“As much as foreign languages help us to serve the client in dealing with Miami’s international business climate, the ability to communicate concepts to the client and truly listen to the client’s wants and needs is by far a lawyer’s greatest talent. I seek to be my clients’ trusted business advisor.”

              -- Francesca Russo


Francesca is Of Counsel to the firm and specializes in commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution.  She has worked with a broad range of clients both domestic and international on all phases of the litigation process before federal and state courts in various areas of commercial litigation, including but not limited to breach of contract and tort claims, civil theft, trade secrets, trademark litigation, transportation litigation, real estate litigation, corporate and business litigation, directors and officers liability, and fraud.  In addition to litigation, Francesca has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution.  She has substantial experience serving as local counsel for firms seeking to enforce or defend their clients’ rights in South Florida.


Francesca was born in Bedfordshire, England, UK.  Her family moved to Montreal, Canada, where she became an attorney.  Before moving to the United States, Francesca practiced as a civil law attorney handling civil and commercial litigation in Quebec, Canada.


When she is not spending time with her two children, Francesca enjoys fashion, reading and running.  She is fluent in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.


Education


  1. •Nova Southeastern University School of Law, Ft. Lauderdale, FL , 1999; Doctor of Jurisprudence: Honors: Summa Cum Laude.

  2. •Ottawa University School of Law, Ontario, Canada, 1992-1993, LL.B.-LL.L. : Honors: Magna Cum Laude.

  3. •McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 1988, B.A.-Political Science: Honors: First Class Honors.


Bar Admissions & Memberships


  1. •Florida, 1999

  2. •Quebec, Canada, 1993

  3. •U.S. District Courts Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida

  4. •U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit and Federal Circuit

  5. •U.S. Court of International Trade


Professional Affiliations


  1. •Florida Bar, International Law Section, former Chair

  2. •Intellectual Property Law Association of Florida.

  3. •International Transportation Lawyers’ Association.

  4. •International Law Quarterly, Editor, 2000-2005


Community/Civic Involvement


  1. •Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Trustee

  2. •Italian American Chamber of Commerce

  3. •French-American Chamber of Commerce

  4. •Museum of Contemporary Art, Patron Committee, Executive Member

  5. •Quebec Chamber of Commerce

  6. •Adrienne Archt Center.


Presentations & Publications


  1. •“International Commercial Law,” Lecturer

  2. •“Freight Forwarding and Shipping,” Lecturer

  3. •“Freight Forwarders and Liens: Some Practical and Legal Considerations,” Presenter

  4. •Does a Florida Minority Shareholder in a Closely Held Corporation Owe a Fiduciary Duty to Fellow Shareholders?” Co-Author

  5. •“Terms and Conditions: How They Govern Liabilities in the Transport of Goods,” Smart Business Miami, The Management Journal for Corporate Growth

  6. •“Practice Issues Before the Court of International Trade,” Chair of Steering Committee


Noteworthy


  1. •Selected by Florida’s Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars” Category















©2008 ET Law

To e-mail Francesca click on picture.

vCard