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Franchise and Distribution

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Baker Donelson's Franchise and Distribution attorneys have decades of experience serving as trusted advisors to B2B and B2C franchisors, multi-unit franchisees, suppliers, distributors and dealers.

Why Baker Donelson?

Team is led by one of Franchise Times' Hall of Fame Legal Eagles

Hospitality attorneys licensed in 19 states and Washington, D.C.

Led by Best Lawyers 2024 Franchise Law "Lawyer of the Year" in Nashville

Featured Experience

Obtained summary judgment for a franchisor in a vicarious liability case the morning of trial, successfully avoiding a $4.5 million verdict which was awarded against the co-defendants.

Represented a restaurant franchisee in the $60 million sale of more than 60 restaurants to a strategic buyer.

Assisted a due diligence team in reviewing and summarizing the terms of hundreds of franchise agreements for a national hotel chain under intense deadlines.

Practice Overview

Baker Donelson's Franchise and Distribution attorneys have decades of experience serving as trusted advisors to B2B and B2C franchisors, multi-unit franchisees, suppliers, distributors and dealers. Our experience includes advising our clients on establishing, executing and managing traditional brick and mortar locations, mobile services, non-traditional locations and delivery systems, global distribution networks, supply chain and other support services.

Whether you operate through two-tier or multi-tier arrangements, our experience supports your strategy and tactics for growing and sustaining your chosen business model. Our franchise attorneys have worked with franchisors in a number of industry sectors, including hospitality; retail; health care; oil and gas; plumbing, heating and air conditioning; and emergency relief.

Our services for franchise and distribution clients include the following:

Franchising

Franchise Disclosure Documents and related transactional documents – unit agreements, area development and multi-unit development agreements, area representative program disclosure documents and agreements
International outbound master license agreements
Federal and state regulatory compliance and compliance training, including IFA's FRAN-GUARD training program for franchisors and franchise sellers
Regulatory compliance audits
Franchise transactions with franchisees and developers -- special stipulations, ancillary support forms, lender estoppel and attornment agreements
Franchisor acquisition and sale diligence evaluation and reporting
Franchise broker and referral source agreements
Franchise recruitment advertising
Franchise agreement enforcement and litigation
Franchisee advisory councils
Exempt transactions

Distribution

International distributor agreements
Domestic distributor agreements
Dealer agreements
Compliance assistance and training
Enforcement and termination
License agreements

Operations

Management and administrative services agreements
Operating, supply chain, sourcing and service agreements
Procurement, event and performance agreements
Convention services, destination management and transportation services
Alcoholic beverage licensing
Federal and state public policy (legislative) representation and lobbying

Entity Support and Strategic Transactions

Entity formation and capitalization
Joint ventures
Public and private debt and equity offerings
Asset securitizations
Project finance
Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and director training
Public company reporting
Executive compensation
Tender offers
Mergers and acquisitions

Data Protection, Privacy and Cybersecurity

Privacy policies and customer engagement communication
Terms of use for web sites and content review
Vendor management and transactional due diligence
Privacy and data protection law compliance planning and implementation
Information governance
Data breach readiness, response and litigation

Development

Raw land and existing building acquisitions and dispositions
Historic property acquisition and renovation
Ground and space leasing and shopping center out lots
Net leases, subleases and tenant improvements
Sale and leaseback transactions
Architectural, construction and renovation contracts
Debt and equity financing
Equipment leasing
Owner tax structuring, planning and restructuring
Tax-exempt financing for convention centers and related hotels or industrial development revenue bonds
Tax increment financing
Government grants and assistance
Conventional mortgages, capital leases, loans and working capital lines
Subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreements for lenders, borrowers and third parties
Franchise comfort and estoppel letters
Environmental diligence and compliance
Hotel condominiums
Property tax assessment appeals
EB-5 financing

Environmental

Due diligence for site acquisitions
All types of site cleanups and brownfield agreements allowing for the redevelopment of previously used properties
Wetlands and green design issues
Environmental agreements and opinions with lenders and other parties
Compliance permitting and utilities for new and existing facilities
Mold and asbestos concerns
Litigation strategies and defense
Single unit and multiple locations

Information Technology

Computer hardware and software acquisition and licensing
Telecommunications
Internet access services
LAN/WAN technology
Building system management systems
Property management systems and reservation systems
Point-of-sale systems
Back-office accounting systems and customer databases

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property protection strategy
Employee and contractor work for hire and assignment agreements
Trademarks and service marks
Copyrights
Patents
Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements

Labor & Employment

EEO, FLSA, ADA, Title VII, ADEA, and wage and hour employment law compliance
ERISA and benefit plans
OSHA
OFCCP compliance programs and evaluation
NLRB, union organizing campaigns, union avoidance training and collective bargaining representation
Workers' compensation
Wrongful termination and discrimination claims

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Mediation
Arbitration
Litigation
Vicarious liability defense
Premises liability and tort claims
Business divorces
Contract dispute evaluation

