• T:  214.336.1952
• F:  214.436.5580
• E:  whitfill@fsblegal.com

• DLA Piper LLP (US)
• Haynes and Boone, LLP

• Texas

• University of Texas School of Law, J.D. with honors, 2000
• Texas A&M University, B.A. Psychology, 1997

Ryan Whitfill is a transactional attorney specializing in franchise and licensing law.  Throughout his career with the leading franchise law practices in the country, Mr. Whitfill has developed his skills and knowledge working on high level franchise matters for national and international franchisors, franchisees, licensors, distributors, master franchisees and area developers.

Mr. Whitfill's experience includes advising and assisting clients in all legal aspects of structuring, operating and growing their franchise systems in compliance with U.S. and international franchise registration and disclosure laws, as well as state franchise relationship laws.  His practice includes:

• Negotiating, drafting, interpreting and enforcing franchise agreements, license agreements, area developer and area representative agreements, master franchise agreements, confidentiality and non-compete agreements and all related documents;
• Preparation and updating of franchise disclosure documents in accordance with federal and state franchise laws, and managing and implementing state registrations, amendments and annual updates for franchisors throughout the U.S.;
• Negotiation and structuring of international master franchise and area developer transactions (includes deals in Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America);
• Advising clients regarding franchise disclosure compliance issues and advertising laws;
• Resolution of various disputes between franchisors and franchisees; and
• Review and analysis of franchise agreements and franchise disclosure documents for prospective franchisees.

Mr. Whitfill has represented franchise concepts both large and small in a myriad of industries, including regional, national and international quick service restaurant chains, full service restaurants, childcare/pre-school concepts, pool care/maintenance stores, car rental companies, professional education franchises, in-home senior care service concepts, oil-change shops, auto parts supply chains, high-end ice cream, yogurt and gelato shops, home renovation companies, day spas, technology/service companies, check cashing franchises and various retail concepts.

Mr. Whitfill is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.  He has served as Chair of the Dallas Bar Association's Franchise and Distribution Law Section (2008) and as a member of the ABA Forum on Franchising Young Lawyer's Committee.  In addition, he has spoken at many franchise conventions and gatherings, including the IFA Legal Symposium in Washington, D.C. (May 2007).  Mr. Whitfill has authored a number of franchise related articles, including articles appearing in the Texas Bar Journal and Franchise Update Magazine.  Mr. Whitfill also proudly serves as a Volunteer Advocate for Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).