Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley Partner Earns Important Legal Specialty Certification
July 22, 2010, (Oakland, CA) -- Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley LLP (FAB) today announced that Business & Corporate Transactions Partner, Dawn Newton, has earned the Certified Legal Specialist designation in the area of Franchise and Distribution Law from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. She is one of forty-two attorneys in the state who have fulfilled the requirements for the designation. Dawn is the only attorney in Alameda County to have earned the certification.
The State of California is the first state in the U.S. to make franchise and distribution law a certified specialty. Always a leader in the field of franchise and home to several thousand franchises, California enacted the Franchise Investment Law (Corporations Code § 31000, et seq.) in 1971. The statute became the nation's de facto guide for regulating the sale of franchises. California has also enacted legislation governing the termination and non-renewal of franchises (California Franchise Relations Act, Bus. and Prof. Code § 20000, et seq.) and specialty legislation for franchises in particular industries.
"We're thrilled to have an attorney of Dawn's caliber at our firm," said Michael Sebree, Chair of Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley's Business & Corporate Transactions Practice. "Dawn's achieving the Certified Specialist designation confirms that she is one of California's foremost leaders in the area of franchise governance and distribution," he added.
Qualifying for certification as a specialist in franchise and distribution law involves passing a written examination, demonstrating substantial experience in the field based on legal tasks performed, and completing a specified number of hours of continuing education courses in the practice area. Additionally, candidates must be favorably evaluated by attorneys and judges and be active members of the State Bar of California who devote at least 25 percent of their practice to this area.
What is Franchise and Distribution Law?
Franchise and distribution law refers to the statutory and regulatory laws that govern distribution and franchise relationships, including protecting parties from trademark and copyright misuse and helping companies avoid becoming an "accidental franchisor", when licensing their mark or system of operations. The certification program helps other attorneys identify experts with whom they may consult or to whom they may refer their clients.
About Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley LLP
Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley LLP ("FAB") is a multi-practice law firm providing legal solutions for clients throughout Northern California and nationally. Founded in 1883, the firm celebrates its 128th anniversary this year. Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley LLP is consistently recognized by clients, peers and the media as a leader in its field. Additional information on the firm is available at www.fablaw.com.