Haynes Boone Partners Deb Coldwell, Maral Kilejian and Elizabeth Weldon are featured in Franchise Times’ Legal Eagles listing of the top franchise practitioners in the U.S. This is Deb’s 20th time to be named a Legal Eagle.
Legal Eagles are “star legal professionals” who have been nominated or recommended by peers, clients and the publication’s editors, according to Franchise Times. “With a keen mind for both the legalese and business, they understand the gravitas of every legal battle, every transaction and the importance of every document.”
“These lawyers live and breathe franchising and truly understand the nuances of the unique business model. In a world of chaos and uncertainty, these exceptional professionals are more necessary than ever,” the publication states.
To view the full listing of winners, click here.
Deb represents franchisors, distributors, joint ventures, limited liability companies, partnerships and the individuals who run those companies in jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations. She has litigated across several industries – from hotels and restaurants to health clubs and tax preparation services to product and service-based franchise and distribution networks. In 2013, Franchise Times inducted Deb into its Inaugural Legal Eagles Hall of Fame, which honors lawyers who have been on the list for 10 years.
Maral, in addition to her dedicated franchise practice, is the co-chair of the Advertising, Marketing and Promotional Law practice group and routinely advises clients on compliance, regulatory and contract negotiation matters. Maral is a nationally recognized franchise attorney who provides practical initial and ongoing counsel and legal support to franchisors in the structuring and operation of domestic franchise programs and international expansion. She represents franchisors in all stages of their business life cycle, from those just beginning to venture into franchising, to emerging brands, to mature multi-national franchisors.
Elizabeth is a certified specialist in franchise and distribution law by The State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. Her practice focuses on business litigation and franchise litigation, at trial, judicial reference, and arbitration. She represents franchisors in a wide variety of matters including breach of contract, trademark and trade name infringement, business competition torts, vicarious liability and joint employer issues, and franchise law claims. In 2020, Franchise Times inducted Elizabeth into the Legal Eagles Hall of Fame.