Francesca Morris practices in the New York Litigation Practice Group. Ms. Morris advises and represents foreign and domestic companies and financial institutions in complex commercial disputes related to breaches of contract, judgment enforcement, copyright and trademark infringement and licensing disputes. Ms. Morris has experience in jury and non-jury trials and appeals in federal and state courts. A substantial part of Ms. Morris's practice relates to international business disputes.
In the transportation context, Ms. Morris has represented clients in a variety of maritime matters, including collision litigation, limitation of liability actions, cargo claims, arrests and attachments of assets and in maritime lien disputes. Ms. Morris has conducted post-casualty onboard investigations prior to and in preparation for litigation. Ms. Morris has represented secured lenders and creditors in highly contested maritime bankruptcies under Chapter 11 and Chapter 15.
She has appeared pro bono representing victims of domestic violence in obtaining orders of protection and in marital and family law matters, such as custody, visitation and child support disputes and divorce. In December 2003, Ms. Morris was awarded the John K. Geiger Award for commitment to justice by the not-for-profit group inMotion, Inc. for her pro bono work. Ms. Morris is a member of the New York Office Diversity Committee.
Reported cases: Otal Invs. Ltd. v. M.V. Clary, 494 F.3d 40, 2007 U.S. App. LEXIS 16021 (2d Cir. 2007); Mann Ferrostaal, Inc. v. M/V Vertigo, 447 F. Supp.2d 316, 2006 AMC 2187 (S.D.N.Y. 2006); Otal Invs. Ltd. v. Capital Bank Pub. Ltd. Co. (In re Otal Invs. Ltd.), 2006 AMC 106, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5293 (S.D.N.Y. Jan. 6, 2006); Jam. Shipping Co. v. Orient Shipping Rotterdam, B.V. (In re Millenium Seacarriers, Inc.), 458 F.3d 92 (2d Cir. 2006); Universal Oil Ltd. v. Allfirst Bank (In re Millenium Seacarriers, Inc.), 419 F.3d 83 (2d Cir. 2005); Assuranceforeningen Skuld Den Danske Afdeling v. Allfirst Bank (In re Millenium Seacarriers, Inc.), 96 Fed. Appx. 753, 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 8131 (2d Cir. 2004); In re Otal Invs. Ltd. v. Capital Bank Pub. Ltd. Co. (In re Otal Invs. Ltd.), 2005 AMC 2461, 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 21580 (S.D.N.Y. 2005); Valassis Communs., Inc. v. Weimer, 304 A.D.2d 448, 758 N.Y.S.2d 311 (1st Dept. 2003).