Experienced Attorneys

Open Positions

Associate Attorney - Litigation

Jones Foster is seeking a Litigation Associate with 4 to 7 years of experience to work in the area of complex commercial litigation. Previous litigation experience focused on legal ethics, business disputes, fiduciary duties, corporate law, and/or partnership and shareholder disputes is preferred. This candidate will be responsible for all aspects of a case in state and federal court. This includes pre-trial prep, court appearances, motions, depositions, mediations, negotiations, and trials. The ideal candidate will have strong decision-making capabilities, a high level of independent judgment, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Experience preparing federal and state court filings, handling court appearances, taking and defending depositions, and managing discovery and motions is required. Trial or evidentiary hearing experience is a plus. The candidate must have a proven track record of strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. The candidate must be organized, detail-oriented professional who possesses the ability to work independently in a fast-paced legal environment. Must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and be a member of The Florida Bar.

Required skills/abilities:

• Exceptional communication skills.
• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters. 
• High level of detail orientation and exceptional writing and proofreading skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform tasks utilizing legal office software such as document management.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Ability to work independently.
• Full proficiency with advanced, multifunction word processing software including Microsoft Office Suites (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and PDF programs) or related software.
• Experience in Coyote is a plus.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Meet with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects.
• Draft legal documents, including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories, and file motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures.
• Research and analyze statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provide written analysis to attorneys.
• Handle court appearances and motion practice; take/defend depositions; handle negotiation of litigation disputes; including mediation; and handle/assist with evidentiary hearings and trials.
• Interview clients and witnesses. 
• Prepare, organize, store, and retrieve case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, and other items.
• Develop and maintain records regarding billable hours spent on specific cases.

Education and experience:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Member of the Florida Bar.
• Four (4) to seven (7) years of experience taking and defending depositions, preparing, and responding to discovery, drafting, and arguing motions, and preparing for mediations and trials.
• Experience in legal ethics, professional liability, business disputes, and/or partnership and shareholder disputes is preferred.

Jones Foster provides a team-oriented working environment with a competitive salary and excellent benefits. Submit resume and salary requirements in confidence to Edwin A. Ratka at eratka@jonesfoster.com.

Associate Attorney - Private Wealth

Jones Foster is seeking a qualified tax and estate planning attorney with 3 to 6 years of relevant experience to join the firm’s West Palm Beach office. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic team of attorneys in the firm's Private Wealth, Trusts & Estates and Corporate & Tax practice groups.

The ideal candidate will have broad experience in all areas of trusts, estates, guardianship, and transfer taxes. The attorney will represent clients in the administration of trusts and estates, and prepare probate pleadings and related legal matters affecting Jones Foster, P.A. The attorney will work on a wide variety of cases and possess exemplary communication and analytical skills, attention to detail, strong project management experience, and the ability to effectively manage time and handle multiple projects.

Required skills/abilities:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be highly organized and detail-oriented with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.
• Ability to perform tasks utilizing legal office software such as document management and billing software. Experience in Coyote is a plus.
• Full proficiency with advanced, multifunction word processing software including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and PDF programs).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Ability to work independently and within a team is essential.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Reviewing and analyzing wills and trust agreements, estate settlement matters, trust real estate matters, homestead issues, trust and estate litigation, and complex trust/fiduciary legal issues
• Reviewing and analyzing other legal documents such as post-nuptial agreements, disclaimers, settlement agreements, consents, waivers, etc.
• Analyzing proposals to modify or terminate trusts in order to assess the legal risks
• Advocating on behalf of clients by understanding their needs, effectively analyzing the situation, and forming a strategy for a plan of action
• Drafting wills, trusts, power of attorney, and other legal documents
• Attending court proceedings as needed to represent clients
• Meeting with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects
• Conducting research on legal issues associated with cases
• Preparing Florida Probate pleadings and other documents for sophisticated trust and estate administration matters
• Preparing tax-related memos
• Reviewing initial drafts of trust and estate-related tax returns, including Forms 706 and 709 prepared by the paralegal

Education and experience:

• Possess an outstanding academic record with a JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admitted to and in good standing with the Florida Bar Association.
• Three (3) to six (6) years of relevant experience.
• LL.M is required.

Jones Foster extends employment only to those who have the qualifications for a long-term career. We offer competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package. Interested applicants should submit their resume and salary requirements in confidence to Edwin A. Ratka at eratka@jonesfoster.com.