Labor & Employment
Obtained a favorable resolution in defense of a publicly traded national restaurant chain in collective action under the FLSA with a putative class of more than 550 members.
Obtained a summary judgment victory in federal court on behalf of a national restaurant franchisor over allegations of race discrimination under 42 U.S.C. § 1981 (Civil Rights Act of 1866) and for defamation under Florida law.
Successfully defended and obtained full summary judgment on behalf of a national restaurant client in a hotly contested case in which the plaintiffs claimed sexual harassment, retaliation, and gender discrimination and sought over $400,000 in damages and reinstatement.
Obtained summary judgment for a national restaurant operator in a lawsuit asserting claims of sexual harassment.
Defended a federal court lawsuit in which hourly employees of a restaurant company brought FLSA claims to recover unpaid overtime, claiming they were required to work off the clock. The case was conditionally certified and then settled after years of litigation.
Litigation
Obtained summary judgment for a franchisor in a vicarious liability case the morning of trial, successfully avoiding a $4.5 million verdict which was awarded against the co-defendants.
Obtained an injunction and ultimately a judgment on behalf of a nationwide franchisor against a franchisee for breach of franchise agreements and wrongful possession of inventory.
Settled an eminent domain matter on behalf of a fast food restaurant corporation involving a corner interstate site in Clayton County in metro Atlanta. The Department of Transportation condemned the principal access to the site, thus decreasing the value of the property. The DOT paid $2.3 million pursuant to the consent judgment to conclude the settlement, which represented a 200 percent increase over the original sum offered by the DOT.
Real Estate
Served as real estate counsel for site acquisition and development in Louisiana for a national fast-food franchisee.
Represented a franchisee of a national restaurant chain in negotiating leases with its landlords.
Transactions
Represented a national franchisor and operator of "paint and sip" art studios in its internal restructuring and acquisition of two entities – an international franchisor and operator of "paint your own pottery" studios and a supplier of ceramics and art supplies. As a result of the transaction, the newly formed holding company became the leading national franchisor and operator of arts and crafts studios.
Represented a restaurant franchisee in the $60 million sale of more than 60 restaurants to a strategic buyer.
Represented a large independent franchisee in connection with multiple asset purchases and sales involving various brands of franchise restaurants valued between $250,000 – $750,000 each.
Served as lead counsel for founders and investors of a 100-franchise chain of cupcake bakery stores in its sale to a private equity firm.
Served as franchise counsel to a leading provider of device insurance, warranty and support services for cell phones, consumer electronics and home appliances, in the acquisition of a franchise chain that operates more than 500 stores in the U.S., specializing in same-day personal electronics repair.
Represented a leading Tennessee-based financial institution in the acquisition of a franchise lending portfolio consisting primarily of restaurant loans valued at more than $500 million.
Assisted a due diligence team in reviewing and summarizing the terms of hundreds of franchise agreements for a national hotel chain under intense deadlines.
Represented restaurant operators in the sale of franchised locations.

