MALVERN, Pa., August 19, 2024 — Saxton & Stump is pleased to announce the addition of Melissa DeBarbieris as a senior counsel attorney in the law firm’s Franchising, Licensing and Distribution Group. DeBarbieris has nearly 15 years of experience as an attorney and has spent the last six years of her career exclusively focusing on franchising law.
“Melissa has established an impressive portfolio of nationwide hospitality and service clients in restaurants, coffee, catering, convenience stores, and other similar segments,” noted Thomas J. Kent, Jr., shareholder and co-chair of Saxton & Stump’s Franchising, Licensing and Distribution Group. “Bringing in a highly experienced attorney such as Melissa will help our franchising team continue to expand our depth of niche expertise into new areas. We’re delighted to have Melissa on board. Her passion for franchising will be an asset to the group for years to come.”
DeBarbieris provides legal assistance to help franchise operators lay a solid foundation for brand expansion by drafting, negotiating, and finalizing a broad range of business documents. These include memoranda of understanding and letters of intent, agreements for joint ventures and partnerships, franchise and licensing agreements, contracts for vendors and services, distribution and sales representative deals, and confidentiality agreements. She also assists her clients with federal and state compliance, insurance compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and trademark portfolio management.
In addition to working with franchise owners and distributors, DeBarbieris has worked with commercial real estate developers in purchase and sale agreements, lease agreements, entity formation, corporate governance and compliance, labor and employment law matters, and trademark maintenance and management.
DeBarbieris earned her law degree at the Loyola New Orleans School of Law and her undergraduate degree at Loyola New Orleans.
Saxton & Stump’s strategic growth outlook
With 200 professionals, including over 110 attorneys, Saxton & Stump’s innovative model continues to attract highly talented and experienced attorneys, driving the growth of the law firm and its affiliate companies nationwide.
Saxton & Stump provides solutions for complex legal issues and partners with clients to create a roadmap for their success. The firm is committed to empowering clients by delivering five-star service and results-focused advice.
