Two Florida family law leaders honored at Annual Marital and Family Law Review Course
Aimee Gross and John Foster
Two of Florida’s top family law attorneys were honored at the Marital and Family Law Review Course for their contributions to the profession. John Foster received the Family Law Section’s Visionary Award for his decades of work in complex divorce and family law, while Stann W. Givens earned the Melinda P. Gamot Award for his mentorship, leadership, and dedication to advancing the next generation of family law lawyers.
The event, which drew nearly 2,000 attendees, is an annual collaboration between the Family Law Section and the American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers – Florida Chapter, and is an intensive, two-day review course for family law professionals, including for those sitting for the board certification exam that takes place in March.
Foster, formerly a law enforcement officer who later became a family law attorney, was named this year’s Visionary Award recipient. The award was presented by Aimee Gross, Family Law Section chair. For more than 40 years, Foster has handled litigation, trials, and appeals in state and federal courts. He served as a partner with the national law firm Baker & Hostetler for 34 years before founding the Family Complex Litigation & Collaborative Group in Orlando. Foster’s practice now focuses exclusively on the resolution of complex divorce and family law cases.
The Visionary Award is presented annually for outstanding service and invaluable contributions to the practice of family law. It was created in 2005 by Evan Marks, then chair of the Family Law Section, and Tom Sasser. Marks and Sasser believed the section should honor those who made major contributions to the advancement of family law in Florida. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the vision and drive to implement meaningful improvements in the field.
“The Section is deeply honored to award this to John, one of the most dedicated family law practitioners in the field,” said Gross. “We’ve all learned so much from John over the years through his knowledge of the law. We’re truly grateful for the time he has dedicated to the section and beyond on behalf of Florida’s families.”
Joseph Hunt, Stann Givens, and Aimee Grossjpg
The Family Law Section and AAML-Florida Chapter also jointly presented the Melinda P. Gamot Award to Stann W. Givens, founding partner of Givens Law Group.
Board Certified in Marital and Family Law and former president of AAML-Florida Chapter, Givens is widely respected for his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to mentoring others within the family law community. Givens is known for providing thoughtful guidance and is unwavering in his dedication to elevating the practice of family law with professionalism and compassion.
“Stann is the kind of lawyer we all aspire to be,” said Joseph Hunt of Harris, Hunt & Derr and president of AAML-Florida Chapter, who presented the award alongside Gross. “Throughout his career, he has earned a level of respect that reflects the impact he’s had on generations of lawyers, and he is truly deserving of this recognition.”
The Melinda P. Gamot Award was created by Elisha Roy, 2021–22 AAML-Florida Chapter president, and Heather Apicella, 2021–22 Family Law Section chair, to be jointly awarded by both organizations during the annual Marital and Family Law Review Course. The award honors the inspiration and tireless support recipients provide to the next generation of lawyers and leaders, as well as their kindness and selfless dedication to the legal community.
