Debra S. Hill
Partner | Corporate
debra.hill@pierferd.com
+1.904.612.3780 cell
+1.904.479.0023 office
Miami | Atlanta
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.
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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
“Legitimate Business Interests in a Non-Competition Agreement” – Be the Boss.com (December 8, 2017)
“Vital Steps When Purchasing A Franchise” – FranchiseExpo.com (April 27, 2017)
“The Dreaded Personal Guaranty: Negotiating A Safer Route” – FranchiseExpo.com (February 22, 2017)
“Franchisors: Protecting Trade Secrets With A Plan” – LinkedIn (February 15, 2017)
“The Importance of Following the Franchisor’s System” — FranchiseExpo.com (December 23, 2016)
“Protect Yourself. Negotiate Tenant Friendly Lease Provisions” – FranchiseExpo.com
“Is Fractional Franchising A Good Idea” – FranchiseExpo.com
“Take Another Look At That Lease” – Expert Source, Jacksonville Business Journal
“Wanna Know A Secret” – Expert Source, Jacksonville Business Journal
“Proceed With Caution” – Expert Source, Jacksonville Business Journal
“Job Losses Spark Ownership Spirit” – Expert Source, Jacksonville Business Journal
“Profitability Is Just The Beginning” – Expert Source, Jacksonville Business Journal
“Scope of Franchise Law Goes Beyond Fast Food Restaurants” – Author, Jacksonville Business Journal
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