Jones Foster, a private and commercial law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, is proud to announce that attorney Melissa C. Steen has been appointed to serve on the committee overseeing FAWL in Love With GAL, a mentorship project between the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL) and Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office (GAL) that serves children aging out of the dependency system. Ms. Steen is a member of the FAWL Palm Beach County chapter.
As part of her role in FAWL in Love With GAL, Mel will serve as an attorney mentor to older youth in foster care and provide support as they transition into independence. Through scheduled mentor-mentee meetings, the foster youth will be given the opportunity to get guidance, share their concerns, and ask legal questions in a non-threatening environment. Volunteer mentors can identify both their legal and non-legal needs, which could include helping youth get their driver’s licenses or helping them apply for jobs. As a committee member, Mel will support GAL as needed through recruitment and mentor retention of FAWL members as well as attend committee meetings and events put on through GAL.
The mission of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is to represent Florida’s neglected children by vigorously protecting their best interests in the dependency system. The Florida Association for Women Lawyers is dedicated to actively promoting gender equality and the leadership roles of FAWL’s members in the legal profession, judiciary, and community at large.
Mel is a member of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Private Wealth, Trusts & Estates practice groups. She represents clients in litigation involving trusts and estates, guardianship, and fiduciary disputes, as well as commercial litigation matters.
In addition to being a FAWL PBC member, Mel is actively involved in several legal organizations, including The Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section and the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section. She was recognized on the 2024 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America list for trusts and estates litigation.
Jones Foster is a commercial and private client law firm headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. Established in 1924, the Firm has served as an integral part of South Florida’s growth and prosperity for nearly a century. Through a relentless pursuit of excellence, Jones Foster delivers original legal solutions that help clients, colleagues, and the community to move forward. Notably, the majority of the firm’s Shareholders have received the designation of Board-Certified Specialist by The Florida Bar in their specific practice area. The firm’s attorneys focus their practice in Real Estate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Private Wealth, Trusts & Estates, Corporate & Tax, and Land Use & Governmental. For more information, please visit www.jonesfoster.com.
