On February 11, Manning Fulton attorneys Ritchie Taylor and Ashley Nielsen were honored to present at the North Carolina Bar Association Business Law Section’s 2021 virtual CLE program, The Business Lawyer as First Responder. Their presentation focused on the application of federal and state franchise law to business transactions and, more specifically, ways for attorneys to prevent their clients from becoming ‘accidental franchisors.’
Manning Fulton attorney Jennifer Weaver, who is a Council Member of the NCBA Business Law Section and the section’s liaison with the Secretary of State, served as a co-planner for this event.
The current Vice-Chair of the NCBA’s Business Law Section and Chair of its CLE Committee, Ritchie counsels business clients throughout each organization’s life cycle from formation to successful exit. He serves as general counsel to numerous emerging and middle market businesses across all industries with a particular concentration in representing clients in the franchising, retail, hospitality, and education sectors.
As a member of the largest franchise practice in North Carolina, led by Mr. Taylor, Ashley regularly counsels start-up and early-stage franchisors in building their brands and navigating complex state and federal franchise regulations. She also serves as general corporate counsel to these and other retail and restaurant clients and assists with transactions that range from routine to complex.
A partner in Manning Fulton’s corporate section, Jennifer counsels clients on the tax and business implications related to the formation, operation, conversion and termination of S-corps, limited liability companies, joint ventures and partnerships. She also serves as counsel to companies with regard to ongoing corporate and business matters, including drafting and negotiating contracts and licenses and the transition of businesses through merger/acquisition or succession planning.
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About Manning Fulton
Manning Fulton was founded in 1955 by Howard Manning and Charles Fulton, and is one of the longest-lasting law partnerships in North Carolina. In its nearly seven decades faithfully serving the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina, Manning Fulton has grown with its clients and this remarkable state. Today, more than 40 attorneys, averaging more than 20 years’ experience in their respective fields, provide the full suite of legal services to businesses and individuals throughout North Carolina. The firm’s attorneys are uniquely committed to first-rate, accessible, no nonsense expertise and the development of a lasting relationship with every client. Put simply, we focus on what matters.
