Kathryn B. Shipe

Kathryn B. Shipe concentrates her practice in franchising, licensing, and distribution, as well as general corporate transactions. She provides advice and counseling on the establishment, operation and expansion of franchise systems, domestic and international franchising, regulatory compliance, franchise relations, terminations, transfers and dispute resolution.

Kitt Shipe represents franchisors ranging in size from start-ups to industry leaders in connection with the development and maintenance of their franchise programs in a variety of industries. She has extensive experience preparing franchise disclosure documents (FDDs), franchise agreements, area development agreements and related documents. She regularly provides training for franchise executives on legal compliance.

Kitt also regularly counsels her clients regarding all aspects of the franchise relationship, including encroachment, dispute resolution, mediations, and default and termination strategies.

She also represents her clients in a variety of corporate matters, including corporate formation and governance, purchase and sale transactions, real estate transactions, employment agreements, technology agreements, supply agreements and other commercial contracts.

Kitt Shipe began her career in corporate law at one of Atlanta’s most prestigious law firms, where she focused on securities, franchising and mergers and acquisitions. Her experience spans 20 years in private practice and as in-house franchise counsel for two prominent Atlanta-based franchisors.

From this broad experience base, Ms. Shipe has developed a practical and results-oriented approach to the practice of law that emphasizes quality and efficiency. Through the use of plain English, user-friendly documents and real world advice, she helps her clients understand what is truly important and achieve the right balance between “getting it done” and mitigating legal risk.