Charles R. Franklin
Charles Franklin focuses his practice on the representation of individuals and businesses in commercial litigation and insurance related matters. That work includes assistance in the presentation of claims, policy analysis and coverage disputes on behalf of policyholders as well as the representation of financial institutions and companies in loss workout, mitigation and recovery. Charlie also has a significant experience in representing highly regulated and registered entities and licensed professionals (such as accountants, physicians, appraisers, inspectors, brokers, and others) either accused of malpractice and/or in licensure, regulatory and disciplinary proceedings at federal, state, county, and local levels, and before private certifying organizations and professional groups. He has often served as a “neutral” or an independent arbitrator being appointed by both policyholders and insurance companies.
Charlie is proud to be recognized by his peers as AV® Preeminent™ as rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, the organization’s highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. He has also been designated a Top Rated Lawyer by SuperLawyers, Thompson Reuters rating service. He is admitted to practice in Illinois, a member of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the Federal Trial Bar.
Charlie served as Vice President of the North Suburban Bar Association of Illinois. He is a past president of the Casualty Adjusters Association of Chicago and is a founding member of the Claims Association of Greater Chicago. He is a frequent speaker to professional and trade groups. These include the Appraisal Institute – Chicago and Wisconsin Chapters, the Adjusters Association of Illinois, NAIFA, the Illinois Coalition of Appraisal Professionals, and other organizations and clients on the topics of appraisal issues, disciplinary proceedings, fraud investigation, insurance coverages and claims, loss mitigation and recovery, and workplace and liability issues. Charlie also serves on the Advisory Board of the Future Institute-Chicago, an affiliate of Concept Schools, a non-profit company which manages over 30 public charter schools in the Midwest, including the Chicago Math & Science Academy.
- Successfully represented a large national bank, defending it from exposure and liability related to the biggest municipal embezzlement in U.S. history (City of Dixon v. Crundwell, et al.).
- Obtained a favorable summary ruling for a national bank against an insurer which had denied any obligation to the bank asserting various coverage defenses against the bank and the policyholder (Sagar Megh, et al. v United National).
- Successfully argued before the Illinois Supreme Court on limitations of liability and safety deposit box obligations affirming the Appellate Court’s reversal of a trial court judgment (Jewelers Mutual v. Firstar Bank).
- Following a federal jury trial, obtained a Judgment as a Matter of Law (JNOV) on behalf of his client, on a multimillion dollar insurance fraud case (Office Furnishings v. American Family).
- Successfully argued and won an appeal asserting the opposing party was engaged in champerty and barratry (Stapleton v. Darata).
- Continues to represent numerous appraisers and appraisal companies, inspectors, brokers and other licensed professionals in matters before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and other government agencies and professional organizations.
- On behalf of a commercial bowling center, obtained a high six figure settlement from a nationally known specialty lines insurance company overcoming allegations of fraud against the insured.
- Obtained a policy limits recovery on behalf of a client bank for a Gulfport, Mississippi, beach motel destroyed in Hurricane Katrina after an initial denial of liability.
- Continues to assist victims/clients in mitigating and obtaining restitution and recovery from significant fraud, forgery, embezzlement losses against financial institutions, brokers and others.
- Continues to assist clients in recovery for loss or damage to valuable, unique or one-of-a-kind personal or real property of significant cultural and/or aesthetic value, such as for fire damage to a Frank Lloyd Wright designed home (Beachy Home) and the destruction of inventory of an award winning artistic periodicals publication (Nest magazine)
- Successfully represented Illinois attorneys pursued for unlicensed practice of appraisal by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- 1980 | J.D. University of Miami School of Law
- 1976 | B. A. The University of Michigan
- Illinois Supreme Court
- United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- United States District Court, Northern District of Indiana
- United States District Court, Western District of Michigan
- United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
- Common Real Estate Jargon – Illinois Homes
- The Three C’s – CANDOR, CONTRITION, COOPERATION – When Your License is at Stake! – ICAP, NAA Appraiser Focus (1st Quarter, 2016)
- The Value of a Good Appraiser – Illinois Times
- My Main USPAP Issue – testimony before the Appraisal Standards Board (2013)
- FHA Discrimination Actions
- Illinois Policyholder Counsel Group – April 2017
- Illinois State Bar Association
- North Suburban Bar Association
- Illinois Coalition of Appraisal Professionals
- National Association of Appraisers
- Provisors
- Professional Executives Networking Group (PENG)
- Trusted Advisors Council (TAC)
- Illinois Association of Certified Real Estate Appraisers
- Claims Association of Greater Chicago