"Executive Order Increases Hourly Minimum Wage For Federal Contractors" (April 2021)
"NIST Publishes Guidelines Aimed at Enhancing Hotel Property Management System Security" (April 2021)
"SBA Releases Application and Guidelines for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund" (April 2021)
"Florida's Broad New COVID-19 Liability Protections" (April 2021)
"American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: Significant PPP Changes Benefit Nonprofits and Internet Publishing Organizations" (March 12, 2021)
"Department of Labor's Newly Proposed Joint Employer Rule Short on Details at the Moment, But Not Short on Potential Impact on Businesses and Franchisors " (March 2021)
"PPP: SBA Issues Guidance on Changes in Ownership and Full Forgiveness Eased for Smaller Loans," republished in Banking Exchange (October 16, 2020)
"Paycheck Protection Program Extended; SBA Releases Borrower Data," republished in Banking Exchange (July 7, 2020)
"Booking.com? Booking.yeah! Supreme Court Weighs In On Trademark Protection for Generic Terms Combined with Generic Top-Level Domains" (July 2020)
"COVID-19: Much-Needed Liability Relief for Louisiana's Restaurant Industry" (June 17, 2020)
"File Your Patents & Trademarks NOW!," republished in IPWatchdog® (May 13, 2020)
"Supreme Court Clears an Obstacle to Profit Awards for Trademark Owners, But Doesn't Completely Flush "Willfulness"," republished in IAM (May 2020)
"Chipotle's Record $25 Million Fine Sends Tough Message as the Restaurant Industry Begins Reopening," republished May 6, 2020, in General Counsel News (April 30, 2020)
"Coronavirus: Force Majeure and Managing Your Business Risk, Part 3" (April 22, 2020)
"Franchise Disclosure Documents and COVID-19 Impact," republished May 2020, in Franchising USA (April 14, 2020)
"Coronavirus: Force Majeure and Managing Your Business Risk, Part 2" (April 9, 2020)
"Can the Government Commandeer My Hotel to Fight COVID-19?," republished in Hotel Management (April 2, 2020)
"Coronavirus: Force Majeure and Managing Your Business Risk, Part 1" (March 25, 2020)
"Coronavirus: Resources Materials Available for Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans" (March 24, 2020)
"Defense Production Act is Invoked by President Trump" (March 19, 2020)
"Coronavirus: Small Business Administration to Make Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available in Response to Pandemic" (March 13, 2020)
"The Coronavirus Challenge: What Hospitality Businesses Should Consider Doing Now," republished April 7, 2020, in Hotel Business (March 13, 2020)
"Hotel Brand Sex-Trafficking Litigation Update: Consolidation Denied" (February 2020)
"Privacy & Cybersecurity Due Diligence – No Longer Optional: Company Fined $124 Million for Pre-Merger Compromise" (July 2019)
"NLRB Restores Employer-Friendly Independent Contractor Standard," Hospitalitas Newsletter (April 2019)
"Cruise Industry Opportunities – Land and Sea," Hospitalitas Newsletter (April 2019)
"How Franchisors Can Benefit from the Qualified Business Income Deduction," (February 2019); republished in Westlaw Journal Bank & Lender Liability (March 2019)
"The Perfect Financial Storm Hits Franchising" (December 2018)
"Serving Up Disruption: The New Age of Political Protests in Restaurants and Other Public Places" (December 2018)
"After the Midterm Elections: Next Steps in Congress in 2019" (December 2018)
"Avoiding Pitfalls for Private Equity Investors in Franchisors: Structure Counts" (September 2018)
"DOL's Final Rule on Association Health Plans Aims to Help Small Businesses and Self-Employed" (September 2018)
"Non-Enforcement of Non-Competes: What's an Employer to Do?" (August 2018)
"A GDPR Check-up for U.S.-Based Hospitality Businesses" (May 2018)
"When a Third Party Becomes the Harasser: How the #MeToo Movement May Impact Your Workforce in the Most Unsuspecting Way" (April 2018)
"NLRB Invalidates Hy-Brand and Complicates Joint Employer Issues for the Hospitality Industry" (April 2018)
"NLRB Overrules 2016 Browning-Ferris Decision on Joint Employer Liability" (February 2018)
"Keeping Your Social Media Contests Compliant" (February 2018)
"Failure to Follow Franchising Disclosure Laws Isn't Necessarily Unfair Trade Practice" (February 2018)
"Ten Simple Steps to Avoid Employment Lawsuits" (February 2018)
"District Court Protects Franchisor Against Anti-Contractual Competition in Frye" (June 2017)
"Federal Court Rules Against Yum! Brands in Third-Party Franchise Sale Case – What Franchisors Need to Know" (June 2017)
"The Road to Confirming a Secretary of Labor" (June 2017)
"Second Circuit "Drives" Forward Classification of Workers as Independent Contractors" (June 2017)
"Is Andrew Puzder the Knight in Shining Armor for the Hospitality Industry?" (January 2017)
"Regulation A+: A Capital-Rising Method that is Ready for Franchising" (January 2017)
"The (Sometimes Unethical) Reality of Competition and Your Ammo to Combat a Rival's False Advertising" (January 2017)
"SBA Changes the Game" (January 2017)
"Value-Based Pricing Options for Franchise Clients" (January 2017)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - Summer 2016" (June 27, 2016)
"The Legal Implications of Restaurant-Designed House Brand Craft Beers" (June 2016)
