Erica Dotras
Shareholder
Erica counsels and assists commercial clients in developing new franchise programs, protecting their intellectual property, complying with franchise laws and regulations, and resolving franchise relationship disputes. She also assists individuals to evaluate franchise opportunities and assists them with business formation and ownership structuring. Erica also has a thriving real estate practice and frequently represents clients in commercial lease and purchase transactions.
About
Cheryl Mullin earned her J.D. from Widener University School of Law in 1995 and her LL.M. in Taxation from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2013. She has been recognized for her expertise in franchise law by the International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers since 2013, Texas Super Lawyers since 2012, and Best Lawyers in America since 2007.
Cheryl has also been named one of Dallas's best lawyers by D Magazine every year since 2007 and has been a "Legal Eagle" in Franchise Times magazine since 2004. In addition to holding an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, she frequently lectures on corporate and franchise law topics.
Cheryl is based in our Bucks County, Pennsylvania office, and splits her time with the Dallas, Texas office.
About
Erica received her J.D. from Texas A&M University School of Law where she graduated with honors. Prior to law school, she received her M.A. in Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management from Southern Methodist University and her B.A. in International Studies from the University of North Texas.
Before law school, Erica worked with nonprofit organizations. She directed the America Reads program at the University of North Texas, interned with Mosaic Family Services, and managed the volunteer program and food pantry for Metrocrest Services. Through these roles, she gained specialized knowledge of the management and needs of nonprofit organizations.
During law school, Erica interned with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Through her internships, she worked on civil litigation, real estate, and probate and estate issues. While in law school, she also served on the Texas A&M Journal of Property Law and participated in the Community Legal Access Clinic.
Post law school, Erica served as team counsel for a family office where she gained legal experience in corporate law, real estate transactions, estate planning, and nonprofit organizations.
When Erica is not practicing law, she enjoys spending time with her family, Robert and Robby, in addition to playing with Lance, her Australian Shepherd. She also enjoys playing tennis and golf and doing yoga.
Erica is based in our Dallas, Texas office.
Presentations
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“Special Considerations for Commercial Leases for Franchise Systems,” Dallas Bar Association, Franchise & Distribution Law Section (August 16, 2022)
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"Franchise 101: Disclosures, Agreements, and Compliance in Franchising,” Co-presenter (with Cheryl Mullin), LawPractice CLE (August 25, 2025)
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“Ensuring Smooth Transactions in Franchise M&A,” Co-presenter (with Cheryl Mullin), myLawCLE (May 22, 2025)
Publications
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“Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation: Avoiding the Sting of an Anti-SLAPP Challenge,” Franchise Law Journal (Vol. 40, no. 4) (Spring 2021)
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“Avoiding the ‘Accidental’ Franchise,” Dallas Bar Association Headnotes (Vol. 46, no. 7) (July 2021)
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“Mitigating the Legal Risks for Landlords Under the Rental Assistance Demonstration Program,” 5 Tex. A&M J. Prop. L. 701 (2018)
Memberships and Committees
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International Franchise Association
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American Bar Association
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ABA Forum on Franchising
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State Bar of Texas
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Dallas Bar Association
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2021 Chair of the Franchise and Distribution Law Section
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CREW Dallas
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Collin County Bar Association
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Texas Aggie Bar Association
Awards
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Order of the Coif, Texas A&M University School of Law
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Legal Eagle since 2022, Franchise Times Magazine
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Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, since 2024
Community Involvement
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Commissioner, Plano Housing Authority, Since 2024
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Leadership Metrocrest, Class XXVII
Bar Admissions and Licenses
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Supreme Court of Texas
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Northern District of Texas
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Eastern District of Texas to Bar Admissions