As the franchising and distribution industry continues to shift from domestic growth to international development, we help clients make strategic decisions that advance and protect their businesses and leverage trends that further business objectives. We have extensive first-hand knowledge and experience navigating every phase of the franchising process from startup and business concept refinement to business launch and international expansion. Our record of successfully litigating matters includes representing franchise systems domestically and internationally.
Hundreds of franchise systems across industries in more than 90 countries have engaged us on matters, including global expansion, brand development and protection strategies, licensing and distribution issues and “bet the company” litigation. Our success is well-recognized throughout the industry by Chambers USA, Chambers Global and U.S. News/Best Lawyers, which has named us “Law Firm of the Year” four times.
Washington Business Journal | November 25, 2020
Washington, D.C. Corporate partner and Franchising & Distribution co-leader Kendal Tyre wrote this column for a series featuring area business executives sharing their diverse personal and professional backgrounds and their journeys that have made them who they are. Kendal, who has traced his family to the first generation of enslaved Africans brought to Virginia, instills in his children that they are descended from 10 generations of Black Americans who helped build this country, despite the odds.
Modern Restaurant Management | April 29, 2020
Franchising & Distribution co-leader Keri McWilliams in Washington, DC, and Corporate associate Wes Gangi in Chicago contributed this article. Based on a recent client alert, the article covers relief programs available to the restaurants industry, food retailers, and franchisees under the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program.
Restaurant Dive | March 17, 2020
Washington, DC, Franchise & Distribution partner Keri McWilliams provides extensive third-party commentary in this article about whether the COVID-19 crisis could usher in permanent paid sick leave for restaurant employees.
The Legal Intelligencer | January 11, 2019
Boston Corporate senior counsel Arthur Pressman wrote this contributed article on why people searching for qualified mediators for franchise disputes miss the mark when they place too much emphasis on a mediator’s past association with franchisors or franchisees.
Club Industry | October 31, 2018
In the second part of this two-part column, Nixon Peabody attorneys Kristin Jamberdino, Keri McWilliams, and Tarae Howell discuss potential avenues of expansion for fitness studios, including licensing and franchising. Click here to read Part Two.
Club Industry | October 31, 2018
In this column, Nixon Peabody attorneys Kristin Jamberdino, Keri McWilliams, and Tarae Howell discuss potential avenues of expansion for fitness studios, including licensing and franchising.
Club Industry | October 22, 2018
New York City Complex Commercial Disputes partner Kristin Jamberdino, Washington DC Corporate partner Keri McWilliams and Boston Complex Commercial Disputes associate Tarae Howell co-wrote a two-part contributed article advising boutique fitness entrepreneurs on best practices for expanding their brands. Click here to read Part One.
Law360 | May 06, 2018
In this roundup of promotions to partner and firm management positions, 14 attorneys from Nixon Peabody are highlighted. The 11 attorneys promoted to partner are Ellie Altshuler, Mark Beaudoin, Erik Birkeneder, Hannah Bornstein, Chris Browning, Barry Carrigan, Keri McWilliams, Matt Mullen, Steven Richard, Charles Tamuleviz and Alison Torbitt. In addition, Kenneth C. Lind was promoted to leader of the firms’ public finance practice group, Justin Thompson was promoted to office managing partner in LA, and Aaron Yowell was promoted to chief innovation officer.
Partner
Co-leader, Franchising & Distribution
Phone: 202-585-8368
Partner
Co-leader, Franchising & Distribution
Phone: 202-585-8770
Partner
Phone: 202-585-8395