Jones Foster

05/29/2026

We congratulate litigation shareholder Joanne O’Connor on her installation as Vice President of the Palm Beach County Chapter of FAWL Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term! ✨

As Vice President, Joanne will work with the chapter’s executive board to help guide strategic initiatives and support member engagement, community outreach, programming, and networking opportunities for attorneys and the judiciary throughout Palm Beach County.

Joanne is deeply committed to supporting and uplifting women in law through mentorship, leadership, and community involvement, and we look forward to her continued impact in this new role. Learn more: https://bit.ly/49tVcwr

Board Photo: Joanne O’Connor, fifth from right
Middle Group Photo: Joanne O’Connor with JF attorneys Rachel Sears, from right, Melissa O’Neill, Lainey Francisco, Lucia DeFilippo, and Natalie Rickards, PBC FAWL programming coordinator

📸 Courtesy of PBC FAWL

05/26/2026

FORE a lifelong love of reading, litigation shareholder Travis Foels recently hit the links in support of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County’s annual Literacy Links Golf Tournament, which celebrates 10 years of the organization’s signature fundraiser. ⛳📚

An avid supporter of education, Travis serves on the Board of Directors and the Golf Committee, helping champion programs that empower children and adults through literacy. Jones Foster was proud to sponsor the event, which benefits local initiatives and programming.

Foursome Photo: Travis Foels, far right
📸 by Coastal Click Photography

05/22/2026

On , we remember the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend.

05/20/2026

🎉We congratulate attorneys Mel Skenian and Alex Parthemer on their graduation from the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel - ACTEC!

As members of Class VII, Mel and Alex completed an intensive program designed to develop the next generation of leaders in trust and estate law, gaining advanced insight into estate planning, wealth transfer, fiduciary taxation, and trust and estate litigation through a series of educational presentations led by ACTEC Fellow attorneys, including Jones Foster Vice Chair and ACTEC Fellow Theo Kypreos, who served as a featured speaker during Session II, Program 3, presenting on Florida Probate Code.

💡Learn more about how FFI cultivates future leaders in trust and estate law: https://bit.ly/4nIIOPd

Class VII Photo: Mel Skenian, front row, middle; Alex Parthemer, back row, 3rd from left
📸Courtesy of ACTEC

Jones Foster Attorneys Graduate From ACTEC Florida Fellows Institute Class VII

05/19/2026

We are pleased to announce that private wealth and tax attorney Richard Vaughan has been elected to the Palm Beach County Estate Planning Council’s Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term, effective July 1, 2026.

In this new leadership role, Richard will contribute to the planning of educational programming, networking events, and roundtable discussions designed to keep members informed on emerging trends and developments in estate planning, trust and wealth management, taxation, charitable giving, and related disciplines.

Learn more about Richard and his practice: https://bit.ly/4uUuPId

Jones Foster Attorney Richard C. Vaughan Elected to Palm Beach County Estate Planning Council’s Board of Directors

05/15/2026

Private Wealth Shareholder Genny Bernstein, a Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law attorney, recently served as the featured speaker of the Palm Beach County Estate Planning Council’s Annual Membership Meeting, where she presented on special needs trusts.

During the presentation, Genny discussed the critical role special needs trusts play in protecting loved ones with disabilities and vulnerable adults. Key topics included:
✔️ Different types of special needs trusts, including their similarities and differences
✔️ Complexities involved in administering and managing these trusts
✔️ Various government benefits available
✔️ Benefits of ABLE accounts and how they can support individuals with disabilities

Learn more about Genny and her practice: https://bit.ly/4uNvpHG

Photo: Genny Bernstein with Chris Losquadro

05/01/2026

In his role as Civics Liaison for the Federal Bar Association Palm Beach Chapter, Jones Foster litigation attorney Michael Habib organized several Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions (CD3) events for students at the federal courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach.

