Frances Lopez

Biography

Fran Lopez represents large corporations in mass tort and product liability litigation. With nearly three decades of experience, she defends high-stakes litigation, manages large dockets, and implements national and statewide strategies for asbestos, talc, and toxic tort cases. General counsel and in-house counsel of Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders have entrusted Fran with their most complex and challenging issues.

From inception through trial verdict, Fran has command of all aspects of the litigation. She develops comprehensive strategies that align with the evolving legal environment and a client's broader business and legal objectives. Her ability to create leverage has produced an impressive track record of efficient and cost-effective outcomes for her clients. She often secures early dismissals or settlements for nominal values due to her approach and exhaustive preparation.

Based in the Tampa Bay area, Fran is relied on by many of Hawkins Parnell's national coordinating counsel teams and represents dozens of the firm's largest clients in Florida. She has earned a reputation for being a proactive, thorough, and reliable partner in litigation. She understands the importance of anticipating risks and preparing for emerging issues, keeping her clients informed with timely communications of any developments or concerns. Her tireless commitment and due diligence in exploring all possible defenses have proved invaluable in gaining advantages and strengthening defense strategies.

Services

Education

  • University of Miami School of Law  (J.D., 1995)
  • New York University  (B.A., cum laude, 1992)

Bar Admissions

  • Florida

Courts

  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida

Professional Affiliations

  • The Florida Bar
  • DRI
  • International Association of Defense Counsel

Honors

  • The Best Lawyers in America© (2023-2025)
    • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Trials

  • Mark V. Mclean, Michael Fitch, Lisa Sherman, and James Archie Bennett as Personal Representatives for the Estate of Leonard C. Smith, III, v. Bird & Son, Inc., et al., Tenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
  • Gonzalez v. Caterpillar, et al., Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida
  • Patricia Buntz as Personal Representative of the Estate of Curtis Buntz v. Borg Warner et al., Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida