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DALLAS – June 30, 2009 – Mullin Law, PC, premier commercial law practice with a specialty in franchise law, congratulates Cheryl Mullin on earning a top spot with the D Magazine group of Best Lawyers in Dallas. Mullin has led the firm to increased growth year-over-year since its inception in 2003 and has been recognized by the publication several years in a row for her work in franchise and development. The Best Lawyers in Dallas will be published in the July/August issue of D Magazine.

To compile the list of Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine sought nominations from valid Texas Bar members who are asked to recommend two lawyers; one who is outside their firm and one who us within their firm in their practice area. Texas lawyers named attorneys who they have worked with firsthand and rank among the best. Voting was conducted exclusively at D Magazine.com after a panel of eminent lawyers met with the editors to evaluate the nominations.

“To be included as a Best Business Lawyer in Dallas is a true honor,” said Cheryl Mullin, lead attorney with Mullin Law, PC. “I hope to provide my clients with the best possible service and outcome and want to accomplish that with a good working relationship with my peers. Mullin Law has an amazing depth of client experience, and it is important to me that our clients feel confident when working with us.”

For more than 15 years, Cheryl has focused on helping clients structure and implement franchise, licensing and distribution programs, joint ventures and supplier relations. She also supports her clients through litigation and intellectual property disputes. As an attorney admitted to the Texas, District of Columbia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania bars, Cheryl offers her clients a wealth of experience over many different industries.

About Mullin Law, PC

Mullin Law, PC is a mid-size, full service commercial law firm.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States in matters involving employment, trademark, business succession and estate planning and general business issues. Mullin Law is locally and nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  To learn more about Mullin Law, please contact www.mullinlawpc.com.

Contact:         Ginger Greenberg

HCK2 Partners

972-499-6632

Ginger.greenberg@hck2.com

DALLAS – Aug. 4, 2009 – Mullin Law PC, a premier commercial law practice with an emphasis on franchise law, announced the hiring of attorney Kelly Ganzberger and Director of Franchise Compliance Services Paula J. White to support the steady growth of its commercial and franchise legal business.

“Mullin Law clients have come to expect sound legal counsel and first class customer service.  We are expanding our team to meet increased demand while exceeding our client’s expectations,” said Cheryl Mullin, founder of Mullin Law, PC. “We’re excited to have Kelly and Paula join our team, and we’re confident they will help us to meet our client’s needs as our practice grows.”

Ganzberger is licensed in Texas and will focus her legal practice on franchise regulatory compliance and commercial litigation. Ganzberger earned her juris doctorate degree from Ave Maria School of Law, where she served as co-chair of external competitions on the Moot Court Board, and she received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Prior to Mullin Law, Kelly spent several years supporting Republican Party candidates for political office.  In 2001, she was selected to serve as a White House intern for the Office of White House Management and she actively participated in the Republican National Convention during the 2000, 2004, and 2008 presidential elections.

With more than 20 years of experience in the franchise industry, White offers critical client support through specialization in franchise registration, compliance and documentation. White will focus on providing franchise client registration and compliance support. In addition, she will work with clients in developing their internal policies and procedures for franchise sales, compliance and operations.  Before joining the firm, White worked with Snelling Staffing Services, LLC, as the director of franchise administration and gained valuable franchise experience while working with Pearle, Inc. and Del Taco Restaurants.

About Mullin Law, PC

Mullin Law, PC is a Dallas-based, full service commercial law firm that is nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States areas ranging from franchising to employment law, copyright/trademark law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate litigation, as well as dispute resolution.  To learn more about Mullin Law, please contact www.mullinlawpc.com.

Contact:           Ginger Greenberg

HCK2 Partners

972-499-6632

Ginger.greenberg@hck2.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sept. 22, 2009 – Kelly Ganzberger, attorney with Mullin Law, PC of Dallas, Texas, met with members of the Texas delegation about health care reform and other issues important to the franchise industry during the International Franchise Association (IFA) 10^th Annual Public Affairs Conference held in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14-15.

