Jones Foster, a 100-year-old commercial and private client law firm, was a proud sponsor of signature events at the 2024 Florida Bar Convention, held from June 19-22 at the Signia By Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek & Waldorf Astoria in Orlando.
The theme of the convention, “The Power of Us – Collaborating for Tomorrow,” emphasized the importance of cooperation among Florida lawyers in shaping the future. The annual conference gathers legal professionals from across the state for CLE seminars, speaking engagements, receptions, and networking opportunities.
Jones Foster was a sponsor of the Judicial Luncheon, one of the convention’s sold-out and highly anticipated events, honoring Florida’s judiciary. State and federal judges from Palm Beach County were in attendance and Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos G. Muniz delivered the “State of the Judiciary Address.” He also discussed the challenges that come with accomplishing better case management and urged lawyers to invent creative ways to promote professionalism, work with judges to identify branch priorities, and strive for a “culture of excellence.”
Jones Foster also sponsored the 2024 Federal Judicial Roundtable and Reception, the flagship event of The Florida Bar’s Federal Court Practice Committee, on which litigation shareholder Joanne O’Connor serves as vice-chair. Ms. O’Connor co-chaired the Roundtable event, during which she was recognized with a certificate of meritorious service for her contributions to The Florida Bar’s Business Litigation Certification Committee for the past six years, including her role as chair.
The Roundtable event has historically drawn over 200 judges, practitioners, professors, and law students. The event features a State of the District address by a judge selected from each federal district in Florida, a brief historical presentation about each federal district, and table discussions between the bench and bar. This year, the discussions focused on the past, present, and future of federal practice in Florida, according to the Bar.
As part of The Florida Bar Convention’s committee sessions, litigation practice group co-chair Robert W. Wilkins participated in the meeting of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Law Committee, a “first of its kind” panel of experts dedicated to helping lawyers protect themselves and their clients from constantly evolving cyber threats.
Litigation practice group co-chair Roberto M. Vargas, who serves on the Eminent Domain Committee, attended the committee’s convention session where attorney Robert Sweetapple updated members on his work with Ms. O’Connor and Mr. Vargas in defending a complex five-year public records lawsuit against the City of Boca Raton and its accompanying inverse condemnation and Bert Harris Act issues.
Also in attendance at the convention was litigation shareholder Zachary M. Rothman, who was recognized with a certificate for meritorious service for his contributions as a member of the Code & Rules of Evidence Committee for the past six years, three of which he served as liaison to the Probate Rules Committee.
Jones Foster is celebrating its Centennial year as 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.
