Jonathan Hayes

Jonathan Hayes is a shareholder at the firm, specializing in estate and probate litigation, trust and estate disputes, business law, and appellate practice. 

As lead counsel in probate and trust litigation matters, Jonathan provides expert legal representation for individuals and families navigating complex inheritance disputes, will contests, estate administration conflicts, and trust challenges. His deep understanding of trial and appellate litigation, particularly in the area of probate law makes him a trusted advocate for clients facing litigation, including contested estates, fiduciary disputes, and probate court litigation in Florida. Jonathan often serves as local counsel in litigation matters both inside and outside the context of probate and trust litigation.  This includes administration and litigation in ancillary probate proceedings.

Before joining the firm, Jonathan clerked for the Honorable Robert L. Hinkle of the Northern District of Florida. He also gained invaluable experience as an intern at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Atlanta, investigating securities violations, and externed with the Honorable Mark E. Walker of the Northern District of Florida.

Jonathan’s background as an entrepreneur, having started, run, and sold multiple businesses—gives him a unique perspective on the legal challenges clients face in business-related estate planning and probate litigation. His ability to understand both the personal and business aspects of estate disputes allows him to offer comprehensive and strategic solutions in even the most complex probate matters.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

• State of Florida (2015 – present)
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
• United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida
• United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida

Education

• J.D., Duke University School of Law, 2015
• first in his class before transferring to Duke, Florida State University College of Law, 2013
• B.S in Management Information Systems, Florida State University, 2012

Practices

• Appellate Practice
• Corporate
• Health Care
• Litigation
• Probate, Estate Planning and Administration

Community Involvement

• Legal Aid Foundation of the Tallahassee Bar, Board of Directors (2022-present)

• The Florida State University College of Law, Adjunct Professor, Trusts and Estates (2022-2023)

• William H. Stafford Inn of Court, member 2019-current

• Class 4 of the Legal Aid Foundation Tallahassee’s Thunderdome Program

• Tallahassee Bar Association, Board of Directors (2024 - present)

• Tallahassee Women Lawyers

Awards & Recognition

• Florida Trend, Legal Elite, Up & Comer – July 2021
• The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch - Commercial Litigation, 2024

Presentations/Events

• Jonathan Hayes, Continuing Legal Education presentation to the Florida Government Bar Association: Update on Medical Marijuana Law (Mar. 27, 2019)

Publications/Articles

• Jonathan Hayes, Constitutional Rulemaking: What Happens When the APA Doesn't Apply?, Fla. B. J., Jan. 2018, at 34, 34-37.