Francis A. Citera

Francis A. “Frank” Citera is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with deep experience in product liability, toxic torts, class actions, and other complex litigation matters in both federal and state courts. He is co-chair of the firm’s Product Liability & Mass Torts Litigation Practice. An experienced architect of litigation strategies, Frank defends companies in various industries and business sectors, including major retailers such as Albertsons and Claire’s Stores, and technology and electronics companies like Qualcomm, Sony Electronics, and UL Solutions. He has achieved success in defeating class certification, disputing alleged claims in court, and obtaining summary judgment and outright dismissals before trial.

Frank also advises clients on risk management, crisis management and communications, and product safety issues. He has appeared before federal and state agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Frank is recognized as a leading product liability attorney by Chambers USA, calling him a “go-to choice for numerous product manufacturers and retailers.” Clients described him as being “a gifted litigator” and “a thoughtful adviser who protects the interests of his client beyond the scope of any particular lawsuit.” The Legal 500 United States described him as “a seasoned lawyer who can solve almost any issue” and “tenacious, thoughtful, and intelligent.” Frank was named an “Ally of the Year” as part of the Corporate Counsel 2023 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards, and was included on Crain’s Chicago Business 2023 list of Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys. Frank has also been featured in The American Lawyer’s “Litigator of the Week” column for his argument before the Alaska Superior Court that led to the Court concluding that the State’s claim for public nuisance must fail. Recognized as a thought leader in toxic torts, he serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Law teaching toxic torts to the next generation of lawyers.

Concentrations

•Products liability
•Class actions
•Mass torts
•Environmental
•Civil practice
•Appellate

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, 2017 and 2020-2025
•Illinois Litigation: Product Liability, 2025
•Nationwide Product Liability & Mass Torts, 2020-2025
•Illinois Litigation: General Commercial, 2023-2024
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, 2009, 2011-2025
•Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense: Consumer Products (Including Tobacco), 2011-2014, 2018-2025
•Dispute Resolution, General Commercial Disputes, 2020 and 2025
•Environment: Litigation, 2014-2024
•Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action - Toxic Tort - Defense, 2018-2024
•Supreme Court and Appellate, 2009, 2017
•Winner, Corporate Counsel Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards, “Ally of the Year,” 2023
•Listed, Crain's Chicago Business, “Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys,” 2023
•Listed, Benchmark Litigation, “Litigation Star,” 2023-2026
•Selected, Thomson Reuters, “Stand-Out Lawyer - Independently Rated Lawyers,” 2022
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, 2008-2026
•Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, 2023-2026
•Litigation - Environmental, 2026
•Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2026
•Litigation - Bankruptcy, 2008-2023
•Recommended, Lexology Index, Product Liability Defence, 2021-2025
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Illinois Super Lawyers, 2005-2026
•Listed, Leading Lawyers Network, 2005-2026
•Team Member, a Law360 “Environmental Practice Group of the Year,” 2022
•Listed, Acritas Stars Independently Rated Lawyers, “Star Lawyers,” 2018-2021
•Team Member, a Law360 “Product Liability Practice Group of the Year,” 2011 and 2021-2022
•Recipient, Alumni Achievement Award, University of Miami School of Law, October 2014
•Rated, AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0