Attorney Fernando Franco earned a Juris Doctor degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. During his law studies at Nova Southeastern University he earned various honors and awards. Among these, the Book Award in four courses: Criminal Law, Securities Regulations, Contracts, and Torts. Additionally, he was a recipient of the Merit Scholarship in recognition of his outstanding performance during his first year of law. He was also a member of the most prestigious honor organizations: Nova Law Review and Nova Moot Court Society.

Attorney Franco is admitted to practice law by the Florida and New York bars, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and the Colombia Consejo Superior de la Judicatura.

Attorney Franco is a versatile lawyer with experience in various areas of law including, state and federal criminal defense, immigration law, civil litigation, defamation law suits, and OFAC list removal. For the most part, attorney Franco has placed his legal acumen and skills at the service of fellow Colombian nationals (as well as other Latin America nationals) doing business or facing problems in the United States. For instance, attorney Franco has represented prominent businessman in defamation law suits before the New York courts, multiple criminal defendants accused of crimes ranging from narcotics offenses to violent crimes, petitions of removal from OFAC list before the U.S. Treasury, and clients in immigration related matter including asylum, removal defense, investor visas, and extraordinary ability visas.

Attorney Franco's clients include politicians, such as senator and former President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe Velez, as well as models, prominent businessmen, sports celebrities, social media influencers, among others, from Colombia and other countries in Latin America.

Experience

Franco Law Firm, Director, since 2015
Franco Immigration Law Group, Attorney, from 2011 to 2015
Securities & Exchange Comission (“SEC”), Investigations Division, Legal Intern, Fall 2014
Robert Allen Law, Law Clerk, Summer 2014
Research Assistant, Professor Ishaq Kundawala, Summer 2013
Notable Clients
Former President of Colombia Alvaro Uribe Velez
General Consulate of Colombia in Miami

Education

Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, J.D., Magna Cum Laude
University of Miami School of Law, L.L.M., Transnational Law,
Universidad del Norte, L.L.B., Bachelor’s in Law

Bar Admissions/Licenses

Florida
New York

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
U.S. Immigration Court

Honors and Awards

Book Award in Contracts
Book Award in Criminal Law
Book Award in Torts
Book Award in Securities Regulation
Merit Scholarship
Dean’s List Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Fall 2013, Winter 2014
Red Pen Award
Themis Award