Francis M. Curran

Francis M. Curran’s practice focuses on business litigation. As a practicing lawyer for more than 25 years, Fran’s skills and experience in commercial and complex litigation have been critical in helping resolve countless disputes on an individual and industry-wide basis. He has represented clients in all forms of litigation in court and in arbitration, with more than 30 arbitration awards and numerous court decisions to his credit.

In addition to representing numerous business and individual clients in disputes involving employment claims, business divorces, and trade secret/non-solicitation actions, Fran has extensive experience in representing securities and financial services industry clients, including banks, broker-dealers, registered representatives, investment advisors, and financial planners, in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration proceedings administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the American Arbitration Association. His financial services experience also includes representing firms and professionals in investigations and enforcement actions brought by the SEC, state securities and insurance regulators, and FINRA.

He frequently speaks on various occasions to industry groups on topics including broker/dealer compliance and arbitration, and previously served as the co-chair of the Securities & Exchanges Committee of the New York County Lawyers Association. He is also frequently quoted on securities law issues in articles published by Reuters, MarketWatch, and the New York Post.

Fran also uses his skills and experience to counsel clients on how to avoid litigation and strives to help clients resolve cases early in order to avoid unnecessary risk and expenses whenever possible.

• Co-lead counsel for nationwide class and collective in In re: Michael Stapleton Associates Ltd. Employment Litigation, (S.D.N.Y. Case No. 1:17-cv-05468), securing a $14.5M recovery for hundreds of security dog handlers who alleged they were not paid for time they spent training their K-9s.
• Lead counsel in a jury trial to verdict (defense verdict) in action pending in New York County Supreme Court involving claims of dental malpractice, vicarious liability of employer, and successor liability
• Lead counsel in a jury trial to verdict in action pending in New York County Supreme Court/Commercial Division involving claims and counterclaims arising from an LLC membership redemption agreement.

Court & Bar Admissions

• New York
• Florida
• New Jersey
• United States Circuit Court of Appeals, Second Circuit Court and Eleventh Circuit Court
• US District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
• US District Court for the District of New Jersey
• US District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Southern of Florida

Education:

• J.D., cum laude, Stetson University College of Law (Notes Editor, Stetson Law Review; Moot Court Board)
• B.A., with honors, University of Florida

• AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® since 2006
• Board Certified in Business Litigation by the Florida Bar from 2015 to 2021

• https://nypost.com/2021/01/27/gamestop-up-another-134-as-officials-raise-possibility-of-foul-play/
• https://nypost.com/2020/12/25/aerospace-giants-convict-ceo-could-pose-threat-to-firms-ipo-plans/
• https://www.marketwatch.com/story/froth-and-fomo-are-being-used-to-create-meme-stocks-and-fake-meme-stocks-11624373315
• https://www.reuters.com/article/finra-brokers/comply-finra-to-brokers-know-your-high-yield-securities-idUSL2N0AJF0G20130116
• https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lincoln-fin-broker/lincoln-financial-must-pay-2-million-to-defamed-broker-idUSBRE83A1DY20120411
• https://www.reuters.com/article/broker-tarnish-idUSL2E8FILEZ20120420
• https://www.reuters.com/article/net-us-finra-socialmedia/finra-reviewing-brokerages-use-of-social-media-idUSBRE95I1DU20130619
• https://www.reuters.com/article/ubs-bonus-idUKL2E8D6H4820120206