We are thrilled to announce significant advancements within our leadership team. At our firm, we believe that recognizing talent and fostering professional development are key to providing the highest level of service to our clients and our community.

It is with great pride that we share the expanded responsibilities of two of our most dedicated partners.

Please join us in congratulating Jeff Goethe and Andrea Johnson on their new roles at Barnes Walker :

1. In addition to serving as our Estates, Wills, and Trusts Department Partner and Chair, Jeff Goethe has agreed to become the Firm’s Professional Development Director, and Jeff is eminently qualified to take on this position. Jeff is Board-Certified as a Specialist in Wills, Trusts, and Estates, has an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and an AVVO Superior Rating, has been recognized as a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, and is ranked as one of The Best Lawyers in America in two different areas.

Jeff is a national member of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; is on the Executive Council of The Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, having served as Chairman of three of its committees; has been co-Editor of The Florida Bar Journal; has been Chairman of the Florida Probate Rules Committee; and has served as President of the Manatee County Bar Association. Jeff is also an author, having written 2 chapters in 2 different Florida Bar manuals and authored 3 articles in The Florida Bar Journal.

As the Firm’s Professional Development Director, Jeff will be responsible for advising and providing guidance to all the Firm’s attorneys on career development and complying with the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, with special emphasis on the Rules of Professional Conduct. He will also serve as the Firm’s Legal Affairs Officer, providing us with updates on important statutory changes, new case law precedents, and changes to administrative rules and regulations.

2. In addition to serving as our Litigation Department Partner and Chair, Andrea Johnson will become the Firm’s Deputy Managing Partner. Andrea is also well qualified to take on this leadership position, having completed Leadership Manatee and having served as the President of the Manatee County Bar Association, the President of the Manatee FAWL, the President of the Manatee American Inns of Court, and as a Director of Solve Maternity Homes and the Junior League of Manatee County (from which she has received the President’s Award, Spirit of the League Award, and Sustainer of the Year Award).

Andrea has also received the Mark Lipinski Award for Mentorship, mentorship being a key quality of leadership. Andrea also enjoys an AV-Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10.0 AVVO Rating and is one of Florida Trend’s Legal Elite.

As the Firm’s Deputy Managing Partner, Andrea will be working on a varied array of Firm matters, first focusing on the workings of the real estate and administrative sides of the Firm, while also focusing on the goals and needs of the associates and branch managers.

We warmly welcome the professional growth of both Jeff and Andrea as they step into these vital roles. Their willingness to take on these new challenges is a testament to their dedication not only to their own careers but to the future success of our entire team. We are excited to see the positive impact their leadership and expertise will continue to have on the firm, our culture, and the clients we serve.