Fred D. Franklin, Jr.

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS | SHAREHOLDER

Professional Experience / Bio

Fred is Chairman Emeritus of the firm’s Board of Directors. Fred is a member of the firm’s Litigation Department. His practice is concentrated in the areas of complex commercial litigation, land use litigation and negligence litigation, including personal injury and wrongful death. His experience includes the representation of banks and federal banking agencies involving the workout and foreclosure of commercial and real estate loans. Fred also has extensive experience litigating title insurance claims and other real estate matters.

Fred is a former prosecutor and previously served as General Counsel for the City of Jacksonville and its independent agencies, including the Jacksonville Port Authority, the Jacksonville Electric Authority, the Duval County School Board and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.  As general counsel, he was the chief legal officer for Jacksonville’s consolidated government.

Areas of Practice

Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Government and Regulatory
Administrative Law and Professional Licensing
Local Government Processes
State and Local Government Lobbying
Education
Sports & Entertainment

Education

  • Jacksonville University, B.A., 1977
  • University of Florida College of Law, J.D., 1979

Awards & Distinctions

  • AV Preeminent® Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Commercial Litigation), 2016-2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Litigation-Banking and Finance), 2018-2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Administrative/Regulatory Law), 2023-2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (Government Relations Practice), 2024
  • Best Lawyers® Jacksonville Litigation – Banking and Finance “Lawyer of the Year”, 2022
  • Florida Trend Magazine, “Legal Elite” (Commercial Litigation) 2015-2016, 2019-2020
  • Florida Super Lawyers®, (Business Litigation), 2011-2022
  • Outstanding Alumni Award, Jacksonville University, 2004

Bar Association Membership

  • The Florida Bar
  • Jacksonville Bar Association

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida

Certifications

  • Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator

Professional & Community Involvement

  • The Florida Bar, Board of Governors, Representing the 4th Judicial Circuit, 2014-2018
  • Judicial Nominating Commission, Florida First District Court of Appeal, 2006-2010
  • Florida Bar Grievance Committee, 4th Judicial Circuit, 1984-1986
  • Florida Supreme Court Historical Society, 1998-2000
  • Charter Member, Chester Bedell Inn of Court, 1985
  • Board of Directors, St. Vincent’s Health System, 2002-2011
  • Board of Directors, Jacksonville Port Authority, 1999-2001
  • Commissioner, Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, 2004-2005
  • General Counsel, Gator Bowl Association, 1998-2010
  • General Counsel, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, 2002; 2014; 2015
  • Board of Directors, Atlantic Coast Bank, 2005-2012
  • Board of Directors, Leadership Jacksonville, 2001-2003
  • Jacksonville Civic Council
  • Chairman, Gator Bowl Association, 2012
  • Board of Trustees, The Bolles School, 2011-2014
  • Board of Trustees, University of North Florida, 2010-2018
  • Board of Directors, Flagler Hospital, 2018-present
  • Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute Board of Advisors