A Spanish-speaking former prosecutor experienced in the representation of professionals and tradesmen
Paulo honed his skills in the courtroom, often being called upon to try the most difficult and complex cases for the Virginia State Bar (VSB). He prides himself on knowing the true value of a case, being a good listener, a good communicator, and a passionate defender of his clients’ interests.
For the last 18+ years, Paulo E. Franco Jr. was a prosecutor for the VSB, prosecuting lawyers on its behalf. He has deep knowledge of the regulatory landscape and can serve as an advocate, helping you navigate the system. With experience defending against suspension or license revocation, Paulo is the lawyer tradesmen and certified professionals can turn to should their career be in jeopardy with a licensing authority.
Prior to joining the State Bar, Paulo was in private practice for over 16 years, serving design and construction professionals, lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, and more. Paulo represented the owners of a well-known concert venue in downtown Norfolk, VA in a complex mechanic’s lien case. He also routinely represented design professionals such as architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, and geotechnical engineers who were sued for errors and omissions. Paulo has experience representing numerous clients in contract and commercial disputes in courts throughout Virginia. In addition to regulatory work, Paulo’s practice encompasses all facets of civil litigation, including the representation of injured persons. After law school, Paulo clerked for the Chief Staff Attorney of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
Paulo grew up in Northern Virginia but has called Richmond home for the last 26 years. He is a first generation American whose family is originally from Medellín, Colombia, and he is fluent in Spanish.
When he is not practicing law, Paulo performs with his band, Shockoe Records recording artists Los Hermanos Alacranes, which features Paulo’s original songs in English and Spanish. They have opened for artists such as Los Lobos and performed at the 2023 Richmond Folk Festival. Paulo is also an avid road cyclist.
A Spanish-speaking former prosecutor experienced in the representation of professionals and tradesmen
Paulo Franco es un abogado con 35 años de experiencia litigando casos en Virginia. Durante la primera mitad de su carrera, Paulo representó a clientes en todo tipo de negocios y profesiones, como profesionales del diseño, contadores y abogados en casos de negligencia profesional. También representó a propietarios y contratistas en proyectos de construcción. A partir de ahí, pasó a ser abogado del Consejero General a la Judicatura del Estado de Virginia, donde procesó a abogados, investigándolos y acusándolos de violaciones de las Reglas de Conducta Profesional de Virginia. Con frecuencia se le llamaba para litigar los casos más difíciles y fue allí donde ganó su reputación de ser un feroz defensor en la sala del tribunal.
Como abogado en ThompsonMcMullan, Paulo ha defendido a abogados en procedimientos ante el Consejero General a la Judicatura del Estado de Virginia y ha obtenido el desistimiento de quejas contra abogados, contadores y contratistas. Obtuvo con éxito una orden judicial a favor de una iglesia en Tidewater. Actualmente está trabajando en casos de cobro para un negocio hispano ubicado en Northern Neck y representa a varios clientes latinos en casos de lesiones personales. Paulo concentra su práctica en ayudar a negocios y empresarios a formarse legalmente bajo las leyes de Virginia, asiste a clientes con disputas contractuales y comerciales, y representa a clientes en todo tipo de procedimientos y casos civiles.
Aunque nació en los Estados Unidos, Paulo está orgulloso de su herencia colombiana. Sus padres emigraron a este país desde Medellín, donde aún vive su familia extendida. Paulo no es solo un abogado que habla español, es alguien que reconoce y entiende las necesidades de la comunidad latina.
Practices
Civil Litigation
Professional Licensure, Administrative, and Regulatory Disputes
Representative Experience
PRIVATE PRACTICE
- Successfully appealed an administrative decision to deny long term disability benefits on behalf of a client
- Achieved dismissal of complaint against an accountant for allegedly defamatory statements
- Secured a dismissal of a complaint for improper work against a general contractor before the Board of Contracting
- Obtained several dismissals of bar complaints filed against attorneys at the preliminary investigation stage
- Represented owner of a music venue in Norfolk, VA in complex mechanic’s lien case
- Represent design professionals, lawyers, accountants, and healthcare professionals in professional liability actions
- Prosecuted subrogation actions on behalf of insurance companies
- Representation of members of closely held corporations and LLCs in ownership disputes
- Represented trucking companies in accident-related claims
GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE
- Successfully prosecuted state attorneys for violations of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct that resulted in both public and private discipline, including revocation
- Represented the Virginia State Bar in Impairment and Impairment Reinstatement Hearings
- Worked closely with law enforcement where Virginia attorneys were accused of ethical misconduct deemed to be criminal activity
Recognition
- Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the fields of Ethics and Professional and Responsibility Law; Litigation – Insurance (2026)
- Virginia Business Magazine’s “Legal Elite” Civil Litigation category (2025)
Education
- University of Richmond School of Law, J.D., 1989
- Associate Editor, Law Review
- Moot Court Board Member
- Kenyon College, Bachelor of Arts, English, with Distinction
Admissions
- All Virginia courts including the Supreme Court of Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia
- U.S Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia
Affiliations
- CultureWorks
- Board of Directors
- JAMInc., Board Member
- Richmond Bar Association
- Richmond Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Past Board Member
- Virginia State Bar
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