"Controversial Overtime Rule Comes in For a Landing" (June 21, 2016)
"What You Need to Know About Hospitality REITs" (June 21, 2016)
"A No-Win Situation: The Supreme Court Declines To Resolve CAFA Circuit Split" (February 2016)
"NLRB: Joint Liability Inquiry Can Precede Finding on Merits of Underlying Unfair Labor Practice Charge" (February 17, 2016)
"Franchisor Protected from Unfair Competition, Not All Competition" (February 17, 2016)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - Winter 2016" (February 17, 2016)
"Lessons Learned from LabMD's Successful Challenge to the FTC's Cyber Authority and Wyndham's Monumental Settlement with the FTC" (January 2016)
"Alabama Passes New (and More Restrictive) Non-Compete Statute" (September 10, 2015)
"California Dreams Become Reality for Franchisees; Amended Franchise Relationship Law Passes" (September 10, 2015)
"Arkansas Loves Home Cookin'" (September 10, 2015)
"Hospitality Industry Targeted in Proposed White Collar Overtime Regulations" (September 10, 2015)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - Summer 2015" (September 10, 2015)
"Business Succession Planning: The time is now" (September 2015)
"The New Cuba Reality and Your Intellectual Property" (July 2015)
"NLRB's Quickie Election Rule Takes Effect" (May 5, 2015)
"Georgia Supreme Court to Franchisees: Read Your Contracts!" (May 5, 2015)
"Franchisees Flatline in Case Against Doctors Express" (May 5, 2015)
"Use of Customer Survey Data Upheld in Hotel Franchise Terminations" (May 5, 2015)
"Class Action Attempt to Void Jimmy John's Non-Competes Goes Stale" (May 5, 2015)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - Spring 2015" (May 5, 2015)
"The Next Hot Trend in Economic Development: Craft Beer" (May 5, 2015)
"When Failure is Not An Option...Fire" (December 18, 2014)
"Marriott Fined $600,000 For Wi-Fi Jamming" (December 18, 2014)
"Franchisor Liability for Franchisee Employment Decisions" (December 2014)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - Winter 2014" (December 18, 2014)
"NLRB General Counsel Office: McDonald's, USA, LLC and Its Franchisees Are Joint Employers" (July 2014)
"Wait, You're Not Housekeeping!" (May 1, 2014)
"Hilton Avoids Class Certification Over Timeshare Telemarketing" (May 1, 2014)
"Excessive Celebration - Penalty Declined" (May 1, 2014)
"Your Grandmother Doesn't Work for Free: Volunteer and Intern Positions Under Closer Scrutiny" (May 1, 2014)
"Four Crisis Management Lessons From the Disappearance of Flight MH370" (May 1, 2014)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - Spring 2014" (May 1, 2014)
"Franchisors Must Act Quickly to Obtain Injunctive Relief on Non-Competition Covenants" (October 14, 2013)
"Is Your ADR Clause Enforceable?" (October 14, 2013)
"Six Lessons for Franchisors on Avoiding Liability Under Title VII" (October 14, 2013)
"Marriott to Face Trial in Maryland Over Terrorist Bombing in Pakistan" (October 14, 2013)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - Fall 2013" (October 14, 2013)
"FTC Ruling Not So Wonderful For POM or The First Amendment" (June 10, 2013)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - Spring 2013" (June 10, 2013)
"When You Check Out, Don't Forget the Shampoo:" (June 10, 2013)
"Multiple Dangers of Meth Labs in Hotels" (June 10, 2013)
"IFA Legal Symposium Report" (June 10, 2013)
"NLRB Hooks Alaska Hotel Anti-Union Efforts" (November 5, 2012)
"Would You Bet Your Business on Untrained Employees?" (November 5, 2012)
"'Til Death Do Us Part: Not So Fast!" (November 5, 2012)
"Hilton Not Liable to Guests for Terrorist Attack in Egypt" (November 5, 2012)
"KFC Franchise Guarantors Not Subject to Mint Julep Jurisdiction" (November 5, 2012)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - 2012, Issue 3" (November 5, 2012)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - 2012, Issue 2" (August 8, 2012)
"Franchisee’s Disregard of LLC Formalities Creates Exposure for LLC Debts," (August 6, 2012)
"Hershey's Protects Candy Bar Design" (August 2012)
"Restaurant Chain Founder Chooses FLSA Exposure Over Franchise Compliance" (August 6, 2012)
"Franchisor Escapes Franchisee Food Fight" (August 6, 2012)
"FTC Modifies Franchise Rule" (August 6, 2012)
"The Line Brightens Between Franchisors and Franchisees Under the FLSA" (August 6, 2012)
"Gambler Rolls Dice In Room Service Case, House Wins" (August 6, 2012)
"Join the Crowd – Is Franchising Uniquely Suited for Crowdfunding?" (August 6, 2012)
"Reducing the Risk of Liability for Someone Else's Wrongs: A Victory for Landowners in Georgia" (August 6, 2012)
"New IRS Regulations On Repair Expenditures Impact Hospitality Industry" (February 28, 2012)
"Puppies Too Frisky for ADA Shelter" (February 28, 2012)
"Franchisees Must Carefully Consider Renewal Provisions" (February 28, 2012)
"Broken Glass, Cut Tendon, No Franchisor Liability: Standards Versus Control Over Day-to-Day Operations" (February 28, 2012)
"Franchisee Scores with Florida Franchise Act Claim Against Hockey School Franchisor" (February 28, 2012)
"Franchisor's Addendum Enhances Franchisee's Right to Assign Store Lease" (February 28, 2012)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - 2012, Issue 1" (February 2012)
