Marisa counsels franchisors, licensors, and manufacturers on transactional, regulatory and intellectual property issues involved in developing and growing franchise programs.  She represents franchisors ranging in size from start-ups to category leaders in connection with the development and maintenance of their franchise programs.  Marisa has extensive experience in structuring and revamping franchise programs, drafting franchise, license and area development agreements and counseling franchisors with regard to regulatory (FDD) compliance issues.  She also represents franchisors with regard to corporate transactions, contract negotiations, master franchise programs, captive market development, and dispute resolution matters. Marisa also counsels franchisors regarding all aspects of the franchise relationship, including operational compliance, system standards, default and termination strategies and franchise workouts. She regularly trains franchisor executives with respect to franchise sales, relationship and regulatory compliance issues. Marisa has been named a "Legal Eagle" by Franchise Times magazine.

Publications (as author or co-author)   What’s in a Name?  A Lot:  Trademark and Brand Protection Strategies for Franchisors 19 Business Law Today (Amer. Bar Assoc.), No. 4 March/April 2010   Legal Considerations In Expanding a Business through Franchising July 2007 | The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel   Federal Trade Commission Amends Franchise Rule January 26, 2007 | Franchise Alert   Taking The Plunge—Are You Ready To Franchise? Winter 2006 | Small Business Opportunities   Retool Your Franchise Program to Attract and Retain Women Franchisees June 2004 | Franchising World   The Madrid System and a Streamlined Process for Registering Trademarks Around the World Winter 2003 | The Franchise Lawyer, Vol. 6, No. 3

Speeches and Presentations (as presenter, moderator, or co-presenter)      Franchising Your Business International Franchise Expo April 2010 | Washington, D.C. Financial Performance Representations International Franchise Expo April 2010 | Washington, D.C. Franchising Your Business West Coast Franchise Expo October 2009 | Los Angeles, California Financial Performance Representations West Coast Franchise Expo October 2009 | Los Angeles, California Franchising Your Business International Franchise Expo April 2009 | Washington, D.C.   Financial Performance Representations International Franchise Expo April 2009 | Washington, D.C. Trademarks and Intellectual Property National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) March 2009 | Tyson's Corner, Virginia    Franchising Your Business West Coast Franchise Expo November 2008 | Los Angeles, California   Helping Franchise Systems Succeed: Avoiding the Pitfalls Encountered in the Early Stages of Franchising 41st International Franchise Association Legal Symposium May 2008 | Washington, DC   Earnings Claims and Financial Performance Representations International Franchise Expo April 2008 | Washington, DC   Franchising Your Business International Franchise Expo April 2008 | Washington, DC   Franchisor/Franchisee Communications 48th Annual International Franchise Association Convention February 9-12, 2008 | Orlando, FL Financial Performance Representations: The New Earnings Claim The West Coast Franchise Expo October 19-21, 2007 | Los Angeles, CA   Franchising Your Business The West Coast Franchise Expo October 19-21, 2007 | Los Angeles, CA   Alternatives to Single Unit Franchising 40th International Franchise Association Legal Symposium May 7, 2007 | Washington, DC   Franchising Your Business International Franchise Expo April 1, 2007 | Washington, DC   Earnings Claims International Franchise Expo March 30, 2007 | Washington, DC   Franchisor and Franchisee Communications Roundtable 47th Annual International Franchise Association's Convention February 24-27, 2007 | Las Vegas, NV   Franchising Your Business International Franchise Expo June 2-4, 2006 | Washington, DC   What Every Franchisor Needs to Know About Privacy and Security Wiley Rein & Fielding Teleconference April 20, 2006 | Washington, DC   Registration and Franchise Law 38th International Franchise Association Legal Symposium May 8-10, 2005 | Washington, DC   The Legal Aspects of Franchising Your Business West Coast Franchise Expo October 15, 2004 | Los Angeles, CA   Unauthorized Transfers 37th International Franchise Association Legal Symposium May 24, 2004 | Washington, DC   Legal Aspects of Franchising a Business International Franchise Expo May 1, 2004 | Washington, DC   Creative Solutions for Dealing with Financially Troubled Franchisees International Franchise Association's 44th Annual Convention March 9, 2004 | Las Vegas, NV   Franchising Your Business International Franchise Expo April 12, 2003 | Washington, DC   Dealing with Financially Troubled Franchisees International Franchise Association Convention: Business Solutions Roundtable February 15, 2003 | San Antonio, TX   Franchising and Licensing Your Spa Spacifically 2000 September 28, 2000 | Los Angeles, CA

Education   J.D., Marshall-Wythe School of Law, The College of William & Mary; Order of the Coif B.A., University of Virginia

Law Journals   Member, William & Mary Law Review

Bar & Court Admissions   District of Columbia Bar Virginia Bar

Association Memberships   American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising International Franchise Association Vet Fran Committee, International Franchise Association Co-Chair Women’s Franchise Network, Washington, D.C./Baltimore, MD

Honors   Franchise Times - "Legal Eagles"