John Arthur Jones, a member of the Private Wealth Services Section, emphasizes trusts and estates in his practice. His extensive knowledge of fiduciary administration, as well as his experience in many diverse areas of the law, keeps him in great demand, not only by lawyers within the firm, but also by clients and other attorneys who have become familiar with him and his practice through the years. He has extensive probate experience. Mr. Jones also serves as general counsel for clients with significant closely held business and commercial interests. He is certified in wills, trusts and estates under the Florida Certification Plan.
In 1985, Mr. Jones became the first recipient of the “Robert C. Scott Memorial Award” by the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar for past service to the Bar and the Section. In 2003, the “William S. Belcher Lifetime Professionalism Award” was created and Mr. Jones was the first to be bestowed with this honor. Both Robert C. Scott and William S. Belcher were personal friends of Mr. Jones, making these recognitions all the more special.
Mr. Jones has authored chapters in a number of treatises published by The Florida Bar and has spoken at numerous seminars. Since 1975, he has served as Chairman of the Florida Probate and Guardianship Forms Committee and annually revises the forms on an annual basis to keep them in compliance with Florida law. From 1969-81, Mr. Jones lectured on the Uniform Commercial Code at the Florida School of Banking. In 1980, he was Special Counsel to the Commerce Committee of the Florida House of Representatives for the redrafting of the Florida Banking Code. He also taught courses for the Florida Bankers Association.