Joe Franco

Joe Franco is a trial attorney who specializes in complex commercial litigation and has substantial experience in cases involving breach of contract, unlawful trade practices, securities fraud, protection of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, legal malpractice and insurance coverage. Joe strives to favorably resolve cases for his clients in an efficient and economical manner, which will often result in settlement prior to trial. But if a case must go to trial in order to achieve justice – Joe embraces the opportunity. Joe has served as lead trial counsel in numerous cases, and has successfully tried jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations to verdict.

Among his trial accomplishments, Joe has:

• obtained a seven-figure plaintiff’s jury verdict on claims for breach of an oral distribution contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing and intentional interference with economic relations
• represented sellers of a natural foods company against claims of fraud and breach of contract in which the buyers sought over $50 million, including punitive damages; obtaining a take-nothing award from the jury after a two-week trial and an award of over $2 million in attorneys fees
• represented a real estate investment firm against more than 40 investors in a four-week arbitration alleging rescission, fraudulent concealment, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence arising from alleged real estate investment losses of more than $20 million; resulting in complete victory for the investment firm
• represented a national fitness company in a dispute against a commercial landlord; prevailed at a bench trial and was awarded damages for breach of contract, injunctive relief and attorney fees

Joe is also dedicated to giving back to our community and improving the legal profession. Joe served on the Oregon Bench and Bar Commission on Professionalism, which was founded by the Oregon State Bar to promote the professionalism, equality and efficiency of Oregon's judicial branch of government. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Multnomah Bar Foundation, which strives to increase the public's understanding of the legal system, promote civic education and improve the quality and administration of the legal system. In 2018, Joe was selected to receive the Multnomah Bar Association’s Award of Merit, which honors those who have made significant contributions to the MBA's mission of promoting justice through service, education and leadership to the MBA, legal profession and community.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Oregon State Bar, Oregon Bench and Bar Commission on Professionalism 2015-2020, (Chair, 2019)
• Oregon State Bar, Uniform Civil Jury Instruction Committee, 2021-2022
• Multnomah Bar Foundation, Board of Directors, 2020-2022
• Multnomah Bar Association: Court Liaison Committee, 2016-2018 (Chair, 2017) Judicial Screening Committee, 2013-2015; CLE Committee, 2010-2012

EDUCATION

• Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, J.D., magna cum laude
• University of Oregon, B.A.