"The New Tag Team – Antitrust and FCPA" (December 8, 2011)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - 2011, Issue 5" (December 8, 2011)
"Fighting Fire with Fire: Federal Court Orders Cancellation of Firehouse Subs’ Trademark after Jury Finds Fraud on the PTO" (December 8, 2011)
"Are Shuttle Drivers Franchisees or Employees? Ninth Circuit Wants Lower Court to Decide" (December 8, 2011)
"Officer of Franchisor Held Liable as an “Employer” Under the Employee Polygraph Protection Act" (December 8, 2011)
"Hardee’s Successfully Defends Market Contraction Claims After Franchisee Blames “Lewd” Advertisements" (December 8, 2011)
"Spotlight on SALT: Supreme Court of the United States will not Review the KFC Corp. Decision — Ramifications for Franchisors" (October 2011)
"NLRB Decision Potentially Impacts Hospitality and Other Service Businesses" (September 19, 2011)
"IRS Auditing Update: Agents Now Want Full Data Copies of QuickBooks" (September 19, 2011)
"Connecticut Continues Crack Down on Call-Arounds" (September 19, 2011)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - 2011, Issue 4" (September 19, 2011)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - 2011, Issue 3" (July 1, 2011)
"Application of the Tip Credit and Potential Retaliation Implications" (July 1, 2011)
"YOURTRADEMARKHERE.XXX: How Your Trademark Could Become Associated With the Adult Entertainment Industry" (July 1, 2011)
"Summary Judgment Award for Attorneys’ Fees Against the EEOC" (July 1, 2011)
"Loyalty Reward Programs Raise a Host of Questions under State Unclaimed Property Laws" (July 1, 2011)
"Labor and Employment Issues in Special Servicer and Other Third-Party Management Agreements" (April 11, 2011)
"Hunter Investment Conference Report" (April 11, 2011)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - 2011, Issue 2" (April 11, 2011)
"Getting Maximum Value for Franchisee and Franchisor During Condemnation Proceedings" (April 11, 2011)
"KFC Rules the Roost but Franchisees Govern the Coop" (April 11, 2011)
"Hospitalitas Newsletter - 2011, Issue 1" (January 6, 2011)
"New CPSC Crib Standards Will Affect Places of Public Accommodation" (January 6, 2011)
"The Debut of LEED for Retail and LEED for Volume" (January 2011)
"Could Internet Advertising Drag a Texas Franchisee into a Pennsylvania Court?" (January 6, 2011)
"Oregon Affirms Commitment to Franchisee as Employee Ruling" (January 6, 2011)
"Revived Threat Bites Hotels" (January 6, 2011)
"FDA Mulls Enforcement Strategy for National Menu Labeling" (January 6, 2011)
"Oh Canada! Developing Patchwork of Canadian Franchise Regulations Not Uniform" (September 20, 2010)
"Tough Locations Produce Complex Litigation" (September 20, 2010)
"Having It the ADA Way at Burger King — Getting and Staying Compliant After a Class Action Lawsuit" (September 20, 2010)
"Body “Art” and “Piercing” Jewelry – Problematic for Employers in the Hospitality Industry?" (September 20, 2010)
"Arbitration: The Trial with No Appeal?" (September 20, 2010)
"Overlapping Territories Don’t Violate Territorial Exclusivity" (September 20, 2010)
"The New Wave of Cyber-Crime Facing Retailers" (September 2010)
"Department of Labor Readies to Target Hospitality Industry Beginning in October" (August 2010)
"Miniature Horses Welcome: DOJ Enacts Revised ADA Regulations Implementing Title II and Title III" (August 2010)
"Spotlight on Franchising: Expanded Information Reporting Requirements Affect Franchise Fees and Other Payments" (August 2010)
"Halt to ‘call-arounds’ puts La Quinta in spotlight" (May 27, 2010)
"Greening Your Existing Hotel" (April 14, 2010)
"Congress Passes Menu Labeling in Health Care Reform" (April 2010)
"No More Drive-Bys — 15 Ways to Get and Stay ADA Compliant" (April 14, 2010)
"Quiznos Settlement Sparks Franchisee Focus on Supply Chain Issues" (April 14, 2010)
"Purchasing Internet Keywords – Buyer Beware" (April 14, 2010)
"High Court Solidifies Rights of Franchisors under the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act" (April 14, 2010)
"Crimes on Your Properties Have Multiple Victims: The Affected Patron, Your Future Patrons and Your Business" (January 06, 2010)
""Do You Deliver?" – Is Your Equity on the Delivery Menu?" (January 06, 2010)
"Remember That Post You Wrote About Me on MySpace? You're Fired." (January 2010)
"FDA Amends Food Code" (January 6, 2010)
"Gift Card Management — When Income Tax and State Unclaimed Property Laws Converge" (January 06, 2010)
"Spotlight on North Carolina: Penalty Waivers Possible for Certain Corporate Income and Franchise Tax Issues; Amazon Law Enacted" (August 14, 2009)
"Franchise Agreements in Bankruptcy: Fiasco or Fortuity" (August 1, 2008)
"Customer Service or Union Organizing – NLRB Sets Hotel Priorities" (August 1, 2008)
"Department of Labor Issues Proposed FMLA Regulations" (August 1, 2008)
"Negotiating Lease Terms with the Bottom Line in Mind" (April 16, 2008)
"When is a Release a Release? Signed releases of all claims aren’t always enforceable" (April 16, 2008)
"FTC Announces New Thresholds for Pre-Merger Filing" (April 16, 2008)
"Convention Reports" (April 16, 2008)
"Yet Another Government Form..." (April 16, 2008)

