Jones Foster

08/20/2026

We congratulate our 36 attorney honorees recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, representing more than three-quarters of the firm's practicing attorneys. Only about 5% of lawyers in the market receive this honor, which is based on an extensive peer-review process.

In addition, we are proud to announce that Chairman Scott Hawkins was named a 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation – Environmental for the West Palm Beach metro area, earning the highest overall peer feedback. Only one lawyer in each practice area and location receives this distinction.

Several of our attorneys also received first-time recognition in The Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch in America lists and placed in new practice areas.

➡️ Learn more about our honorees: bitlylink to blog

08/17/2026

What should lawyers know about protecting sensitive client and third-party information from today’s cybersecurity threats? 💻🔒

On August 25, Jones Foster litigation shareholder Robert Wilkins will be a featured speaker during the Cybersecurity and Privacy Law session of the Attorney Breakout program at the Workers' Compensation Institute's 80th Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference in Orlando.

In his role as co-chair of The Florida Bar’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Law Committee, Rob will address key cybersecurity risks facing lawyers and law firms, including data theft and exposure on public leak sites, as well as practical strategies for protecting confidentiality and data integrity.

The session will also cover common threats such as malware, ransomware and phishing; attorneys’ ethical obligations; the consequences of inadequate security measures; and important considerations surrounding cyber insurance.

📅 August 25 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
📍 Orlando World Center Marriott
➡️ Learn more and register: wci360.com/register

08/12/2026

From the classroom to the courtroom, Jones Foster’s 2026 summer associates experienced daily life in a law firm, where some lessons are learned outside of law textbooks.

J.D. candidates Michael Sauer, of UF Levin College of Law , and Parker Schlichte of Stetson University College of Law, spent the past 11 weeks working alongside attorneys across six practice groups, contributing to client matters and attending depositions, hearings, and even jury trials. Along the way, they strengthened their legal skills, received valuable guidance from attorney mentors, and explored new areas of interest as they began charting their paths toward future careers.

Their summer was also about building relationships and becoming part of the Jones Foster team, from collaborating with attorneys and professional staff to volunteering in the community through the firm’s Jones Foster Impact program.

Read Michael and Parker’s reflections on their summer associate experience: https://bit.ly/4g2hasU

08/11/2026

Jones Foster is pleased to announce the launch of the firm's Complex Trial Team, a defined subset of trial attorneys within the Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group. "We are dedicating resources to further develop this high-stakes practice area, led by litigation shareholder and board member Steven Rothman, who has significant experience as one of the most accomplished trial attorneys in the region," said Chairman Scott Hawkins.

The subgroup, chaired by Mr. Rothman, includes Robert Wilkins, Peter Sachs, Joanne O'Connor, Michael Gore, Travis Foels, Lucia DeFilippo, and Danielle Jakeman. "I have been trying cases throughout my career, but over time, trials have become increasingly complex, particularly in jury selection, trial presentations, and disputes involving electronically stored information," said Mr. Rothman. "Today, clients seek attorneys who can handle high-stakes cases that are both complicated and technical. At Jones Foster, we leverage advanced technology and a broad network of experts in state and federal court trials, as well as in arbitration."

Among the attorneys, four are Florida Bar board-certified in Civil Trial or Business Litigation, the highest level of evaluation of an attorney's competency and experience in a particular area of law.

Meet the attorneys behind Jones Foster's Complex Trial Team: https://bit.ly/45k11tR

08/04/2026

We congratulate land use attorney Peter Henn, AICP, on his appointment as chair of Florida Atlantic University’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning by Dean Valery E. Forbes of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

A longtime senior instructor at FAU, Peter has drawn on his experience as an attorney, certified planner, and former real estate developer to teach graduate-level students about land use, planning and zoning, and urban development and design.

“I've spent the past 12 years teaching because I'm passionate about preparing the next generation of planning professionals with the knowledge and practical experience to help build a better South Florida," Mr. Henn said. “As department chair, I have the opportunity to expand that impact beyond the classroom.”

