Overview

Michael Francis serves as Of Counsel to Sloan Attorneys, where he represents national and regional homebuilders, developers, contractors, and commercial businesses in complex construction and commercial litigation. For more than two decades, Mr. Francis has focused his practice on residential construction disputes, construction defect litigation, contract disputes, real estate matters, insurance issues, and risk management for clients throughout the construction industry.

Mr. Francis has developed longstanding relationships with many of the firm's homebuilder clients and serves as trusted counsel throughout every stage of the dispute resolution process. He regularly advises clients from pre-suit claims under the Texas Residential Construction Liability Act (Chapter 27 of the Texas Property Code) through litigation, arbitration, trial, and appeal. His experience includes construction defect litigation, warranty claims, contractual disputes, payment disputes, real property issues, and other matters affecting residential and commercial development.

In addition to his residential construction practice, Mr. Francis represents clients in complex litigation involving drainage, surface water, and Texas Water Code issues arising from the development of residential communities. His practical understanding of both the legal and business aspects of construction allows him to provide strategic, business-oriented counsel focused on protecting his clients' long-term interests while efficiently resolving disputes.

Mr. Francis also has extensive experience advising clients regarding insurance coverage and risk management issues affecting construction projects. His broad litigation background allows him to develop practical strategies that help clients avoid unnecessary litigation while aggressively protecting their interests when disputes cannot be resolved.

 

Representative Matters

Successfully represented a commercial developer in litigation against a Texas municipality, obtaining a favorable pre-trial settlement.

Successfully represented a residential builder before a municipal zoning board regarding variance issues affecting multiple newly constructed homes.

Successfully defended one of the nation's largest homebuilders in a multi-million-dollar arbitration involving complex real estate disputes, obtaining a take-nothing award and recovery of arbitration fees.

Represented numerous national and regional homebuilders, developers, contractors, material suppliers, and commercial property owners in construction litigation, arbitration, and related disputes throughout Texas.

Represents large-volume homebuilders in matters involving residential construction defects, warranty claims, Texas Residential Construction Liability Act claims, drainage disputes, and litigation arising under the Texas Water Code.

 

Education:

J.D., Baylor Law School (1999)
President, International Law Society
Member, Harvey M. Richey Moot Court Society
Recipient, John B. and Eula Berly Fisher Award in Constitutional Law

B.A., University of Texas at Austin, summa cum laude (1996)

 

Professional Affiliations:

Admitted to practice before:
Texas State Courts
Member, State Bar of Texas
Construction Law Section
Torts Section
Insurance Practice Section
Member, Federal Bar Association
Member, American Bar Association
Member, Dallas Bar Association

 

Community Involvement:

Co-Founder and Chair, Gifts from the Heart
Board Member, Special Olympics, Area 16
Board Member, American Heart Association
Board Member, Satellite Workshop for the Mentally Impaired
Board Member, Ellie Care Home Health Care, Inc.
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Dallas
Volunteer, United Way Business Division
Vestry, St. Peters Episcopal Church