Cheryl Mullin is the founding partner of Mullin, P.C. Her practice focuses on assisting commercial clients in achieving their growth objectives through franchising, joint ventures, acquisitions, and private investment. She also provides intellectual property protection services to small and mid-size enterprises, business transition planning for closely-held businesses, and commercial litigation support on business matters.
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.
Publications:
- “Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation: Avoiding the Sting of an Anti-SLAPP Challenge,” Franchise Law Journal (Vol. 40, no. 4) (Spring 2021)
- “Buying a Franchise: Identifying the Red Flags,” Dallas Bar Association, Franchise & Distribution Law Section (October 2020)
- “Injunctive Relief Pending Arbitration: The Evolving Role of Judicial Action,” Franchise Law Journal (Vol. 28) (Spring 2019)
- “Franchisee v. Agent: The Relationship Between Franchisors and Area Representatives,” Franchise Law Journal (Winter 2017)
- “The Wheels on the Bus: Is there Protection for a Franchise Operating System?” Franchise Law Journal (Spring 2016)
- “New Kids on the Block: Awarding Franchises to Immigrant Franchisees,” The Franchise Lawyer (Fall 2012)
- “Coming to America, U.S. Immigration Laws and the Challenges Facing Immigrant Franchisees,” International Franchise Association’s Franchising World (October 2012)
- “Brave New World: A Look at Franchising Under the New FTC Rule,” Dallas Bar Association, Franchise & Distribution Law Section (October 2002)
- “What Hath Technology Wrought: Franchise Laws in an Age of Electronic Communication,” Franchise Law Journal (Fall 1999)
Presentations:
- “Franchising Law: Do you Know What You Are Doing?” The Knowledge Group (June 21, 2016)
- “Joint Employer Liability: Best Practices to Mitigate Risks,” The Knowledge Group (January 12, 2016)
- “Tips on What to Do If You Are Planning to Franchise Your Business,” Money for Lunch National Business Talk Radio (November 2012)
- “Understanding the State Franchise Registration Framework,” International Franchise Association’s 45th Annual Legal Symposium (May 21, 2012)
- “How to Buy and Sell a Business,” Lockheed Martin and Chase presents Entrepreneur Expo, Fort Worth, Texas (February 2008)
- “Dealing with Troubled Franchisees,” International Franchise Association’s Franchise Business Network Panel Discussion, Dallas, Texas (August 2007)
- “Negotiating Franchise Agreements,” with John L. Rogers, Partner, Davis & Company, LLP (Toronto, Canada), International Franchise Association’s 46th Annual International Franchise Convention, (February 2006)
- “Franchise Agreement Drafting,” International Franchise Association’s 38th Annual Legal Symposium (May 2005)
- “Legal Considerations When Purchasing a Franchise,” New Market Business Centre Franchise Expo (October 2003)
- “Franchise Success,” E-Women Network Convention (August 2003)
- “Marketers Beware – A Look at the New Telemarketing Rules,” Meeting of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (February 2003)
- “Franchise Sales Legal Compliance,” International Franchise Association’s Franchise Development Conference (October 2002)
- “Starting a Franchise System,” American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising (October 1999)
Awards and Recognition:
- Ranked by Chambers and Partners in the area of franchise (since 2020)
- Premier 100 Trial Attorney, as recognized by the National Academy of Jurisprudence
- Texas Super Lawyers, since 2012, Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business
- International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers, since 2013, Who’s Who Legal
- Dallas’ Best Lawyer (Franchise & Distribution), D Magazine
- Legal Eagle 2004-2018, Franchise Times Magazine
- Hot Shots Under 40, Franchise Times Magazine
Memberships and Committees:
- International Franchise Association
- American Bar Association
- ABA Forum on Franchising
- State Bar of Texas
- Dallas Bar Association, Franchise and Distribution Law Section
- State Bar of Pennsylvania
Bar Admissions and Licenses:
- Northern District of Texas
- Southern District of Texas
- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
- Supreme Court of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
