Franklin & Prokopik continues to explore ways to strengthen our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. The firm is pleased to announce we are currently participating in the Mansfield Rule for midsize law firm’s cohort.  F&P is one of more than 70 firms working toward certification.

The Mansfield Rule is designed to diversify leadership in law firms by increasing the representation of historically underrepresented lawyers in firm leadership.  Among several parameters, this entails including 30% of female attorneys, attorneys of color, LGTBQ+ attorneys, and/or attorneys with disabilities for hiring considerations, promotions, client pitches, and senior lateral positions.

The certification process will be completed in July 2024, and F&P must meet specific and measurable objectives to earn this distinction.

F&P continues to be an equal opportunity employer, believing that a diverse workforce best suits the needs of our clients. We are committed to recruiting and promoting attorneys regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Our participation with the Mansfield Rule reinforces our dedication to continued positive change and ongoing focus on DEI.

To learn more about the Midsize Mansfield Rule, please visit Midsize Mansfield Rule – Diversity Lab Diversity Lab.

Franklin & Prokopik welcomes 2024 by congratulating five attorneys who have been promoted to principal and one promoted to counsel. These attorneys have helped elevate the firm as a standout in the legal field, the courtroom, and with clients and colleagues. Please join us in congratulating these attorneys and thanking them for their hard work!

Principal

Neal Adkins concentrates his practice in the areas of workers’ compensation and employers’ liability, representing employers and insurers at the administrative hearing and appellate levels. A seasoned litigation attorney, Neal spent nearly 15 years representing claimants and plaintiffs before joining F&P in 2014. His experience during this time enabled him to gain a deep understanding of the tactics used by both parties, and he is able to utilize this as a way to counter strategies.

Cindy Armstrong represents employers and insurers in workers’ compensation matters before the Workers’ Compensation Commission and courts throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. She has been practicing law for almost 17 years, and all of her legal experience has been in the workers’ compensation industry. Before joining F&P, Cindy was a partner at a private workers’ compensation firm.

Michael Bennett brings nearly two decades of legal experience. Since joining Franklin and Prokopik in 2015, Mike has litigated hundreds of cases at the Workers’ Compensation Commission and over a dozen jury and bench trials throughout the state. He has also briefed and argued matters before the Maryland appellate courts. Mike has returned several defense jury trial verdicts and victories at the appellate courts.

Robert Hunt, Jr. joined F&P’s Delaware office in 2013, concentrating his practice in workers’ compensation and employers’ liability. He has experience representing clients at all stages of the litigation process, from hearings before the Industrial Accident Board and appeals to the Delaware Superior and Supreme Court to settlement and mediation. His clients primarily include employers, insurers, and third-party administrators from companies of all sizes across various industries.

Eric Scott Thompson concentrates his practice on representing the rights of business and individual defendants in civil actions and, in doing so, has tried cases before all levels of courts in Delaware in addition to administrative boards. He is an adjunct instructor at Wilmington University and volunteers his time for Delaware Volunteer Litigation Services, representing indigent clients in guardianship matters.

Counsel

Melissa McGaunn