"Making Your Multi-Generational Organization Sing the Same Happy Tune " (May 2023)
"Back on Track: Franchising Forges Ahead" (June 2022)
"Welcome Back – Business Returns to A Different World" (November 2021)
"Tenth Annual Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association Law Symposium" (August 2021)
"Managing Money and Metrics for Your Franchise" (October 2019)
"Eighth Annual Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association Law Symposium" (July 2019)
"Securing Your Business: How to Assess and Manage Risk from Security Incidents" (May 2019)
"2019 DRI Retail and Hospitality Seminar" (May 2019)
"If I'd Only Known Then… Lessons Learned in Starting a Franchise" (January 2019)
"Attracting and Retaining Talent in a Tight Labor Market," Franchise Business Network South Summer 2018 Quarterly Meeting (July 2018)
"Seventh Annual Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association Law Symposium" (July 2018)
"DRI Retail and Hospitality Litigation Seminar" (May 2018)
"Advancing in a Digital Marketplace" (April 2018)
"Historic Tax Law and SBA Lending Changes Affecting Your Business" (January 2018)
"Fall 2017 FBN: Strategic Use of Franchisee Surveys" (October 2017)
"Sixth Annual Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association Law Symposium" (July 2017)
"New Financial Guidelines for Franchisors" (July 2017)
"Managing Change in Your Franchise System – Promoting Evolution Without Revolution" (April 2017)
"Growing Your Business in 2017" (February 2017)
"Cyber Threats to Your Business" (October 2016)
"Enterprise Financing – Beyond Single Store Funding" (August 2016)
"Spring 2016 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (April 2016)
"Winter 2016 FBN: The HERO Effect" (February 2016)
"Fall 2015 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (October 2015)
"Summer 2015 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (July 2015)
"Retail and Hospitality Litigation and Claims Management Seminar" (May 2015)
"Spring 2015 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (April 2015)
"Trend Smarts: Profiting From Big Data and Other Trends in Your Business" (January 2015)
"Fall 2014 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (November 2014)
"Summer 2014 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (July 2014)
"Spring 2014 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (April 2014)
"The Next Stage of Growth: Are You and Your Business Ready?" (January 2014)
"Fall 2013 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (October 2013)
"Summer 2013 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (July 2013)
"Spring 2013 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (April 2013)
"What Happens Next? What To Expect in the Next New Economy" (January 2013)
"Fall 2012 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (October 2012)
"Summer 2012 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (July 2012)
"Spring 2012 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (April 2012)
"Winter 2012 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (January 2012)
"Fall 2011 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (October 2011)
"ABA's 34th Annual Forum on Franchising" (October 2011)
"Successful Negotiation of Distribution Agreements" (July 2011)
"Summer 2011 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (July 2011)
"FRAN-GUARD Franchise Sales Management and Compliance Training Course (Nashville)" (April 2011)
"Spring 2011 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (April 2011)
"Hear Joel Buckberg present at the IFA's 51st Annual Convention" (February 2011)
"Winter 2011 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (January 2011)
"Fall 2010 Franchise Business Network Meeting" (October 2010)
"Winter FBN Event" (January 2010)
"Winter FBN Event: Taste of Franchising" (January 2010)
"ABA Forum on Franchising's 32nd Annual Meeting" (October 2009)
"Quarterly Franchise Business Network Videoconference" (July 2009)