Ganzberger joined 450 franchise leaders from around the country to urge Congress to consider the impact of health care reform on small and franchise businesses.

“We asked congressional leaders to remain focused on reducing health care costs, improving quality of care and ensuring that insurance is affordable for businesses to offer to employees,“ said Kelly Ganzberger, attorney with Mullin Law, PC. “The franchise industry supports positive health care reform without substantial cost increases which would be detrimental at this time, during the worst recession since World War II. Small businesses should warrant more consideration in this debate as health care costs will help mold the future of the franchise industry.”

Ganzberger highlighted the importance of franchising to the U.S. economy during meetings with members of Congress.  According to a study conducted for the IFA Educational Foundation by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the economic impact of franchising, there are more than 900,000 franchised businesses in operation across the country that provide 21 million jobs and generate $2.3 trillion in economic output, she said.

“However, the credit market is hampering the franchise industry’s ability to create new, sustainable jobs.  A 40 percent reduction in franchise lending is predicted this year, resulting in the loss of an estimated 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.” Ganzberger said.  “We urged Congress to promote more lending and less government spending so franchise businesses can provide better jobs that help the economy recover at a faster pace.”

About The International Franchise Association

The International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, is the preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for the industry worldwide. Approaching a half-century of service with a growing membership of more than 1,300 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms that supply goods and services to the industry, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising by advancing the values of integrity, respect, trust, commitment to excellence, honesty and diversity. For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org.

About Mullin Law, PC

Mullin Law, PC is a Dallas-based, full service commercial law firm that is nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States areas ranging from franchising to employment law, copyright/trademark law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate litigation, as well as dispute resolution.  To learn more about Mullin Law, please contact www.mullinlawpc.com.

Contact:           Ginger Greenberg

HCK2 Partners

972-499-6632

Ginger.greenberg@hck2.com

“This is a great victory for soldiers who are serving their country but also want to make an honest living at home by becoming small business owners and purchasing franchises,” said Batie. “Subway ignored my rights and ruined my dream of building a future with a chain of Subway stores. This ruling not only validates my rights but also protects other soldiers from the fear of unlawful conduct by franchisors in the future.”

Batie opened his first SUBWAY store in South Dallas in 2002, experienced success and opened his second location in 2003. He left his stores in March 2005 after being called to serve in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army Reserve. Batie returned in 2006 to learn that the leases on his two SUBWAY locations had been terminated by SUBWAY Real Estate Corp. in violation of federal law.

“By ignoring the additional legal protections afforded to our servicemembers under federal law, , SUBWAY violated Col. Batie’s legal rights and trampled on the rights of men and women who leave their personal lives behind to protect and serve our country,” said Grant Walsh, attorney for Mullin Law, PC. “This is a great win on behalf of soldiers who open franchises and expect to return home to find their businesses rightfully intact. This case sets a precedent to protect our soldiers and further proves that large corporations cannot ignore those rights.”

The court ruled on Batie’s partial summary judgment motion stating that SUBWAY Real Estate Corp. violated the United States Servicemembers Civil Relief Act by wrongfully terminating his lease contracts without a court order. The issue of damages was not before this court and will be assessed in a trial planned for early 2010.

“Of all of the issues presented in this case, the partial summary judgment ruling on this particular issue regarding illegal termination of Batie’s lease contracts has the most impact on the case overall,” continued Walsh. “This big win means Batie’s case will now proceed to a determination of damages.”

In addition, in a related issue on October 22, 2009, Judge Sally Montgomery of the Dallas County Court at Law #3 ordered the evictionjudgment against Batie to be vacated.

