Jones Foster Shareholder Joanne M. O’Connor Named to Florida Trend’s Legal Elite Notable Women Leaders in Law

Jones Foster, a private and commercial law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, is pleased to announce that Litigation Shareholder Joanne M. O’Connor has been recognized in Florida Trend magazine’s inaugural Legal Elite Notable – Women Leaders in Law special section of its December issue.

Joanne was one of only 92 women attorneys selected from leading law firms across Florida for her significant contributions to the firm, the legal profession, and the community at large. Florida Trend editors vetted nominations of exceptional women attorneys against a certain methodology and criteria, which included but were not limited to: a measurable impact on the types of cases handled and won for clients; mentorship of younger attorneys; promotion of professional practices and values in the workplace; and demonstration of leadership in industry organizations and civic and community service initiatives.

Joanne is a highly accomplished attorney who has served the local legal community in several notable leadership positions. She currently serves as a mentor through the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Committee for Diversity & Inclusion and as co-chair of its Diversity Internship Program (DIP); as vice chair of The Florida Bar Federal Court Practice Committee; and previously served as co-chair of the 2023 Florida Bar Convention Federal Judicial Roundtable & Reception.

Joanne is a past president of the Federal Bar Association Palm Beach County Chapter, a past co-chair of its Youth Leadership Committee where she was a member for eight consecutive years, a former director of the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, and a past board member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

A Florida Bar Board Certified Business Litigation specialist, Joanne focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation including contracts and business torts, partnership and corporate disputes, civil RICO, real estate and land use litigation, and lawyer and law firm defense. She has experience defending actions seeking certification of nationwide and statewide classes, including consumer claims brought under the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Joanne is an experienced litigator who advocates for her clients in jury and non-jury trials and appeals in state and federal courts and before private arbitration panels. She was appointed by U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg as Defendants’ Liaison Counsel in the Zantac (Ranitidine) multidistrict products liability litigation in which summary judgment was granted in favor of the brand-name drugmakers.

Florida Trend business magazine is read by 270,000 influential business executives, civic leaders, and government officials each month. Its award-winning reporting covers regional and statewide business news, industry executives, and the business sectors they represent, as well as information on Florida's lifestyle, arts, and culture scene.