Commercial Leases and Takings – How to Leverage Your Rights in Eminent Domain Cases (February 2021)
Ninth Annual Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association Law Symposium (July 2020)
Managing Franchise Evolution: From Financial Reporting to Safe Environments For Customers and Employees (June 2020)
COVID-19 and the Hospitality Industry: Key Restructuring Issues for Hotels and Restaurants (April 2020)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): What Your Business Should Do Right Now (March 2020)
Privacy, Cybersecurity, and the CCPA: What Does it Mean for Your Franchise? (March 2020)

Litigator Jay Saxon Joins Baker Donelson as Of Counsel in Birmingham (March 13, 2024)
Baker Donelson Launches Charlotte Office, Expands Foothold in Carolinas with Addition of Eight Shareholders (March 4, 2024)
Baker Donelson Continues to Grow Atlanta Office with Addition of Phil George as Of Counsel (January 24, 2024)
Sara M. Turner of Baker Donelson Elected Secretary-Treasurer of DRI (November 3, 2023)
Corporate Counsel Name Four Baker Donelson Attorneys to BTI Client Service All-Stars 2023 (June 13, 2023)
Baker Donelson Adds Laura K. Layton to Hospitality, Franchising Teams (July 21, 2022)
Committee of 100 for Economic Development Selects Noah Kressler (March 10, 2022)
Dena H. Sokolow Named Managing Shareholder of Baker Donelson's Tallahassee Office (February 7, 2022)
Charles K. Grant Received the Nashville Bar Association John C. Tune Public Service Award (January 3, 2022)
Christie M. Hayes Named Managing Shareholder of Baker Donelson's Tri-Cities Office (July 14, 2021)
Baker Donelson Shareholder Charles K. Grant Appointed to Tennessee Supreme Court Board of Professional Responsibility (July 13, 2021)
Baker Donelson Adds N. Courtney Hollins to Real Estate Practice (June 24, 2021)
Sara M. Turner Elected as a National Director of DRI (November 10, 2020)
23 Baker Donelson Attorneys Recognized in 2020 Who's Who Legal (October 8, 2020)
Baker Donelson's Joel Buckberg Named Among Franchise Times' Legal Eagles (May 26, 2020)
Kent A. Lambert Named Managing Shareholder of Baker Donelson's New Orleans and Mandeville Offices (April 1, 2020)
Noah Kressler Recognized in 2019 Silicon Bayou 100 (February 3, 2020)
Baker Donelson Represents STR in $450 Million Deal to Be Acquired by CoStar Group, Inc. (October 3, 2019)
Noah Kressler of Baker Donelson Appointed to New Orleans Business Alliance Board of Directors (September 25, 2019)
Baker Donelson Attorneys Elected Fellows of American Bar Foundation (September 3, 2019)
John McJunkin Named Managing Shareholder of Baker Donelson's Washington, D.C. Office (July 1, 2019)
Baker Donelson's Joel Buckberg Named Among Franchise Times' Legal Eagles (April 4, 2019)
Sara M. Turner Appointed Chair of DRI Retail and Hospitality Committee (December 6, 2018)
Sara M. Turner Re-Appointed Vice Chair of DRI Retail and Hospitality Committee (October 12, 2017)
Amy Elder Appointed to International Association of Gaming Advisors Leadership Role (June 27, 2017)
Baker Donelson's Charles K. Grant Recognized with Napier-Looby Bar Foundation's Trailblazer Award (March 2, 2017)
Baker Donelson's Hospitality Team Leaders Recognized for Client Service (February 28, 2017)
Sara M. Turner Appointed Vice Chair of DRI Committee (December 20, 2016)
Baker Donelson's Joel Buckberg Inducted into Franchise Times' Legal Eagles Hall of Fame (April 4, 2016)
Richard G. Cowart and Kristine L. Roberts Named to Baker Donelson's Board of Directors (January 14, 2016)
Joel R. Buckberg Named Leader of Baker Donelson's Commercial Transactions and Business Counseling Group (December 16, 2015)
Amy Elder Elected to Board of Trustees of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (December 4, 2015)
Sara M. Turner Named Co-Chair of Baker Donelson Franchise and Hospitality Team (September 25, 2015)
Christopher M. Caputo Appointed Local Representative of American Chamber of Commerce in Italy Throughout the Southeast (July 13, 2015)
Baker Donelson Shareholder Matt Sweeney Named Chairman of The National Judicial College Board of Trustees (June 11, 2015)
Baker Donelson's Joel Buckberg Named Among Franchise Times' Legal Eagles (April 7, 2015)
Jennifer P. Keller Elected President and COO of Baker Donelson (January 20, 2015)
Matt Sweeney Named Chair-Elect of The National Judicial College Board of Trustees (July 17, 2014)
Baker Donelson Announces Thirteen Newly Elected Shareholders Firm-Wide (April 14, 2014)
Baker Donelson's Joel R. Buckberg Named Among Franchise Times' Legal Eagles (April 8, 2014)
Baker Donelson's Charles K. Grant Begins Term as President of Nashville Bar Association (February 18, 2014)
Baker Donelson's Joel Buckberg Named Among Franchise Times' Legal Eagles (April 5, 2013)
Charles K. Grant Recognized with Public Service Award (February 15, 2013)
Charles K. Grant Elected as 2014 President of Nashville Bar Association (December 18, 2012)
Baker Donelson's Jon F. "Chip" Leyens Jr. Appointed to ABA Leadership Roles (October 22, 2012)
Joel R. Buckberg Named to International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers 2012 (October 18, 2012)
Baker Donelson Adds Two Shareholders in Orlando (April 25, 2012)
Joel Buckberg Earns 6th Consecutive Ranking Among Franchise Times' Legal Eagles (April 2, 2012)
Joel R. Buckberg Named to International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers 2011 (October 12, 2011)
Baker Donelson's Buckberg Named Among Franchise Times' Legal Eagles (April 4, 2011)
Baker Donelson Attorney Named Among Franchise Times Legal Eagles (April 3, 2007)
Baker Donelson Attorney to Head International Franchise Association Compliance Program (January 12, 2007)

