Franchisee LegaLine℠

Erica counsels and assists commercial clients in developing new franchise programs, protecting their intellectual property, complying with franchise laws and regulations, and resolving franchise relationship disputes. She also assists individuals evaluate franchise opportunities and assists them with business formation and ownership structuring. Erica also has a thriving real estate practice and frequently represents clients in commercial lease and purchase transactions.

Erica received her J.D. from Texas A&M University School of Law where she graduated with honors. Prior to law school, she received her M.A. in Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management from Southern Methodist University and her B.A. in International Studies from the University of North Texas.

Before law school, Erica worked with nonprofit organizations. She directed the America Reads program at the University of North Texas, interned with Mosaic Family Services, and managed the volunteer program and food pantry for Metrocrest Services. Through these roles, she gained specialized knowledge of the management and needs of nonprofit organizations.

During law school, Erica interned with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Through her internships, she worked on civil litigation, real estate, and probate and estate issues. While in law school, she also served on the Texas A&M Journal of Property Law and participated in the Community Legal Access Clinic.

Post law school, Erica served as staff counsel for a family office where she gained legal experience in corporate law, real estate transactions, estate planning, and nonprofit organizations.

Cheryl Mullin is the founding partner of Mullin, PC. Her practice focuses on assisting commercial clients to achieve their growth objectives through franchising, joint ventures, acquisition, and private investment. She also provides intellectual property protection services to small and mid-size enterprises, business transition planning services for closely-held businesses, and commercial litigation support on business issues.

Cheryl earned her J.D. from Widener University School of Law in 1995, and her LL.M (Taxation) from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2013. She is recognized for her work in franchising by International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers (since 2013), Texas Super Lawyers (since 2012), and Best Lawyers in America (since 2007). Cheryl also has been recognized since 2007 by “D” Magazine as one of the best lawyers in Dallas, and by Franchise Times magazine since 2004 as a “Legal Eagle.” Cheryl lectures frequently on corporate and franchise-related topics and is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell

I love the practice of law and thrive on providing clients with real practical advice and strategic solutions.” – KMS.  Kelly is married to her husband Todd and is the proud mom of Kyle, 18, Kinley, 11, and Kane, 6.   She began working for Jon in 2004 as his legal assistant and paralegal.   She graduated from Western Governors University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in business management.   After gaining years of experience and encouragement from numerous other legal professionals, Kelly obtained her Juris Doctorate from St. Louis University School of Law in 2021 with a concentration in intellectual property law.   After passing the Uniform Bar Exam and being sworn into the State of Missouri Bar in September 2021, she became Jon’s partner and FortmanSpann, LLC was born.  Kelly has fought for others alongside Jon for many years and looks forward to continuing to help more people through the practice of law.  She is extensively experienced in franchise law and understands all the intricacies of the franchise system.  Her intricate knowledge and experience allow her to provide the practical advice and strategic solutions franchisees need.