Jones Foster Attorneys Recognized on 2027 Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch Lists
Jones Foster, a commercial and private client law firm with offices in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Jupiter, is pleased to announce that more than three-quarters of its practicing attorneys have been recognized in the The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 edition. Among the 36 honorees across the firm’s six practice groups are several newly recognized attorneys in The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® lists.
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based on an extensive peer-review process in which attorneys nominate and evaluate other lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice areas. Chairman Scott G. Hawkins earned the highest overall peer feedback in a specific practice area for the West Palm Beach metro area and was named a 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation – Environmental. Only one lawyer is selected to receive the distinction for each practice area and location. He previously received this honor in 2025 and 2019.
The firm also congratulates several new additions to the 2027 guide, including Stephen C. Richman for Commercial Litigation and James H. Ryan for Real Estate Law, and Rachel L. Hersey to the Ones to Watch list for Trusts and Estates. The Ones to Watch designation recognizes attorneys earlier in their careers who have earned peer recognition for professional excellence.
The following attorneys were named in their respective practice areas for the West Palm Beach metro area:
L. Benton Alexander, Jr. | Shareholder
Real Estate Law
Thomas J. Baird | Shareholder
Land Use and Zoning
Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Litigation - Municipal
Municipal Law
Genny Bernstein | Shareholder
Elder Law
Trusts and Estates
David E. Bowers | Shareholder
Corporate Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Tax Law
Trusts and Estates
Alan J. Ciklin | Shareholder
Real Estate Law
Land Use and Zoning Law
Robert L. Crane | Senior Counsel
Real Estate Law
Mark H. Dahlmeier | Shareholder
Real Estate Law
Michael J. Gore | Shareholder
Commercial Litigation
Litigation - Construction
Scott G. Hawkins | Chairman
2027 Lawyer of the Year in Litigation - Environmental, West Palm Beach metro
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Litigation – Environmental
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Litigation – Land Use and Zoning
Litigation – Real Estate
Peter S. Holton | Shareholder
Real Estate Law
Spencer S. Keyser | Shareholder
Commercial Litigation
Stanley D. Klett, Jr. | Senior Counsel
Arbitration
Commercial Litigation
Mediation
Theodore S. Kypreos | Vice Chair
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Kevin T. Lamb | Senior Counsel
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Scott L. McMullen | Shareholder
Real Estate Law
Joanne M. O'Connor | Shareholder
Commercial Litigation
Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Municipal Law
John C. Randolph | Of Counsel
Litigation - Municipal
Municipal Law
Stephen C. Richman | Shareholder
Commercial Litigation
Steven J. Rothman | Shareholder
Commercial Litigation
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Zachary M. Rothman | Shareholder
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Trusts and Estates
James H. Ryan | Senior Counsel
Real Estate Law
Peter A. Sachs | Shareholder
Commercial Litigation
Litigation - Trusts and Estate
William G. Smith | Shareholder
Corporate Law
Tax Law
Trusts and Estates
Roberto M. Vargas | Shareholder
Commercial Litigation
Robert W. Wilkins | Shareholder
Commercial Litigation
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2026
Alexander L. Brams | Shareholder
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Travis J. Foels | Shareholder
Commercial Litigation
Litigation - Real Estate
Lainey W. Francisco | Associate
Commercial Litigation
Rachel L. Hersey | Associate
Trusts and Estates
Brett T. Lashley | Shareholder
Commercial Litigation
Litigation - Real Estate
Carlee G. Mattison | Associate
Real Estate Law
Melissa C. O'Neill | Associate
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Alexander M. Parthemer | Associate
Trusts and Estates
Melanie R. Skenian | Associate
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Richard C. Vaughan | Associate
Tax Law
Trusts and Estates
About Jones Foster
Jones Foster is a full-service commercial and private client law firm headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, with offices in Palm Beach and Jupiter. Tracing its roots back to 1924, the firm has served as an integral part of South Florida’s growth and prosperity. Through a relentless pursuit of excellence, Jones Foster delivers original legal solutions that help clients, colleagues, and the community to move forward. A significant number of attorneys have received the designation of Board-Certified Specialist by The Florida Bar in their specific practice area. The firm’s practice groups include Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution; Corporate & Tax; Land Use & Governmental; Private Wealth, Wills, Trusts & Estates; Real Estate; and Trust & Estate Litigation. For more information, please visit www.jonesfoster.com.