Best of the Bar Honoree Sara Turner Shares Her Greatest Career Accomplishment in the Birmingham Business Journal (April 19, 2024)
Fred Wood Quoted in Law360 on Eight Shareholders Joining Baker Donelson in the Carolinas (March 4, 2024)
Fred Wood Talks with Charlotte Business Journal About Launching New Baker Donelson Location (March 4, 2024)
American Lawyer Highlights Launch of Charlotte Office and Addition of Eight Shareholders (March 4, 2024)
Gary Barnes Quoted in Law360 on Addition of Phil George to Firm's Atlanta Office (January 25, 2024)
Katherine Funk Comments in Law360 on National Community Pharmacists Association's Litigation to Recover DIR Fees (October 17, 2023)
Chris Caputo Quoted in BisNow on Spikes in Construction Litigation (June 19, 2023)
Noah Kressler Shares His Client Service Approach with Law.com (July 26, 2022)
Dena Sokolow Talks with Law360 About Her New Role as Tallahassee Office Managing Shareholder and the Impact of the Firm's Women's Initiative (February 8, 2022)
Zachary Busey Shares Thoughts on Justice Breyer's Employment Law Legacy in SHRM (February 3, 2022)
Zachary Busey Quoted in Corporate Compliance Insights on Supreme Court's Vaccine-or-Test Federal Mandates Ruling (January 14, 2022)
American Lawyer Highlights Baker Donelson's New Chief Growth Officer Mark Carlson (December 8, 2021)
Baker Donelson Chief Growth Officer Mark Carlson Featured in Law.com "How I Made It to Law Firm Leadership" Q&A (December 8, 2021)
Mark Carlson Talks with Law360 About His New Role as Firm's Chief Growth Officer (December 7, 2021)
Noah Kressler Profiled as New Orleans CityBusiness Newsmaker (November 8, 2021)
Noah Kressler Comments in Private Equity Law Report on Impact of WeWork Ruling on Private Equity Sponsors (June 22, 2021)
Kent Lambert Comments on Returning to the Office After a Challenging Year in New Orleans CityBusiness (April 2, 2021)
Dena Sokolow Discusses FMLA and COBRA Related to the Pandemic in U.S. News & World Report (March 11, 2021)
Dena Sokolow Explains in SHRM How FFCRA's Emergency Paid Sick Leave May Overlap with FMLA (February 19, 2021)
"Volunteer Superman" Ivy Cadle Highlighted as Daily Point of Light Award Honoree (February 8, 2021)
Dena Sokolow Comments in SHRM on Potential for Employees to Be Granted Additional Paid Leave Time Under American Rescue Plan (February 3, 2021)
Sara Turner Profiled Among Birmingham Business Journal's 2020 Women to Watch Honorees (December 11, 2020)
Chip Leyens Comments in CityBusiness on Commercial Real Estate Issues During Pandemic (June 30, 2020)
Kent Lambert Discusses Best Practices for Avoiding Health, Legal Risks When Reopening a Business in New Orleans CityBusiness (April 23, 2020)
Chris Sloan Talks with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Regarding Importance of Communicating with Clients During Coronavirus Crisis (March 23, 2020)
Hamilton County Herald Highlights Baker Donelson's Coronavirus Task Force (March 13, 2020)
Sara Turner Talks with AL.com About Baker Donelson's Generous Parental Leave Policy (October 3, 2019)
John McJunkin Featured in Daily Record Q&A (July 16, 2019)
Zachary Busey Quoted in Gusto on DOL Proposal That Could Impact Benefits for Hourly Workers (July 12, 2019)
Pro Bono Shareholder Samuel T. Bowman Featured in Nashville Post (July 9, 2019)
Amy Kebert Elder Quoted in CDC Gaming Reports on Sexual Harassment in the Gaming Industry (October 9, 2018)
Tennessee Tribune Highlights Charles Grant Being Named Board President of Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (August 23, 2018)
Charles Grant Profiled Among Nashville Business Journal's 2018 Best of the Bar (June 29, 2018)
Caldwell Collins Discusses Baker Donelson's Parental Leave Policy in Memphis Business Journal (April 7, 2017)
Jennifer McNamara Named One of New Orleans CityBusiness's Women of the Year 2016 (December 30, 2016)
Dena Sokolow Discusses Overtime Injunction Silver Lining with Corporate Counsel (November 23, 2016)
Amy Elder Named Among Mississippi Business Journal's 2016 50 Leading Business Women (November 1, 2016)
Noah Kressler Profiled in Tulane Lawyer (November 1, 2016)
Dena Sokolow Quoted in Chief Executive on New Overtime Rule (May 25, 2016)
Bruce Bowers and Will Somerville Quoted in Casino Journal on Casino Legalization Efforts in Alabama and Georgia (May 12, 2016)
Joel Buckberg Profiled in Franchise Times (April 1, 2016)
Dena Sokolow Talks with SHRM About E-Mail Curfews for Newly Nonexempt Employees (July 20, 2015)
Nashville Lifestyles Features Chris Caputo's Italian Olive Oil Company, Trampetti (January 1, 2015)
William Somerville Featured in Birmingham Business Journal's "2014 Who's Who in Health Care" (November 28, 2014)
Joel Buckberg Profiled in Law360 Dealmakers Q&A Series (September 26, 2014)
Joel Buckberg Comments on NLRB Joint-Employer Status in Compliance Week (September 3, 2014)
Charles Grant Quoted in Nashville Business Journal on Tennessee Supreme Court Election (August 5, 2014)
Charles Grant Talks with Nashville Business Journal About Battle Over Tennessee's Supreme Court (July 30, 2014)
Ben Janke Profiled in CityBusiness "Ones to Watch: Law Firms" (February 20, 2014)
Charles Grant Highlighted in Profiles in Diversity Journal (February 4, 2014)
Charles Grant Profiled in Nashville Business Journal (December 17, 2013)
William Somerville Highlighted in Birmingham Business Journal's "2013 Who's Who in Health Care" (November 29, 2013)
David Gevertz Explains How Employers Can Prepare Themselves for EEOC's Shift Toward "Quality Over Quantity" Lawsuits (October 31, 2012)

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Sara M. Turner

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Best of the Bar Honoree Sara Turner Shares Her Greatest Career Accomplishment in the Birmingham Business Journal

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Baker Donelson Launches Charlotte Office, Expands Foothold in Carolinas with Addition of Eight Shareholders

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