Faegre Drinker Expands Franchise Practice With Addition of Counsel Megan Center

Faegre Drinker announced today Megan Center has joined the firm’s corporate practice group in Philadelphia, expanding the firm’s franchise capabilities by bringing over 13 years of experience working across several industries.  

Center’s work encompasses each step of the franchisor’s journey, from system-building to navigating complex federal and state regulations. Combining in-depth knowledge of franchise law with practical business acumen, Center works with franchisors to mitigate risk and establish long-term business plans to promote growth. 

“Megan’s experience covers every facet of franchise law and greatly boosts the firm’s capacity to assist clients across multiple industries,” said Brian Schnell, Faegre Drinker’s franchise and distribution practice leader. “On a micro-level, her ability to navigate demanding regulations is second-to-none, and she is equally able to ensure her advice encompasses big-picture strategy sure to benefit franchisors maneuvering this complex area of law.” 

Adept at helping franchisors create and manage franchise systems, Center handles registrations and ensures state and federal regulatory compliance for franchise offerings and sales, identifying potential compliance risks and exemption opportunities. She also provides counsel on interrelated franchise and employment law issues to avoid misclassification and joint employer status, and she prevents and resolves disputes among franchisors, franchisees and others. Additionally, she actively pursues alternative expansion opportunities for companies who want to avoid being deemed a franchisor to avoid franchise laws by pursuing other avenues and distribution methods, such as licensing and direct sales. 

Center’s experience also includes mergers and acquisitions on both sides of the negotiating table. Center leads complex deals, including combinations, reorganizations and change-of-control transactions. She has acted as “special franchise counsel” in acquisitions and sales, as well as conversions into franchise systems, in industries including janitorial services, medical weight-loss services, senior health care services, product distribution and fast-casual food.

Center earned her bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University, where she served as executive editor on the Canada—United States Law Journal.