Contact:           Ginger Greenberg

HCK2 Partners

972-499-6632

Ginger.greenberg@hck2.com

DALLAS – December 17, 2009 - Mullin Law, PC, a premier commercial law firm with an emphasis on franchise law, announced its merger with Rybicki Law Firm, PLLC. Klint Rybicki, principal attorney, will incorporate his practice with Mullin Law to support the steady growth of its commercial law practice.

“Rybicki Law Firm was a growing practice with a similar focus on established business experience and superior client services,” said Cheryl Mullin, founder of Mullin Law, PC. “I am certain the merger will further enhance the quality legal counsel and customer service for our world-class client base.”

Rybicki started the firm in 2007 and practiced commercial law with an emphasis on employment law and real estate while offering his clients well-rounded business and legal advice.

“By merging with Mullin Law, I am able to offer my clients a wider array of legal services as well as enhance the Mullin Law client experience with my expanded abilities in employment and real estate law,” said Rybicki.

Rybicki earned his juris doctorate degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, and has been admitted to practice in Texas. Rybicki also studied for two semesters at Valparaiso University School of Law in Valparaiso, Indiana. He is also a member of the Dallas Bar Association and American Bar Association.

Prior to starting his law practice, Rybicki served in the United States Air Force and spent six years as a business consultant implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions and applications for large corporations. Rybicki received a bachelor of Business Administration in Decisions Science and Information Systems at the University of Kentucky.

About Mullin Law, PC

Mullin Law, PC is a Dallas-based, full service commercial law firm that is nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States in areas ranging from franchising to employment law, copyright/trademark law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate litigation, as well as dispute resolution.  For more information, please visit www.mullinlawpc.com. To learn more about Mullin Law, please contact www.mullinlawpc.com.

Contact:            Ginger Greenberg

HCK2 Partners

972-499-6632

ginger.greenberg@hck2.com

DALLAS – Jan. 12, 2010 - Mullin Law, PC, a premier commercial law practice with an emphasis on franchise law, named attorney Grant Walsh a shareholder in the Firm and appointed him managing director of litigation and dispute resolution.

Walsh joined Mullin Law, PC in 2008 and has worked with the Firm to continue its high standards in client service and satisfaction. He was recently lead counsel for Lt. Col. Leon Batie, Jr., in a high-profile franchise dispute against SUBWAY Real Estate Corp. involving issues arising under the U.S. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. In addition, throughout his tenure at Mullin Law, PC, Walsh has provided strategic insight which has led to significant growth for the Firm.

“Grant has been an instrumental leader to our team, and we are excited to name him a shareholder in our firm,” said Cheryl Mullin, founder of Mullin Law, PC. “He offers energy and high-quality legal counsel while always putting the client first – a focus of the highest importance at our firm. As we grow our practice, we look forward to his continued leadership as a shareholder and managing director.”

Walsh focuses his practice on business/corporate law, commercial litigation, commercial real estate, entertainment law, franchise regulatory compliance, and trademark and copyright protection. Prior to his position with Mullin Law, PC, Walsh served as a law clerk in the chambers of the Hon. Ed Kinkeade of the U.S. Northern District of Texas. He also practiced law at a Dallas-based general business law firm and served as in-house counsel for an entertainment production company in Las Vegas.

Walsh is licensed to practice in Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He received his juris doctorate degree from Southern Methodist University and his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University. He has also studied at Pepperdine’s Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution in Malibu, Calif.

About Mullin Law, PC

Mullin Law, PC is a Dallas-based, full service commercial law firm that is nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States areas ranging from franchising to employment law, copyright/trademark law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate litigation, as well as dispute resolution.  For more information, please visit www.mullinlawpc.com. To learn more about Mullin Law, please contact www.mullinlawpc.com.

Contact:            Ginger Greenberg

HCK2 Partners

972-499-6632

ginger.greenberg@hck2.com

DALLAS – Jan. 14, 2010 - Mullin Law, PC, a premier commercial law practice with an emphasis on franchise law, announced the second annual franchising business roundtable scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 28, at the Hyatt Regency in North Dallas from 8 a.m. to noon. Franchising 2010 will discuss new growth and opportunities for franchise businesses in the year to come.

