Franklin L. Runge

Senior Attorney

Franklin is a Senior Attorney at Clapp Family Law, LLC, where he focuses his practice on complex divorce and family-law litigation in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. He represents clients in contested divorces and post-judgment matters, bringing a steady, disciplined approach to cases involving significant personal and financial consequences. He approaches each case with care, professionalism, and a clear focus on protecting his clients’ interests while navigating emotionally difficult circumstances.

Franklin began his legal career as a law clerk to the judges of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, where he conducted legal research, drafted bench memoranda, and assisted in the preparation of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and judgments. That experience gave him an early and enduring understanding of how judges evaluate evidence, assess credibility, and apply the law in real cases — insight that continues to inform his litigation strategy and courtroom advocacy.

Following his clerkship, Franklin practiced as a civil litigator in Boston, representing plaintiffs in high-stakes matters including complex product-liability litigation. His work required rigorous preparation, careful factual development, and the ability to present complicated issues clearly and persuasively — skills that translate directly to contested divorce litigation.

Over the next decade, Franklin held senior roles in legal research, education, and judicial support, including teaching in the legal research and writing programs at the University of Kentucky College of Law and at Washington and Lee University School of Law, and ultimately becoming the State Law Librarian of Montana. In that role, he worked closely with judges, court staff, attorneys, and members of the public on a wide range of legal issues, including divorce, custody, support, and property matters. A significant portion of his work involved assisting unrepresented litigants, deepening his understanding of how procedural clarity and careful advocacy can shape outcomes.

Franklin’s background makes him particularly effective in cases where procedural accuracy, evidentiary strategy, and thoughtful record-building matter. He is known for his thorough preparation, command of the rules, and ability to present issues to the court in a clear, credible, and measured way — qualities that help clients feel supported and judges feel confident in the advocacy before them.

Franklin has been recognized for excellence throughout his career, including being named Faculty Member of the Year by the law students at Washington and Lee University and receiving the Sheila Cates Award for Librarian of the Year from the Montana Library Association.

Outside of the office, Franklin enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family — pursuits that help him stay grounded and focused in his litigation practice.