Jones Foster Establishes Complex Trial Team, Appoints Shareholder Steven J. Rothman as Chair

Jones Foster pleased to announce that shareholder and board member Steven J. Rothman has been appointed chair of the firm’s newly established Complex Trial Team, a dedicated group of skilled trial attorneys within the firm’s Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice.

“Creating a defined team of trial attorneys as a subset of our large litigation practice group is a strategic initiative by our Board of Directors in response to the growing demand for complex jury trials in South Florida,” said Chairman Scott G. Hawkins. “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.”

Mr. Rothman, a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial attorney for over 25 years, has served as lead counsel in dozens of high-stakes jury trials, handling complex issues and multimillion-dollar claims across a wide spectrum of industries and areas, including product liability, wrongful death, personal injury, intentional torts, defamation, real estate, securities, financial disputes, and all aspects of commercial litigation.

“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. I am proud to lead our Complex Trial Team, whose members collectively have represented clients in more than 100 jury trials.”

Mr. Rothman’s trial capabilities, including jury selection, opening statements, examining and cross-examining fact and expert witnesses, and presenting compelling arguments to juries and judges, have positioned clients for successful outcomes in challenging trial environments. Additionally, his leadership in state and federal courtrooms has earned him membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Palm Beach Chapter, an invitation-only national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges. He is a past president and a current board member of ABOTA, which is considered one of the most prestigious affiliations for trial attorneys.

Jones Foster’s Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group utilizes arbitration, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, while the Complex Trial Team focuses on matters where trial is expected or inevitable.

The team represents plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of civil matters, including commercial litigation, professional liability, product liability, wrongful death, cybersecurity and data privacy, real estate and land use disputes, business torts, securities cases, trust and estate litigation, and employment litigation.

Jones Foster’s Complex Trial Team members bring experience from prior roles as judicial interns and clerks, Assistant State Attorney, and counsel to governmental agencies. Several have achieved Florida Bar board certification in Business Litigation or Civil Trial, marking the highest level of recognition for expertise and professionalism.