Renee Franchi

Sponsored by RebuttalPR

What initially inspired you to specialize in plaintiff personal injury law, and how has your motivation evolved over the years?

My first job out of law school was representing landowners against oil and gas corporations, and that's what initially drew me to this type of work. I loved the idea of standing up for individuals against these massive corporate entities. But I'll be honest: I was terrified of the courtroom at first. I had to overcome that fear by embracing my authentic self and reminding myself that jurors are just as nervous as I am to be there. That realization changed everything for me.

I eventually became a prosecutor, which was an incredible training ground. Now I've come full circle, returning to what I loved from the beginning: representing individuals against corporations. That work is deeply fulfilling to me, and my passion for it has only grown stronger over the years.

Can you share a case that had a significant impact on you professionally or personally? What lessons did you take away from that experience?

My time as a prosecutor handling domestic violence cases had a profound impact on me. Those cases taught me to maintain professionalism while being truly supportive to victims. What struck me most was learning not to judge people based on their external appearances because so much of people and their lives is hidden behind closed doors. You can never really know what someone is going through just by looking at them.

The lesson I took away was the importance of observing without judgment. That skill has served me incredibly well in my practice. Everyone has a story, and everyone is dealing with something we can't see. Understanding that has made me a better advocate for my clients.

Building trust is crucial in your line of work. How do you approach building and maintaining trust with your clients, especially in emotionally charged cases?

The best advice I ever received about building trust came from an opposing attorney. He told me that the key is being honest and keeping your word. That sounds simple, but it's everything. I make sure my clients know I'm going to be straight with them, and I always follow through on what I say I'm going to do.

One thing I've learned is not to try to empathize by saying things like "I know what you're going through" or “I understand” when I don't. That comes across as insincere, and clients can sense it immediately. Instead, I focus on being present, being honest, and being reliable. Trust comes from consistency and authenticity, not from pretending to understand experiences I haven't lived.

What are some of the most significant challenges you've faced as a female attorney in this field, and what strategies have you employed to overcome them?

The legal field has traditionally been male-dominated, and I've had to navigate my way through that landscape. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining confidence in male-dominated environments while walking this delicate line—if you're too assertive, you're perceived as aggressive in a way that men aren't, but if you’re too soft, then you’re perceived as being a pushover.

I've learned to navigate these challenges through honesty, hard work, and focusing on my strengths. I trust my instincts and don't try to be someone I'm not. What's been most helpful is surrounding myself with supportive people who believe in me and encourage me to be authentic. The key is to stay true to yourself while learning from every setback along the way.

Are there any mentors or role models who have been pivotal in your career? How have they influenced your professional path?

I was fortunate to work with a supportive group of female attorneys at the district attorney's office, and my chief was instrumental in my development. He encouraged me to trust my abilities and learn from my mistakes rather than letting them define me. Having mentors who believed in me made all the difference, especially in those early years when I was finding my footing.

What's been really interesting is watching the shift in dynamics among women in the legal profession. It used to be more competitive between women, but now there's this beautiful spirit of mutual support. Women are lifting each other up instead of competing for limited seats at the table. That shift has been transformative, and I'm grateful to be part of a community of women who genuinely support each other.

Balancing work with personal life can be challenging in a demanding field like personal injury law. How do you manage this balance, and what advice would you give to others in your position?

I'll be honest: this work can be all-consuming. That's why teamwork and setting boundaries are so important. You have to prioritize self-care and recognize when you need to step away to recharge. It's not always easy, especially when you're deeply committed to your clients, but you can't pour from an empty cup.

My advice is to be intentional about creating space for yourself. This job will take everything you give it and then ask for more. You have to be the one to draw the line and say, "I need to recharge." It's not selfish; it's necessary. Taking care of yourself makes you a better advocate for your clients.

What aspect of your work are you most passionate about? What part of your job excites you the most?

I have a deep commitment to my clients and the satisfaction I find in helping them navigate incredibly challenging situations. What excites me most is being able to make a real difference in people's lives when they're facing some of the hardest moments they'll ever experience.

Returning to representing individuals against corporations has been particularly fulfilling. There's something powerful about standing up for someone who's going up against a massive entity with endless resources. That David versus Goliath dynamic: that's what drives me. I love being on the side of the individual who needs someone in their corner.

What advice would you give to women attorneys who are just starting out in this area of the law?

Trust your instincts. That's the biggest piece of advice I can give. There will be people who try to tell you how to practice, what cases to take, or how to present yourself in court. Listen to advice, learn from others, but at the end of the day, trust yourself.

Surround yourself with supportive people—mentors, colleagues, friends—who believe in you and encourage your growth. Learn from your losses. Don't let setbacks destroy your confidence. Instead, figure out what went wrong, learn from it, and maintain your professionalism through it all.

And please, carve your own path. You don't need a traditional background in law or a family of attorneys to be successful. I didn't have that, and I've built a career I'm proud of. Your unique perspective and experiences are valuable. Don't try to be anyone but yourself.

Why are organizations like the Society of Women Trial Lawyers important to you, and how have they impacted your work?

Organizations like the Society of Women Trial Lawyers provide networking opportunities, emotional support, and honest feedback that you simply can't get anywhere else. There's something special about being in a room with women who understand exactly what you're going through: the unique challenges we face as female attorneys.

The Society creates a welcoming environment where we can talk openly about everything from jury perception to financial matters. Those honest conversations about topics like money - things women aren't always encouraged to discuss - are invaluable. The content and the community have both been incredibly helpful to me, and I strongly recommend that every female attorney join.  Not only have I met some amazing colleagues, but many of these women have become great friends.

Having that network of women who genuinely support each other has been transformative. It's a source of encouragement and understanding that you need in this field. You need people who get it, who understand the disturbing aspects of the work, the pressure, and the unique challenges. That's what these organizations provide.

With the rise of social media and digital communication, how has your approach to client acquisition and advocacy evolved?

The landscape of social media is constantly evolving, and it's had a significant impact on advocacy, client acquisition, and even our personal lives. You have to be cautious because information spreads so rapidly, and things can be misinterpreted or taken out of context in an instant. You need to be able to adapt quickly.

I try to balance the negative aspects of social media with positive content, though keeping up with the constant changes across platforms is challenging. Honestly, I'm grateful I didn't grow up with social media. I avoided some of its negative impacts on self-esteem and mental health. That said, I recognize it's a tool we need to understand and use strategically in our work today.

Looking back on your career, what accomplishments are you most proud of, and what future goals are you working towards?

I'm most proud of carving my own path without a traditional background in law. I didn't come from a family of lawyers or have those built-in connections. Everything I've achieved, I've built through trusting my instincts, hard work, and surrounding myself with people who support me.

As for the future, I'm committed to continuing to help people and focusing on continuous personal growth. I don't have it all mapped out, and that's okay. What I know for certain is that I want to keep making a difference in people's lives and keep learning and evolving as an attorney. That's what drives me forward—that commitment to growth and service.