Mullin Law, PC has brought together a group of prominent franchise industry professionals representing corporate, government and legal sectors who offer a well-rounded view on the future of franchising.

The featured topics and speakers include:

• Going Global – panel presentation moderated by Ken Myres, president of Tony Roma’s (Romacorp) with panelists representing Romacorp including David Short, executive vice president and general counsel, and Ted Leovich, president, global brand consulting
• Franchise Regulation, The Road Ahead – panel presentation moderated by Cheryl Mullin, founding shareholder, Mullin Law, PC, with panelists Anne Connelly, examiner, Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and Maral Kilejian, attorney, Mullin Law, PC
• He Said, She Said, Perspectives on Employment Law – panel presentation by Mullin Law attorneys Stephanie Russ and Klint Rybicki with Matt Orlie of Wood Wilson Insurance
• When Duty Calls. What to Do When Employees or Franchisees Are Called to Active Duty – overview of the Uniformed Soldiers Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) presented by Grant Walsh, shareholder, Mullin Law, PC
• Selling Franchises: Brokers v. Developers v. Sales Staff – presented by Dave Omholt, CEO, The Entrepreneur Authority
• Social Networking Isn’t Just for Kids – presented by Justin Mink, director, national brands and franchise groups, ReachLocal

“The purpose of our annual roundtable is to give our clients and the community the benefit of learning from the experts in the franchise industry. We bring together clients and key contacts to share insights about our industry and where it is heading in the future,” said Cheryl Mullin, founding shareholder of Mullin Law, PC. “We are fortunate to have some terrific resources that can discuss opportunities for growth in franchise businesses. Our goal is that participants take away something that will make a big difference for their businesses in 2010.”

Those interested in attending the event will need to contact Paula White at paula.white@mullinlawpc.com or (972) 852-1713 by Jan. 26, 2010, to reserve a seat. More information on the event can be found at www.mullinlawpc.com.

About Mullin Law, PC

Mullin Law, PC is a Dallas-based, full service commercial law firm that is nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States areas ranging from franchising to employment law, copyright/trademark law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate litigation, as well as dispute resolution.  For more information, please visit www.mullinlawpc.com. To learn more about Mullin Law, please contact www.mullinlawpc.com.

Contact:            Ginger Greenberg

HCK2 Partners

972-499-6632

ginger.greenberg@hck2.com

DALLAS – Jan. 19, 2010 - Mullin Law, PC, a premier commercial law practice with an emphasis on franchise law, is pleased to announce that Stephanie Russ and Maral Kilejian have been selected to serve in leadership positions with the Franchise and Distribution Section of the Dallas Bar Association (DBA) for 2010. Cheryl Mullin will also serve on the DBA Speakers Committee, and Kelly Ganzberger will serve on the DBA Judiciary Committee.

Russ and Kilejian will serve as the DBA Franchise and Distribution Section chair and vice chair, respectively, leading section programs and providing insight to facilitate a greater understanding of franchise law. Mullin will offer insight on future speakers at DBA events, as well as work toward further developing the Association as a resource for speakers to the larger community. On the Judiciary Committee, Ganzberger will work with the judiciary in Dallas to address current issues of concern to the Bench and the Bar.

“Mullin Law is dedicated to advancing the profession through our service within the legal community, and we look forward to increasing our service and involvement as leaders,” said Stephanie Russ, attorney of Mullin Law, PC. “In our different committee and section appointments, we hope to provide unique insight and assist in furthering the significance of the Dallas legal community.”

Mullin Law, PC underscores the importance of involvement with the DBA and has supported its attorneys in their endeavors to serve in leadership positions since the inception of the Firm.

The DBA was founded in 1873, and the association has since been dedicated to the continuing education of its members as well as public service programs and improvement of the administration of justice.

