About Us
Franklin Law Firm, PLLC is a family-owned law firm that specializes in commercial real estate, family law, criminal defense and general civil litigation. Jeffrey and David Franklin have over a decade of experience and are committed to providing exceptional service to every client.
Practice Areas
Real Estate
Family Law
Criminal Defense
Civil Litigation
Team
Jeffrey Franklin,
Co-Founder and Partner
Jeffrey Franklin has practiced family law, general civil litigation and criminal defense since 2008. As a former prosecutor and judicial clerk, he has a deep understanding of all facets of litigation, alternative dispute resolution, arbitration, and significant trial experience. Jeffrey draws upon this unique skill set when representing clients, whether it be for a divorce or family dispute, criminal offense or other business litigation matter. Jeffrey serves as litigation counsel for many general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and cannabis companies.
Prior to co-founding Franklin Law Firm, Jeffrey established his own firm, which he successfully operated for over a decade. He also worked in the Litigation Group of Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, and served as a clerk in the Oakland County Circuit Court for Judge Daniel Patrick O’Brien. Jeffrey also serves on the Brownfield Committee for the City of Rochester.
Jeffrey graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and received a B.A. from Michigan State University
David Franklin,
Co-Founder and Partner
David Franklin has practiced commercial real estate law for over a decade, with a focus on acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures, debt and equity financings, leasing and ground-up developments. He represents regional and national developers, REITs, real estate funds and other real estate investors, both public and private. David’s practice spans all commercial asset classes, including industrial, multifamily, hotel and retail.
Prior to co-founding Franklin Law Firm, David was a partner at Greenberg Traurig in Chicago. He joined Greenberg Traurig’s award-winning global real estate practice directly from law school and continued to work there for over ten years.
He offers clients a practical and results-driven approach, blending the expertise of a large firm with the care of a family office.
David was the valedictorian of the Chicago-Kent College of Law and received a B.B.A from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Melissa Paddock,
Senior Real Estate Paralegal and Business Manager
Melissa is Franklin Law Firm’s Senior Real Estate Paralegal and Business Manager. In this capacity, she is engaged in all transactional and corporate matters, including real estate acquisitions, dispositions, title and survey review, leasing, and financings. She also helps to oversee all aspects of the firm’s business management practices and functions.
Before joining Franklin Law Firm, Melissa worked at Los Angeles-based investment management firms, where she was employed in various Asset Management and Compliance Management roles. She also has significant prior experience working in national law firm settings, emphasizing in real estate, construction, trust and estates, and creditors rights practices.
Melissa received a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in legal studies, and an ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate from Samford University.
Abby Sexton,
Associate
Abby Sexton’s practice focuses on the acquisition, disposition, development, financing and leasing of real estate. She has experience working across many asset classes, including self-storage, industrial, retail, hotel, office and multi-family residential.
Prior to joining Franklin Law Firm, Abby was an associate at Kirkland & Ellis.
She enjoys working with clients through the life cycle of their investments. Abby is able to work through technical and challenging property issues with a practical approach in order to better help clients efficiently close deals and reach their goals.
Abby graduated with honors from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and from University of Maryland, College Park. Abby is also a certified sommelier and had a career selling wine, working in cocktail bars and managing restaurants before law school.
Contact
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