Frank Sciremammano is the Partner in Charge of the Washington, D.C. office for Lathrop GPM. Frank is a diligent problem-solver, tackling the toughest litigation issues faced by his clients. Working primarily with businesses, he recognizes that each client’s ideal resolution will differ — whether that means a win in the courtroom, a well-crafted settlement, or a sizable arbitration award. No matter the desired outcome, Frank provides thorough and efficient representation in service of his clients’ business objectives.

Frank focuses on franchise, distribution, and other business litigation and white collar defense matters. He advises some of the nation’s largest franchisors and regularly defends and prosecutes cases on their behalf in matters involving breaches of contract, encroachment, system standards enforcement, fraud, tortious interference with contract, unfair trade practices, trademark infringement, disclosure violations, violations of little FTC Acts, violations of consumer protection acts, the enforcement of covenants not to compete, and vicarious liability. Frank’s experience also includes representing clients in commercial contract disputes and defending individuals in connection with various fraud and trade secret disputes. He represents clients ranging from individuals and small employers to public entities and international corporations.

Before attending law school, Frank worked as a radio personality in top 40 and alternative rock radio, and also as an afternoon traffic reporter for CBS Radio in Rochester, NY.

Areas of Focus

Experience

Franchise Litigation

  • Obtained verdict and judgment in favor of national temporary staffing franchisor following a five-day bench trial against franchisee in federal court. The judge enforced a non-compete and non-solicitation provision against the franchisee defendant and conspiring co-defendants, awarded damages, attorney’s fees, and costs in favor of the franchisor, and dismissed the franchisee’s counterclaims.
  • Prosecuted claims on behalf of national quick service restaurant franchisor against 15-unit franchisee who was committing pervasive employment eligibility verification violations. The case settled on terms favorable to the client.
  • Prosecuted claims on behalf of national quick service restaurant franchisor against 14-unit franchisee who was committing pervasive health and safety violations. The case settled on terms favorable to the client.
  • Obtained dismissal in favor of individual arbitration of wage and hour claims brought by 36 franchisees and franchisees’ employees against national janitorial franchisor.
  • Defended national quick service restaurant franchisor against fraud, consumer protection act, and various related claims brought by 26 franchisees. The case settled on terms favorable to the client.
  • Secured numerous preliminary injunctions and temporary restraining orders on behalf of franchisor clients seeking to enjoin franchisees’ continued use of the franchisor’s trademarks and business systems following termination of a franchise agreement.

Investigations & White-Collar Defense

  • Represented a former FBI lawyer in connection with a bar investigation into allegations that he falsified information filed with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court relating to a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Application concerning a foreign policy advisor to a presidential candidate.
  • Defended a Chinese-American engineer formerly employed by a Fortune 25 multinational conglomerate accused of stealing trade secrets.
  • Defended a Chinese-American regulatory affairs professional formerly employed by a Fortune 250 multinational pharmaceutical company accused of stealing trade secrets.
  • Represented the D.C. office of an international law firm in multiple inquiries by the District of Columbia Committee on Unauthorized Practice of Law.

Business Litigation

  • Represented publicly traded agricultural company and minority owner of joint venture in international arbitration involving claims of breach of fiduciary duty and member control agreement. The case was settled on terms favorable to the client.
  • Obtained award in favor of national commercial real estate firm in commercial arbitration involving claims of breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty.

Credentials

Education

  • Syracuse University College of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 2012)
  • Rochester Institute of Technology (B.A., Business Marketing, with highest honors, 2009)

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • New York

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Recognitions

  • "Legal Eagle," Franchise Times, 2023
  • Washington D.C. Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," 2022-2023

Presentations

  • Roundtable Facilitator, "Strategic Considerations When Litigating Cases Involving Multi-Unit Franchisees," 2024 IFA Legal Symposium, May 6, 2024
  • Moderator, "Frequently Arising Issues in Arbitration," 2023 IFA Legal Symposium, May 8, 2023
  • Moderator, "Properly Documenting Franchise Support Activities," International Franchise Association Annual Convention, February 28, 2022
  • Featured, "Top Franchise Legal Players" 1851 Franchise Podcast, November 24, 2021
  • Moderator, "Mental Health and Substance Abuse Awareness in the Legal Profession," American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, 44th Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, October 14, 2021
  • Moderator, "To Terminate or Not to Terminate, That is the Question: Enforcing System Standards in a Post-Covid World," 2021 IFA Legal Symposium, May 6, 2021
  • Presenter, "Pandemics, Natural Disasters, Unrest: Litigating Force Majeure Clauses in Franchise Agreements," American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Webinar, March 25, 2021
  • Presenter, "When is a Lie Actionable? Litigating Misrepresentation Claims and the Requirement of Reasonable Reliance," American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, 41st Annual Meeting, Nashville, Tennessee, October 11, 2018

Publications

Professional Activities

  • American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising; Steering Committee member, Litigation and Dispute Resolution Committee