About Mullin Law, PC

Mullin Law, PC is a Dallas-based, full service commercial law firm that is nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States areas ranging from franchising to employment law, copyright/trademark law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate litigation, as well as dispute resolution.  For more information, please visit www.mullinlawpc.com. To learn more about Mullin Law, please contact www.mullinlawpc.com.

Contact:            Ginger Greenberg

HCK2 Partners

972-499-6632

ginger.greenberg@hck2.com

DALLAS – Feb. 2, 2010 - Mullin Law, PC, a premier commercial law practice with an emphasis on franchise law, has appointed attorney Maral Kilejian as director of franchise regulatory practice. In her new position, Kilejian will manage the Firm’s strategic direction for advising and assisting clients on franchise regulation.

Kilejian joined Mullin Law, PC in 2007, where she has focused her practice on franchise, trademark and copyright law. She has gained extensive experience in franchise regulatory law by providing legal counsel to the Firm’s extensive list of franchise clients and through her involvement with local and national franchise business organizations, such as the International Franchise Association.

“From the time Maral joined Mullin Law, she was able to relate to our franchise clients on a business level. Having both an MBA and a law degree, Maral provides a unique combination of business and legal advice that our clients have come to appreciate,” said Cheryl Mullin, founding shareholder at Mullin Law, PC. “We seek to provide the highest quality counsel to our clients, and Maral’s dedication and leadership in this role will further assist our clients and enhance our practice.”

Kilejian also dedicates time to the Dallas Bar Association, serving on the Franchise and Distribution Law Section as vice chair, and as a member of the ABA Forum on Franchising. Before Mullin Law, PC, Kilejian worked as a legal French translator for the University of Houston Immigration Clinic, where she leveraged her fluent language skills in French and English.

Kilejian is licensed to practice in Texas, and she received her juris doctorate degree from the University of Houston Law Center. Kilejian holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston Bauer School of Business and received her bachelor’s degrees in political science and art history at Texas Tech University.

About Mullin Law, PC

Mullin Law, PC is a Dallas-based, full service commercial law firm that is nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States areas ranging from franchising to employment law, copyright/trademark law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate litigation, as well as dispute resolution.  For more information, please visit www.mullinlawpc.com.

Contact:            Ginger Greenberg

HCK2 Partners

972-499-6632

ginger.greenberg@hck2.com

• Cheryl L. Mullin – founding shareholder and attorney, Mullin Law
• Mark Siebert – chief executive officer, iFranchise Group
• David Omholt – CFE, chief executive officer, The Entrepreneur Authority

“It is important to be well informed and well prepared when launching a franchise expansion program,” explained Cheryl Mullin. “Our firm enjoys helping clients navigate the myriad of franchise regulations and introducing them to go-to sources. We are excited to be working with industry leaders in presenting this comprehensive program.” To register for the event, please contact a Franchise Analyst from iFranchise Group at (708) 957-2300 or visit www.franchisegurus.com. There is no cost for registration.

About Mullin Law, PCMullin Law, PC is a Dallas-based, full service commercial law firm that is nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States areas ranging from franchising to employment law, copyright/trademark law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate litigation, as well as dispute resolution.  For more information, please visit www.mullinlawpc.com. To learn more about Mullin Law, please contact www.mullinlawpc.com or 972-931-0022. 

About iFranchise GroupThe iFranchise Group is a franchise consulting and development firm that uses a hands-on approach to maximize and achieve franchise growth objectives for each client. iFranchise Group’s consultants offer the most experience in franchising including past appointments in senior management positions and decades of real-world business experience. The firm provides customized strategies designed to maximize unique strengths, to work within available resources, and to achieve specific business objectives. To learn more about iFranchise Group, please visit www.iFranchiseGroup.com.