Attorneys Lucia DeFilippo and Peter Sitaras served as volunteer coaches during a CD3 event for local high school students presided over by Chief Magistrate Judge William Matthewman. More recently, Michael coordinated a program for Florida Atlantic University’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College students with Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe presiding.

Photos, Top to Bottom: Michael Habib, front row, fourth from right; Lucia DeFilippo, second row, far right; and Peter Sitaras, second row, second from right; Michael Habib, front, with FAU honors college students

04/24/2026

Jones Foster attorneys Lucia DeFilippo and Michael Habib recently attended the Palm Beach County Bar Association's annual Judicial Reception honoring local judges and judicial assistants for their dedication, professionalism, and service to the legal community.

As a member of the PBCBA’s 100% Club, the firm was proud to sponsor the event, which brings together attorneys, judges, and legal professionals for an evening of conversation and connection. Also representing Jones Foster at the event were shareholders Steve Rothman and Zack Rothman.

Lucia, Michael, and Zack are actively involved in PBCBA committees, with Zack serving as Chair of the Probate/Guardianship Practice Committee, Lucia on the Estate/Probate CLE Committee, and Michael as Secretary of the CDI Committee and a member of the Civil Practice Committee.

📸 Photos L to R: Lucia DeFilippo, middle; Michael Habib, second from left (Courtesy of PBCBA)

04/22/2026

Country music for a cure. 🎶✨ Jupiter Real Estate Shareholder Scott McMullen and his guests recently enjoyed an evening with Nashville’s standout singer/songwriters at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Southeast Florida Chapter's ninth annual Palm Beach Songwriters Under the Stars, which the firm was proud to sponsor.

Scott is a longtime supporter of this meaningful event, which brings the community together to raise critical funds and awareness for the CF Foundation’s innovative research programs, from treatment advancements to clinical trials. Highlights included live performances, silent and live auctions, and the Foundation’s signature Bid for a Cure.

If cystic fibrosis has impacted you or someone you love, learn more about available resources and support at cff.org

04/21/2026

We are proud to have been a sponsor of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc.’s Waves of Justice Gala, which celebrates the organization’s critical work to ensure equal access to legal services for our community’s most vulnerable residents.

Representing Jones Foster at the event were attorneys Peter Sachs and Alex Parthemer, with Peter serving as a member of the Board of Directors to help guide LASPBC’s mission and support its diverse programming.

From protecting families facing eviction and domestic violence to empowering individuals through education and advocacy, LASPBC’s impact extends far beyond the courtroom. Learn more at legalaidpbc.org

📸 Photos: Peter Sachs, far left (first photo); Alex Parthemer, right (second photo)

04/20/2026

Jones Foster private wealth and tax attorney Alex Parthemer recently sat down with the Daily Business Review to share insights on the continued influx of high-net-worth individuals to Florida, and the resulting demand for sophisticated estate planning, tax structuring, and residency guidance.

From tech billionaires relocating to Miami to wealth management firms expanding into “Wall Street South” in West Palm Beach, all signs point to Florida as the premier destination for wealth, business, and opportunity. But making the move isn’t just about location – it’s a legal and financial reset. Read the full article: https://bit.ly/3OR41t2

With California and other states proposing wealth taxes, families in fear are wondering if their company or assets will get taken away, says Holland & Knight partner Christopher Boyett. That's making Miami all the more attractive.

Reporter Vivienne Serret spoke with Boyett, along with James Davidson, a financial consultant and founder and former CEO of Coral Gables Trust; Saidin Hernandez, TEP, of Coral Gables firm BridgePointe Global Counsel; Alexander Parthemer, a private wealth attorney at Jones Foster; and Jessica Shapiro of Gunster's family office and generational wealth practice, about what's driving the money migration to South Florida now and how firms, including ones from out of state, are competing for all the new business.

🔗 https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2026/04/17/local-and-national-firms-eye-opportunities-as-floridas-wealth-influx-shows-no-signs-of-cooling/