BULLETIN BOARD
BULLETIN BOARD
Professional Announcements
Christopher B. Hopkins has launched his new law firm, Hopkins PA, based in West Palm Beach. A trial and appellate lawyer with more than 27 years of experience, Mr. Hopkins represents clients in complex civil and commercial cases, appeals, and professional discipline matters. In addition to his litigation practice in state and federal courts throughout Florida and across the country, he is also an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University’ s Wilkes Honors College, where he teaches constitutional law and litigation. Hopkins PA handles a wide range of business and litigation matters, including defamation, commercial litigation, construction, contracts, and emerging-technology cases. The firm also advises and defends lawyers facing Florida Bar inquiries, including the growing number of discipline matters involving misuse of artificial intelligence in court filings. For more information, visit hopkinspa. com.
The Jewish Lawyers Association of Palm Beach County proudly announced the installation of its 2025 – 2026 Board of Directors during a packed event held Sept. 16 at the Historic Palm Beach County Courthouse. Gary Lesser, Managing Partner of Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, was sworn in as President for a second consecutive term, continuing his leadership at the helm of one of the county’ s fastest-growing voluntary bar associations. The evening featured a keynote address and installation ceremony led by Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel, and drew a strong turnout of JLA members, local judges, voluntary bar association leaders, and community officials. Also delivering remarks were Florida Bar President Sia Baker-Barnes, Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino, and Palm Beach County School Board Chair Karen Brill. Founded in 2023, the Jewish Lawyers Association of Palm Beach County connects Jewish legal professionals and allies through programming, networking and public service. In just two years, JLA has built a strong foundation and a growing presence in the legal community and beyond. The newly installed Board brings together a dedicated group of attorneys committed to advancing JLA’ s mission in the year ahead.
J ones Foster announces that
Shareholder Alan J. Ciklin has been recognized by Florida Trend magazine as a Legal Elite NOTABLE Real Estate / Land Use Attorney in its September issue. Mr. Ciklin is one of only 92 attorneys across the state to be named to this distinguished list, the first NOTABLE list for this practice area. According to Florida Trend, honorees were selected through a rigorous process that considered each attorney’ s leadership in their field, professional excellence, mentorship, and dedication to civic and community service. With more than four decades of experience, Mr. Ciklin has built a reputation as one of Florida’ s leading land use, zoning, and real estate attorneys. He has represented developers, property owners, and financial institutions in complex and often high-profile matters that have helped shape the growth and development of South Florida.
Jones Foster announces that litigation and land use attorney Lainey W. Francisco has been installed as Vice President / President-Elect of the Federal Bar Association Palm Beach County Chapter for the 2025-26 term. The Annual Induction of the Officers was held at Jones Foster’ s West Palm Beach office, where U. S. Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart administered the oath of office. An active member of the organization, Ms. Francisco previously served as chapter treasurer and cochair of the Civil Service and Outreach Committee. Lainey Francisco represents clients in matters involving commercial litigation, governmental litigation, municipal law, land use and zoning.