Jones Foster, a commercial and private client law firm with offices in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Jupiter, is pleased to announce that more than three-quarters of its practicing attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Among the 36 honorees across the firm’s six practice groups are several newly recognized attorneys in The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® lists.

Recognition by Best Lawyers is based on an extensive peer-review process in which attorneys nominate and evaluate other lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice areas. Chairman Scott G. Hawkins earned the highest overall peer feedback in a specific practice area for the West Palm Beach metro area and was named a 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation – Environmental. Only one lawyer is selected to receive the distinction for each practice area and location. He previously received this honor in 2025 and 2019.

The firm also congratulates several new additions to the 2027 guide, including Stephen C. Richman for Commercial Litigation and James H. Ryan for Real Estate Law, and Rachel L. Hersey to the Ones to Watch list for Trusts and Estates. The Ones to Watch designation recognizes attorneys earlier in their careers who have earned peer recognition for professional excellence.

The following is a full list of Jones Foster 2027 Best Lawyers in America® honorees and the areas of law in which they are recognized for the West Palm Beach metro area: Larry B. Alexander, Real Estate Law; L. Benton Alexander, Jr., Real Estate Law; Thomas J. Baird, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Litigation – Municipal, Municipal Law; Genny Bernstein, Elder Law, Trusts and Estates; David E. Bowers, Corporate Law, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates; Alan J. Ciklin, Real Estate Law, Land Use and Zoning Law; Robert L. Crane, Real Estate Law; Mark H. Dahlmeier, Real Estate Law; Michael J. Gore, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Construction; Scott G. Hawkins, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Litigation – Real Estate; Peter S. Holton, Real Estate Law; Spencer S. Keyser, Commercial Litigation; Stanley D. Klett, Jr., Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Mediation; Theodore S. Kypreos, Litigation – Trusts and Estates; Kevin T. Lamb, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Scott L. McMullen, Real Estate Law; Joanne M. O’Connor, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law; John C. “Skip” Randolph, Litigation – Municipal, Municipal Law; Steven J. Rothman, Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; Zachary M. Rothman, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates; James H. Ryan, Real Estate Law; Peter A. Sachs, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Trusts and Estates; William G. Smith, Corporate Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates; Roberto M. Vargas, Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; and Robert W. Wilkins, Commercial Litigation.

The following attorneys have been named to The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® 2027 in their respective practice areas: Alexander L. Brams, Litigation – Trusts and Estates; Travis J. Foels, Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Litigation; Lainey W. Francisco, Commercial Litigation; Rachel L. Hersey, Trusts and Estates; Brett T. Lashley, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Real Estate; Carlee G. Mattison, Real Estate Law; Melissa C. O’Neill, Litigation – Trusts and Estates; Alexander M. Parthemer, Trusts and Estates; Melanie R. Skenian, Litigation – Trusts and Estates; Richard C. Vaughan, Trusts and Estates and Tax Law.

About Jones Foster

Jones Foster is 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.