Overview

Frank Morreale is a Jacksonville-based litigation attorney who represents financial institutions, insurance carriers and multinational corporations in commercial disputes, American Arbitration Association (AAA) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitrations and coverage matters in Florida and New York. Mr. Morreale works closely with corporate in-house counsels to anticipate and address litigation-related issues. He is dedicated to working with clients to avoid litigation when appropriate or to develop a strategy to resolve disputes in a timely and cost efficient manner.

Prior to rejoining Holland & Knight in 2020, Mr. Morreale was a litigation attorney for a national law firm in its Jacksonville office. He previously practiced in New York from 1998 to 2006, and was a partner with Holland & Knight from 2008 to 2014. He continues to split his litigation practice among the state and federal courts of New York and Florida.

Representative Experience

  • Obtained dissolution of pre-judgment ex parte writs of garnishment for non-resident client
  • Obtained a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration award denying customer claims and recommending expungement of former employee's disclosure where customer alleged financial institution breached fiduciary duty and violated suitability obligations
  • Obtained award of appellate attorneys' fees in Florida state court on behalf of health plan
  • Obtained appellate reversal of an order allowing condemner to acquire client's real property in New York state court without due process
  • Defended clients in connection with consumer protection claims arising under Florida and federal law
  • Represented clients in connection with government investigations into residential mortgage industry
  • Represented clients in panel arbitrations and single arbitrator hearings under the American Arbitration Association's Commercial Arbitration Rules
  • Represented financial institutions in matters ranging from small claims court to wrongful death civil actions
  • Obtained jury trial verdict awarding damages and injunctive relief in federal trademark litigation
  • Obtained trial verdict in excess of $100 million on state court breach of guaranty claim
  • Obtained early dismissal of adversary proceeding alleging $200 million fraudulent conveyance claims allegedly arising from foreign investment
  • Obtained summary judgment for defendant in federal court action alleging breach of "commercially reasonable efforts" contract

Credentials

Education
  • New York University School of Law, J.D.
  • Stetson University, BBA, Finance, magna cum laude
Bar Admissions/Licenses
  • New York
  • Florida
Court Admissions
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
  • 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 Southern District of Alabama
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York
Memberships
  • MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation, Board Member and Nominating Committee Chairperson, 2020-present
  • Riverside Park United Methodist Church, Trustee, 2013-2015
  • Stetson University Alumni Association, Jacksonville District Co-Chair, 2010-2013
  • Community Connections of Jacksonville, President, 2011-2013
Honors & Awards
  • The Best Lawyers in America guide, Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Litigation, 2021-2024; Litigation - Insurance 2023, 2024
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • Holland & Knight Pro Bono All-Star, 2021
  • Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend magazine, 2015, 2021
  • Rising Star, Florida Super Lawyers magazine, 2013
  • Order of Barristers, 1997

Publications

Speaking Engagements

News