In a case of first impression, on October 4, 2021, in Adams v. Palm Beach County, U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart of the Southern District of Florida dismissed with prejudice a putative class action brought by three plaintiffs against Palm Beach County under federal and Florida wage laws. This case may have far-reaching implications for public agencies and the operation of recreational facilities serving the public.

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Photo of Bridget A. Berry Bridget A. Berry

Recognized for excellence by judges, peers, and clients, Bridget is an experienced legal counselor and trial lawyer, specializing in business and employment disputes. She has represented clients in industries including: sports nutrition, nutraceutical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, retail, medical, banking, loan servicing, title

Recognized for excellence by judges, peers, and clients, Bridget is an experienced legal counselor and trial lawyer, specializing in business and employment disputes. She has represented clients in industries including: sports nutrition, nutraceutical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, retail, medical, banking, loan servicing, title insurance, hospitality (hotel, restaurant and clubs), real estate, construction, online education, aviation and domestic help.

Since 2012, Bridget has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, and in 2015, 2019, and 2021 was named “Lawyer of the Year” in employment law. Since 2012, Bridget has been recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer, and since 2013 as a Florida Top Lawyer. In 2017, Bridget was listed as a Florida “Legal Elite” in Labor and Employment. She has been recognized as a Top Lawyer by Palm Beach Illustrated since the award’s inception in 2018. She has consistently been rated AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 and as an Preeminent Woman Lawyer by Martindale Hubbell.

Bridget is on the Executive Trustees Counsel and serves on the Board of Directors of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, where she currently serves on the Strategic Global Outreach Program and Community Events Trask Force. A Florida native, Bridget is committed to the law and to the prosperity of Palm Beach County.

Photo of Phillip H. Hutchinson Phillip H. Hutchinson

Phillip H. Hutchinson is a strategic business litigator who defends corporations in complex litigation claims in state and federal courts, including individual class actions and real estate litigation disputes. Phillip has represented clients in cases involving complex product liability disputes, automobile rollover claims,

Phillip H. Hutchinson is a strategic business litigator who defends corporations in complex litigation claims in state and federal courts, including individual class actions and real estate litigation disputes. Phillip has represented clients in cases involving complex product liability disputes, automobile rollover claims, construction defects (including delay claims), insurance coverage defense, eminent domain actions, employment discrimination, non-competition agreements, and real estate disputes, including commercial leases. He has broad experience in complex case management, electronic discovery management, extensive pre-trial discovery, and work product protection.

Phillip also has an emerging government relations practice that involves advocating for his clients’ interest while guiding them through Palm Beach and other local government protocols for real estate and other commercial development activities. As part of his ongoing pro bono endeavors targeting economic development in underprivileged communities, Phillip helped secure site and land use approvals for the opening of a medical clinic in downtown Palm Beach.

A trained aerospace engineer, Phillip spent five years designing jet engines for military fighter aircraft prior to attending the University of Florida College of Law where he was a member of the Florida Law Review. Phillip has served as an instructor in the firm’s Litigation Skills Academy and is an avid mentor to young lawyers.

Photo of Lauren Whetstone Lauren Whetstone

Lauren R. Whetstone is a litigation shareholder in the firm’s Palm Beach County offices. She focuses her practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation and securities litigation. Lauren has broad experience representing domestic and international clients in state and federal courts, as…

Lauren R. Whetstone is a litigation shareholder in the firm’s Palm Beach County offices. She focuses her practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation and securities litigation. Lauren has broad experience representing domestic and international clients in state and federal courts, as well as before the American Arbitration Association and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. She has litigated matters involving contract disputes, business torts, products liability for manufacturers, securities class actions, shareholder and partnership disputes, corporate formation, and real estate litigation.

Concentrations

  • Business disputes
  • Complex commercial litigation
  • Multi-district litigation and class actions
  • Pharmaceutical, medical device & health care litigation
  • Real estate litigation
  • Securities litigation