Frances Malfa, the firm's deputy regional managing partner for New York City, has extensive experience in professional liability defense of hospitals and physicians in negligence and wrongful death cases on behalf of large insurance carriers. Handling cases from inception to trial, Fran combines her knowledge of medical standards with skillful trial techniques. She has handled the full spectrum of claims that are brought against responsible licensed health care providers and institutions and maintains professional relationships with medical experts from some of the nation’s most respected institutions and sources in government and regulatory agencies.

Fran’s experience and confidence give her clients an edge in even the most difficult circumstances. Her vast background in the workings and regulations of the medical profession coupled with the leverage of a national firm give her entry to the kind of advisers, experts and technology that can make a real difference in court.

Fran is frequently called on to lecture before Judges and colleagues on legal topics ranging from litigation to settlement strategies. Venues include the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, the Kings County Inn of Court and the New York City Bar Association. Fran also speaks at various client seminars and in-house counsel meetings to provide updates on changes in the law and best methods to handle litigation, often conducting mock trials.

Areas of Focus

Medical Malpractice & Health Care
Fran represents a wide variety of health care entities, including hospitals, academic medical centers, health care networks, nursing homes, diagnostic and treatment centers, home care agencies, behavioral health providers, assisted living programs, physician groups, independent practice associations and other health care professionals, medical transportation companies and numerous health care provider associations. She has experience in all transactional, regulatory and litigation matters these entities may encounter.

Fran represents a client roster that includes nationally renowned physicians and premier teaching hospitals. In addition to defending physicians, she represents dentists, nurses, paramedics, pathologists, counselors, social workers and other members of the allied health professions. Her clients also include managed care organizations and privately run emergency rooms. Fran conducts mock trial seminars for physicians to prepare them for peer review sessions and to acquaint them with the manner in which the legal system operates.

General Liability
Fran began her career as a legal specialist handling general liability matters for the City of New York at the Office of the Corporation Counsel. She became proficient in handling a large-volume caseload with efficiency and accuracy. This is the basis for her ability to control tough adversaries and for her excellent negotiating skills, often taking the lead in resolving cases where multiple parties are involved. Fran assists clients in preventing, mitigating and managing exposure through risk, crises, and claims and litigation management. Beginning with a thorough understanding of her clients' specific requirements and areas of potential exposure, Fran works to help them understand their risk profile and potential liability exposure. Wilson Elser’s comprehensive resources allow her to immediately assess of an organization's business, legal position and needs. When early resolutions are not possible, Fran does not hesitate to try cases in court.

    Education

    • Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center (J.D., 1994)
    • Baruch College (B.B.A., 1991)

    Bar Admissions

    • New York

    Professional Affiliations

    • New York City Bar Association Medical Malpractice Committee
    • Kings County Inn of Court

    Awards & Honors

    • Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®, 2023-2026
    • Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® Women in Law, 2025

Events

Frances Malfa, the firm's deputy regional managing partner for New York City, has extensive experience in professional liability defense of hospitals and physicians in negligence and wrongful death cases on behalf of large insurance carriers. Handling cases from inception to trial, Fran combines her knowledge of medical standards with skillful trial techniques. She has handled the full spectrum of claims that are brought against responsible licensed health care providers and institutions and maintains professional relationships with medical experts from some of the nation’s most respected institutions and sources in government and regulatory agencies.

Fran’s experience and confidence give her clients an edge in even the most difficult circumstances. Her vast background in the workings and regulations of the medical profession coupled with the leverage of a national firm give her entry to the kind of advisers, experts and technology that can make a real difference in court.

Fran is frequently called on to lecture before Judges and colleagues on legal topics ranging from litigation to settlement strategies. Venues include the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, the Kings County Inn of Court and the New York City Bar Association. Fran also speaks at various client seminars and in-house counsel meetings to provide updates on changes in the law and best methods to handle litigation, often conducting mock trials.

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