In his role as Senior Counsel in Jones Foster's Land Use & Governmental practice group, Peter represents developers, property owners, investors, and businesses in all aspects of land use regulations, comprehensive planning, development approvals, and zoning matters throughout Florida and across the U.S.

Learn more about Peter’s appointment: https://bit.ly/4gaoML0

Jones Foster land use attorney Peter Henn, AICP, has served as a senior instructor at FAU's Department of Urban and Regional Planning for the past 12…

07/29/2026

What do Florida's new fiduciary income and principal rules mean for trustees administering trusts that receive IRA distributions?

In the Spring 2026 issue of ActionLine, a publication of Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section, Jones Foster attorney Alex Parthemer, LL.M., along with Sasha Klein, LL.M., of PwC US, and David Sennett, LL.M., Independent IRA Consultant, examine Fla. Stat. § 738.409 and its impact on trusts receiving postmortem IRA distributions.

The article explores the statute's revised allocation framework, new definitions, calculation methods, and safe harbor provision, offering practical guidance for trustees navigating these complex fiduciary responsibilities.

➡️ Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fVOG5b

Learn how Fla. Stat. § 738.409 governs the allocation of IRA distributions to trusts after the account owner's death, including trustee responsibilities,…

07/23/2026

Jones Foster was pleased to host a luncheon celebrating another successful summer of the Palm Beach County Bar Association Advancing Opportunities Internship Program (AOIP), supporting litigation attorney Michael Habib in his role as program co-chair alongside interns, fellow members of the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, and the firm’s attorneys.

The AOIP provides law students with meaningful opportunities to gain practical legal experience, connect with judges and attorneys, explore Palm Beach County's legal community, and build relationships that help launch their future careers. As a PBCBA 100% Club member, our firm is proud to support initiatives that expand access to the profession and help cultivate the next generation of legal talent.

07/22/2026

We are pleased to welcome attorney Michael Goldman to Jones Foster’s Real Estate team.

Michael will be based in the firm’s West Palm Beach office and focuses his practice on complex commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, development, construction, and related transactions.

“As South Florida continues to attract new businesses and development, our real estate team is expanding to meet the needs of a growing and increasingly diverse client base," said Ben Alexander, Vice Chair of Jones Foster's Real Estate Practice Group and Palm Beach Managing Shareholder. "Michael's addition reflects our commitment to attracting exceptional legal talent and ensuring we are well-positioned to meet that demand.”

Learn more about Michael and his practice: https://bit.ly/4fP5jPS

Michael Goldman focuses his practice on complex commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, development,…

07/20/2026

Jones Foster employees recently stepped away from their desks to help Palm Beach County students fill theirs. 🎒✏️📓

Through our Jones Foster Impact community involvement program, we were proud to serve as a sponsor and volunteer at the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County’s annual Backpack Build, joining companies and community volunteers to fill backpacks with essential school supplies for students at Title I schools throughout the county.

The JF Impact Team joined other companies and community volunteers to collectively pack 9,990 backpacks that will benefit students at 14 local schools, helping ensure they have the resources they need to start the school year prepared and reduce barriers to learning. This year’s expanded initiative runs through July 24th and will provide 36,000 backpacks for students, including those in middle schools, allowing even more children to access the supplies they need to thrive in the classroom.

During the event, the team also toured the Education Foundation’s new Lake Worth Beach headquarters and learned more about the organization’s mission to advance educational opportunities throughout Palm Beach County, including its focus on grant-funded initiatives that support innovative academic and career programs at local schools.

🍎 Ready to gear up a student for success? Learn more: www.educationfoundationpbc.org/backpacks

07/15/2026

We congratulate trust and estate litigation attorney Lucia DeFilippo on being selected as a Fellow of The Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section Fellowship Program! 🎉

Each year, up to four attorneys statewide are chosen for this prestigious two-year professional development initiative, which provides emerging attorneys with opportunities for mentorship, committee leadership, and hands-on experience in the section's substantive work.

Learn more about the path ahead for Lucia as a RPPTL Fellow: https://bit.ly/450YwMS

As part of the Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section Fellowship Program, Lucia DeFilippo will engage in leadership and committee…