Scott Hawkins, Chairman & Shareholder, Jones Foster

Invest: met with Scott Hawkins, chairman and shareholder at law firm Jones Foster, to discuss the firm’s milestones, strategies for navigating modern challenges, and insights into key trends shaping South Florida’s legal landscape.

What were the significant milestones and achievements for your firm over the past 12 to 18 months?

The firm celebrated its 100th anniversary in January 2024. If you look back to 1924, you can trace our roots to that time, which is a significant milestone in itself. Reaching a century in the legal industry is a testament to the firm’s enduring commitment to excellence and adaptability over the years.

This year has been particularly momentous. For instance, we admitted three new partners in January 2024. It’s always exciting to see fresh talent stepping into leadership roles. Additionally, after serving as chair for 18 years, Larry Alexander stepped down, and I took over the position, which has been a humbling and rewarding experience.

We’ve also seen growth across the board. We added four new lawyers to the team, which reflects the strategic expansion we’re committed to. It’s been a strong year, and we’re incredibly pleased with how the firm has continued to grow and thrive despite the challenges that many industries have faced.

How has the firm leveraged its century-long legacy to navigate the complexities of modern legal challenges?

We’ve always held a steadfast belief in hiring the best lawyers, those who not only excel academically but also demonstrate a strong work ethic and a capacity for adaptability. Law school is incredibly challenging, and getting into law school is even harder, but succeeding in this profession requires more than just academic excellence. We look for individuals who are nimble and prepared to respond to shifts in the marketplace and evolving client needs.

A good example of this is Rob Wilkins, one of our partners and co-head of the Litigation and Complex Resolution section. Rob has become a national expert in cybersecurity, which is a critical and rapidly growing area of legal practice. He advises clients daily on cybersecurity planning and incident response, which are increasingly relevant concerns for businesses of all sizes. Just recently, Rob gave a lecture to the Florida Bar on the topic and another to the Chamber of Commerce in the Palm Beaches. He’s also a member of the ABA committee that focuses on cybersecurity issues. Rob’s expertise highlights how we continue to prioritize hiring and developing attorneys who are not only exceptional in their fields but also forward-thinking and responsive to emerging challenges.

On a broader level, we’ve embraced technological innovation. This year, for instance, we completed two major software conversions, one of which involved moving entirely to the cloud. This transition has significantly enhanced the security of our data management systems, improving both efficiency and protection against cyber threats. This type of progress underscores our commitment to remaining competitive and forward-looking in a rapidly changing industry.

What are some of the key trends shaping the legal industry in South Florida, particularly in areas like litigation, real estate, and private wealth management?

Private wealth management is one of the fastest-growing areas for our firm, and for good reason. South Florida, particularly Palm Beach County, is a magnet for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. According to the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, there are over 71 billionaires living in the area, with the number of millionaires being far higher.

To meet this demand, we’ve significantly expanded our services in tax planning, estate planning, and trust modifications. We’ve also seen a corresponding growth in probate litigation, which is a natural extension of our work in private wealth management. Currently, we have seven attorneys who focus exclusively on probate litigation, including Peter Sachs, who co-chairs the department alongside Theo Kypreos. This area has seen remarkable growth and remains a top priority for the firm.

Real estate is another key practice area that has been performing exceptionally well. South Florida’s status as “Wall Street South” has driven demand for high-value commercial leases, acquisitions, and construction financing. With the region’s continued economic growth, we anticipate that this demand will only increase, particularly as interest rates start to decline.

Additionally, construction litigation has been growing steadily. New developments inevitably bring new challenges, and we’ve positioned ourselves to handle disputes that arise in this sector. It’s been a steady practice area for years, but it’s definitely showing signs of accelerated growth.

Lastly, complex litigation remains a consistent area of demand. With increased growth and business activity come more contracts, and with more contracts come more disputes. This year alone, we’ve had multiple large trials, including one that just resolved. We’re prepared to handle these cases, and we expect this area to remain stable, given the nature of corporate and commercial disputes.

What challenges and opportunities do you see for your firm and the legal industry overall?

Talent acquisition remains one of the biggest challenges. Attracting top-tier attorneys, legal assistants, and staff requires significant effort. We’ve been fortunate to hire four new lawyers recently, including one from a federal clerkship, but competition is fierce. Retaining talent is just as critical, and we invest heavily in creating an environment where people want to stay and grow.

Operational costs are another challenge, particularly as expenses like health insurance continue to rise. These costs put additional pressure on margins, which we manage carefully. Challenges like these aren’t new, but they do require ongoing attention and strategic planning.

On the opportunity side, South Florida’s growth presents immense potential. We’re strategically expanding to meet the region’s increasing demand for legal expertise while staying focused on providing the highest level of service. We’re committed to serving our clients not just for today but for decades to come, and that means continually investing in talent, technology, and innovative solutions.