Francesco (Fran) A. DeLuca, Member of the Firm in the Employment, Labor & Workforce Management practice, in the firm’s Boston office, was featured in a KMA Q&A, titled “From His First Job Detailing Cars to Litigating High-Stakes Employment Cases, Fran DeLuca Knows the Value of Hard Work.”
Following is an excerpt:
Fran is a member of the firm with Epstein Becker Green where he represents management in high-stakes employment litigation. Regardless of the type of claim, Fran develops detailed and creative litigation strategies to obtain favorable results for his clients. In addition to helping clients prevail in the courtroom, Fran also actively works with them to stay out of it by reducing the legal and reputational risks associated with significant employment claims.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I choose to lead by example. I’ve found that leadership is more than just playing the role of supervisor and barking orders—it’s about being in the trenches with your teammates and showing them firsthand the values and work ethic you expect.
What’s one challenge – internal or external – that you’re anticipating and preparing for in the next year?
In preparing for the next year, I’m thinking about the challenges my clients are facing across industries. The most pervasive concerns center around the everchanging legal landscape and very active policy approaches by regulators—including the NLRB and SEC—whose decisions could mean huge changes to a client’s operations and strategies.
Do you have any daily practices that help you be your best personal and/or professional self?
It comes down to making time for my family. No matter how busy the season, it’s important to carve out quality time with those who matter most.
Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that has been a through line of your career?
Years ago, I read a book that said: “This is just my way. Where is yours? … For ‘the way’—does not exist.” To me, it means forging your own path, coming up with your own definition of success, and understanding that everyone has a unique way of doing things and viewing the world.
What so far has been the proudest moment or achievement of your career?
I truly feel most invigorated when we are able to achieve a positive outcome for a client, whether that’s a dismissal or a favorable resolution, especially if it was initially unexpected and takes them by surprise in a really positive way.
What’s one book you’ve read that changed your life?
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. It’s old, but has a timeless message: find your tranquility—it’s the one thing you have control over.
What was your first job, and what lessons did you learn in that role?
Detailing cars. My friend and I jokingly told his dad, who owned an autobody shop, that the cars sometimes looked worse coming out than they did going in because they were covered in dirt and dust. He sarcastically said, “Why don’t you clean them?” And we did, getting to work every day each summer on cars in need of some TLC. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me a lesson in the value of hard work.
What’s your favorite place on earth?
The mountain town in Southern Italy where my grandfather was raised: Panni. It’s the kind of place where people are drying tomatoes on tables in the sun, the days are warm and the nights are cool, and tiny streets and alleyways sprawl through the hills. It’s perfection.