About The Entrepreneur AuthorityThe Entrepreneur Authority is the leading full-service franchise consulting firm with a national network of independent offices that provide franchise “matchmaking” services. The only franchise broker network recognized by the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, the company offers an organized, no-nonsense approach to exploring business ownership. Experts take the guesswork out of investigating small business opportunities available today by understanding each client’s needs and matching them up with the best-suited opportunities.  The Entrepreneur Authority maintains a unique database – Franchipreneur 100^TM – which includes many business categories to fit all ranges of budgets. With this database in place, the company maintains objectivity when advising clients toward business opportunities. To learn more about The Entrepreneur Authority, please visit www.eauth.com.

Cheryl L. Mullin, founding shareholder and attorney, Mullin Law, will discuss the variety of legal issues franchisors need to consider to ensure they are in compliance with current federal and state regulations. 

Mullin will be joined by Tom Friday, founder and chief executive officer of Knockouts Haircuts for Men. Friday has sold more than 120 franchises of the men-only hair salon. Prior to founding Knockouts, Friday specialized in corporate turnarounds – including tenure as the vice president for Radio Network in Dallas, Texas, and reorganizing the marketing and communications departments of a Fortune 250 company for a sale.

“As established franchisors expand their business, sales compliance can become a very involved process resulting from unique laws in 15 states in addition to differing business opportunity laws in 25 states,” said Cheryl Mullin. “Our firm has deep expertise in navigating both federal and state sales compliance laws. We are excited to share our insight and help attendees successfully reinvigorate and grow their business.”

Additional topics presented at the event include:

• Franchise Development Financing
• Attracting and Recruiting quality franchise candidates
• Leveraging technology to reach franchise candidates

The International Franchise Association (IFA) is the largest and oldest industry organization representing franchising worldwide with members companies from more than 90 different business categories. According to the IFA, it promotes 21 million jobs and $2.3 trillion of economic activity generated by franchising.

To register for the seminar series, please contact the IFA at (202) 628-8000 or visit www.franchise.org.  

About Mullin Law, PC

Mullin Law, PC is a Dallas-based, full service commercial law firm that is nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States areas ranging from franchising to employment law, copyright/trademark law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate litigation, as well as dispute resolution.  For more information, please visit www.mullinlawpc.com. To learn more about Mullin Law, please contact www.mullinlawpc.com or 972-931-0022.

Prior to joining Mullin Law, Christianne was an executive support analyst at Blockbuster, Inc. While there, she was responsible for IT and computer security issues, as well as providing full-service technical support for Blockbuster’s executives.  Christianne also completed a clerkship at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office – Specialized Crime Division, where she assisted with the prosecution of white-collar crimes.

“With her real-world business experience Christianne is a unique new attorney because she brings a practical, distinct perspective to our practice,” said Cheryl Mullin, founder of Mullin Law, PC. “We’re thrilled to have her join our team, and we know that she will be a tremendous asset to our clients.”

Christianne is a member of the Texas Bar and earned her juris doctorate degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She was a member of the Texas Wesleyan Law Review, as well as the Moot Court Honor Society. Christianne earned her bachelor’s degree in radio/television/film at University of Texas in Austin.

Christianne is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers and the Dallas Bar Association.

About Mullin Law, PC

Mullin Law, PC is a Dallas-based, full service commercial law firm that is nationally recognized in the area of franchise and distribution law.  The firm represents clients throughout the United States areas ranging from franchising to employment law, copyright/trademark law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate litigation, as well as dispute resolution.  For more information, please visit www.mullinlawpc.com. To learn more about Mullin Law, please contact www.mullinlawpc.com.

Prior to joining Mullin Law, PC, Christianne interned at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office – Specialized Crime Division, where she assisted with the prosecution of white-collar crimes.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Wesleyan School of Law and was a senior member of Law Review and Moot Court Honor Society.  While attending law school in the evenings, she worked full time during as an executive support analyst for Blockbuster, Inc.

