palm Beach, represents individuals and institutions in the prosecution and defense of complex trust and estate, guardianship, and commercial litigation matters. Peter is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial and Business Litigation specialist, and is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We sat down with
Robert W. Wilkins Reappointed Co-Chair of American Bar Association Subcommittees
Litigation Shareholder and Practice Group Leader, Rob Wilkins, has been reappointed as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Data Breach and Internet Subcommittee and the E-Discovery Subcommittee, both a part of the Commercial and Business Litigation Committee (CBL). As the largest and most active section of Litigation within the ABA, the CBL focuses on issues facing litigators with broad commercial practices, including substantive areas such as bankruptcy, creditor rights, professional
Grasford W. Smith Appointed by Florida Supreme Court to Advisory Committee
Jones Foster Litigation Shareholder, Grasford W. Smith, was appointed to the Chief Justice’s Advisory Committee for the Pro Bono Service Awards by the Florida Supreme Court. Each year, the Florida Supreme Court and The Florida Bar give special recognition to lawyers, groups, and members of the judiciary who make public service commitments of their time and expertise in ensuring access to justice for those who otherwise could not afford it. The Chief Justice’s Pro Bono Advisory Committee recommends the
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
Jones Foster Adds to Litigation and Real Estate Practices with 2 Attorneys
Jones Foster is proud to announce the addition of Carlee Rizzolo as an Associate in the Firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group, and Jesse Hap as an Associate in the Real Estate practice group. Both will be based in the Firm’s West Palm Beach office. Carlee and Jesse participated in the 2018 Jones Foster Summer Program, and the decision to hire both University of Florida Levin College of Law graduates is part of the Firm’s ongoing commitment to the development of the next generation of
Palm Beach Illustrated Names Jones Foster Attorneys as 2019 Top Lawyers
Jones Foster is proud to announce that 13 attorneys, representing the Firm’s 5 main practice groups, have been named “Top Lawyers” 2019 by Palm Beach Illustrated. Palm Beach Illustrated, a luxury lifestyle magazine, debuted in 1952 and is distributed from Boca Raton to Vero Beach. This annual honor is the result of a peer-review nomination survey sent to all certified lawyers throughout Palm Beach County, conducted by Palm Beach Illustrated and Professional Research Services. The following Jones
Grasford W. Smith Appointed to the American Heart Association’s Palm Beach County Board of Directors
Jones Foster is proud to announce that Litigation & Dispute Resolution Shareholder, Grasford Smith, has been appointed to the American Heart Association’s Palm Beach County Board of Directors and will serve as the Chair of the Leadership Development Committee. Grasford will work alongside many notable business and community leaders to lead the fight against heart disease and stroke and further AHA’s mission, “to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.” The American Heart Association,
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
