Debra S. Hill

Partner | Corporate

debra.hill@pierferd.com
+1.904.612.3780 cell
+1.904.479.0023 office
Miami | Atlanta
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About
Credentials
Experience
News & Insights

About

Debra began her legal career representing a national franchisor in 1991. Debra continues to focus her practice on brand expansion through franchising, dealerships and distributorships, and, trademark and brand protections. Her clients operate in a wide range of industries, including food & beverage, retail, construction, marketing, personal services and transportation industries.

  • Since 2009, Debra has been recognized as a “Legal Eagle” in the Jacksonville community in the practice areas of franchising and business law. She holds the highest achievable rating with Martindale Hubble Law Directory, (AV Preeminent) and the highest AVVO rating (10). She obtained Super Lawyer status in Florida in the area of Franchising.

    • Her experience in franchising is comprehensive. She represents clients in FDD & document preparation, state registrations, dealership arrangements, co-branding, franchise compliance, real estate negotiations, acquisitions, vendor agreements, franchise advertising compliance, and franchise litigation monitoring.

    • Debra represents clients in trade protection matters including trademark registration, non-competition agreements, NDAs, trade secret protection, unfair competition law and proprietary product protection.

    • She routinely assists start up franchise companies develop franchise systems.

    • Debra routinely assists developed franchise companies with franchisee compliance, annual registrations and trade protection.

    • Debra acts as General Counsel for small to midsize clients.

Practices

  • Franchising

  • Commercial Transactions

  • Trademarks

Admissions

  • Florida

  • Georgia

  • US District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Education

  • Case Western Reserve University, J.D., 1991

  • Kent State University, M.A., 1986

  • Kent State University, B.A., 1983

Professional Recognition

  • Best Lawyers in America – Franchise Law

  • Super Lawyer – Franchising

  • Editorial Board Member, Florida Bar Journal – Florida Bar

  • Senior Law Committee Member – Florida Bar

  • Former Chair of the Jacksonville Bar Franchise Committee

  • Former Membership Committee Member by the ABA Forum on Franchising

  • Former Trustee of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce

  • Former Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member – Florida Bar

  • Recognized in Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who of American Women

  • Recognized as a “Legal Eagle” in Franchising and Business Law – Jacksonville Magazine 904

  • AVVO rating 10

  • Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent rating

Law Firm Experience

  • FisherBroyles, LLP

Corporate Experience

  • Arthur Treacher’s, Inc, General Counsel

Community Service

  • Audubon Florida EagleWatch Program - Volunteer

  • Florida Urgent Rescue – Volunteer

Publications

Presentations and Speaking Engagements

  • “Exploring Entrepreneurial Options: Buying An Existing Business” – Presenter, Small Business Resource Conference

  • “ABCs of Contracts CLE: Ethics and Business Contracts” – Presenter, National Business Institute

  • “ABCs of Contracts CLE: Competition Issues” – Presenter, National Business Institute

  • “Negotiating A Commercial Lease” – Presenter, Entrepreneur’s Law School, University of North Florida, Business Resource Center

  • “Advantages and Pitfalls in Buying an Existing Business” – Presenter, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce LaunchPad

  • “Starting a Business” – Presenter, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce LaunchPad

  • “Franchising” – Presenter, Jacksonville Business Expo 2010

  • Contracts Law Professor, Director of the Municipal Clinic – Florida Coastal School of Law