Christianne earned her bachelor’s degree in radio/television/film at University of Texas in Austin.

Christianne is licensed to practice in Texas and is a member of the American Bar Association, the ABA Young Lawyers Division, the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, the Dallas Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, and the Texas Young Lawyers Association.

Franchise

Copyright & Trademark

Commercial Litigation

Maral provides both initial and ongoing counsel and legal support to franchisors in the structuring and operation of domestic franchise programs and international expansion, including in the drafting of franchise related agreements, franchise compliance issues, franchise and business opportunity registrations and exemptions, non-traditional franchise venues, alternative distribution channels, managing franchisee relationships, operations manuals, marketing materials, gift card programs, and nation-wide sweepstakes and contests.

Maral also counsels clients on corporate sales and acquisitions, including asset and stock sales, as well as corporate formation and structuring. Her intellectual property practices focuses on federal and state trademark filings as well as dispute resolution and licensing issues.

Maral represents companies in various industries, including the restaurant, retail, convenience store, and beauty, health, and fitness industries.

Maral is licensed to practice in the State of Texas and received her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. She also holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Houston Bauer School of Business. She completed her undergraduate degree in political science and art history at Texas Tech University, having completed two years of study at the University of Toronto where she studied architecture.

Maral is fully trilingual in English, French, and Armenian.

Advertising

Copyright & Trademark

Corporate

Franchise

Cheryl is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, a list of the top attorneys in the United States, in the area of franchise law, as determined by an intensive peer review survey.  She has been recognized since 2007 by “D” Magazine as one of the best lawyers in the Dallas in the areas of franchise and distribution law, and by Franchise Times magazine since 2004 as a “Legal Eagle.” She is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Cheryl is licensed to practice in Texas, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.  She received her law degree from Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware, and currently is pursuing her LL.M in Taxation from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Cheryl resides in Dallas, Texas, with her husband of 20 years, Fran, and crazy dog, Sadie.

Practice areas:

Commercial Litigation

Corporate

Franchise

Trademark

Prior to joining Mullin Law, PC, Fran spent 20 years with 7-Eleven, the largest franchise convenience retailer in the world.

At 7-Eleven, Fran worked closely with operations and merchandising for franchise stores, serving in several positions including Non Foods and Gasoline Merchandising Manager for over 1,000 stores in the Northeast Division, Sales and Merchandise Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Division and National Category Manager for Fresh Bakery. In his various roles with 7-Eleven, Fran launched the first daily delivered proprietary fresh bakery program in a franchise area, expanded the fresh bakery program and oversaw development of the award winning products that, for the first time, were made fresh and sent to more than 4,300 stores every day. Fran was also appointed by a board member to improve product development and logistics and successfully offered multiple deliveries of fresh products every day to a test group of stores.

Stephanie’s business experience gives her a unique understanding of the challenges facing restaurant franchises and the conflicts that can arise between franchisors and franchisees.  As both an attorney and qualified mediator, Stephanie has earned the reputation of “trusted advisor” to many of the firm’s clients by proposing practical, common sense solutions to business conflicts.

In the courtroom, Stephanie has obtained desirable outcomes by combining her business and legal knowledge.  She has successfully negotiated favorable settlements and defended corporate clients against individual and class action claims of discrimination, wage and hour claims, and other employment law matters.  She routinely enforces, and defends against the enforcement of, franchise and employment-related noncompete agreements.

Stephanie is licensed to practice in federal and state courts in Texas and before the U.S. Supreme Court.  She received her law degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, and her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Commercial Litigation

Corporate

Employment

Franchise

Prior to Mullin Law, Jennifer worked with Gold’s Gym International where she managed franchisee compliance, provided document preparation and assisted in the implementation of a new franchise contract program. In addition, Jennifer managed franchisee accounts receivable and developed new collection processes for Accor Hospitality while providing vital operations support to franchisees.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor’s of Business Administration in marketing with a minor in sociology at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.