Christine Connelly and Maureen O’Brien Named 2019 ‘Legal Eagles’ by Franchise Times

April 9, 2019

Washington, DC—Christine E. Connelly, partner in Wiley Rein LLP’s Franchise Practice, and Maureen A. O’Brien, of counsel in the Practice, have been selected as 2019 “Legal Eagles” for their outstanding transactional work by Franchise Times, one of the country’s leading news outlets for the franchising industry. Ms. Connelly and Ms. O’Brien were named to the prestigious list for the fourth and fifth consecutive years, respectively.

The 2019 honorees are “star legal professionals” who “live and breathe franchising and truly understand the nuances of this unique business model,” Franchise Times said in its annual Legal Eagles issue.  “With a keen mind for both the legalese and business, they understand the gravitas of every single legal battle, every transaction and every document,” the publication noted. “That engenders a spirit of collaboration and efficiency among this tight-knit group of legal professionals.”

Franchise Times compiles the annual list based on nominations and recommendations from clients, peers, and other legal professionals.

Wiley Rein’s Franchise Practice counsels startup, middle-market, and mature franchisors in achieving domestic and international system growth objectives, acquiring and disposing of franchise systems, and complying with franchise registration, disclosure, and relationship laws.  The group’s attorneys specialize in structuring and negotiating international franchise deals, with experience in more than 80 countries, and in providing legal guidance to non-U.S. franchisors seeking to enter the United States market.