Following law school, Francis served as a law clerk to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He then joined the Travelers Insurance Company as corporate litigation counsel, litigating cases related to liability defense, coverage issues, uninsured/underinsured motorists, and workers’ compensation.

With Rose, Schmidt, Hasley & DiSalle, his practice expanded to include representing private, self-insured businesses in commercial and contract litigation, as well as individuals in will contests and other matters of estate litigation. He also served as a school board and township solicitor and handled employment issues and labor union matters such as grievance and interest arbitration, unfair labor practice charges before the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, negotiations, civil rights issues and construction matters.