Top Franchise Lawyers: Cheryl Mullin of Mullin Rybicki Klopack, P.C.

1851 interviewed Mullin Rybicki Klopack, P.C.’s Cheryl Mullin about the state of franchising, what makes a franchise attorney awesome and her advice for growth-minded franchisors.

About Cheryl Mullin (from firm’s website): 

Cheryl Mullin is the founding partner of Mullin Rybicki Klopack, PC. Her practice focuses on assisting commercial clients achieve their growth objectives through franchising, joint ventures, acquisition, and private investment. She also provides intellectual property protection services to small and mid-size enterprises, business transition planning services for closely-held businesses, and commercial litigation support on business issues.

Cheryl earned her J.D. from Widener University School of Law in 1995, and her LL.M (Taxation) from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2013. She is recognized for her work in franchising by International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers (since 2013), Texas Super Lawyers (since 2012), and Best Lawyers in America (since 2007). Cheryl also has been recognized since 2007 by “D” Magazine as one of the best lawyers in Dallas, and by Franchise Times magazine since 2004 as a “Legal Eagle.” Cheryl lectures frequently on corporate and franchise-related topics, and is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

About Mullin Rybicki Klopack, P.C. (from Firm’s website): 

We recognize that, in the business world, relationships are everything. We are a firm dedicated to expanding and strengthening our client relationships, by providing results-driven legal representation, client service teams, and predictable fee arrangements. We are a full-service commercial law firm, consistently recognized in the area of franchising and distribution.

1851 Franchise: What do you love most about franchising?

Cheryl Mullin: Getting to live vicariously through my clients’ accomplishments.

1851: What makes a great franchise attorney, as in, what makes you awesome?

Mullin: Understanding and caring about a client’s business as if it were your own.

1851: What is the most important question to ask a franchise attorney when looking to make a change in representation?

Mullin: Describe how you would provide a holistic approach to my franchise and legal needs.

1851: What is the number-one piece of advice you would give franchisors as to how to grow their brand?

Mullin: Be selective in awarding franchises. Selecting the wrong operators, especially early on, is the most expensive and damaging mistake you can make.

1851: What do you see as the top legal worry for franchisors in the next year?

Mullin: How to stay relevant, current, and competitive in the industry they are in.