Francis Michael Curran

Francis Curran concentrates his practice in complex business litigation, with an emphasis on securities litigation, arbitration and enforcement/regulatory proceedings. His clients include financial services firms and industry professionals involved in disputes in state and federal courts and in arbitration proceedings administered by FINRA. Fran has represented parties in customer claims and intra-industry disputes such as employment-related claims and “raiding” cases. He also has represented firms and professionals in administrative and enforcement proceedings initiated by state and federal securities regulators and the various self-regulatory organizations. In the area of business litigation, Fran has represented parties in cases involving business torts (such as fraud and the misappropriation of trade secrets), contracts (such as claims alleging breach of asset and stock purchase agreements) and real estate disputes.

Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Fran was a partner at a New York firm representing broker-dealers, investment advisers and other financial service providers.

Areas of Focus

Securities & Financial Services Litigation
Fran represents broker-dealers, insurance companies and financial professionals in connection with regulatory inquiries and during customer disputes, employment disputes and intra-industry disputes. He has also defended officers and directors in securities fraud cases and counsels firms and financial professionals regarding compliance issues. Fran understands the issues created by the challenging economic conditions and the current regulatory climate, and is able to help clients avoid problems and resolve disputes on favorable terms.

Regulatory & Enforcement Defense
Fran regularly represents broker-dealers and financial professionals during FINRA and SEC investigations, as well as in investigations by state securities and insurance regulators. He also has significant experience in representing these clients in regulatory and enforcement proceedings brought by FINRA, the SEC and state regulators in matters regarding sales practices, supervisory and compliance standards, and concerns about telemarketing and the “do not call” registry.

Commercial Litigation
Fran is a seasoned and pragmatic commercial litigator whose advice is valued by companies when their opportunities and profitability are on the line. He provides clients with targeted and timely strategic counsel to help them make better-informed decisions, resolve complex legal challenges and achieve specific business goals. Serving large, well-established enterprises and small, entrepreneurial organizations effectively, Fran can provide innovative legal strategies or execute focused litigations within designated time frames and budgets. New companies with limited exposure to intense litigation frequently rely on Fran to supply critical legal experience to defend against a lawsuit or sharpen a contract so it is more likely to withstand potential challenges.

Awards & Distinctions

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Board Certified in Business Litigation by The Florida Bar

News

• Securities Attorney Francis Curran Joins Wilson Elser's New York City Office

September 25, 2015