Bio

Allison litigates cases on behalf of franchisors, distributors, and multi-unit operators in courts and alternative dispute resolution forums across the country. She routinely handles claims for breach of contract, Lanham Act violations, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and franchise relationship law violations. Allison is particularly skilled at managing electronic discovery. She works with internal IT departments and outside vendors to save clients substantial time and money by streamlining the document retention and production process. She uses creative solutions to help each client meet their discovery obligations in light of their technology systems, the scope and importance of the case, and the rules applicable to the venue. In addition to her litigation practice, Allison advises inside general counsel, boards of directors, and other executives regarding numerous aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. She drafts complex advice memoranda, litigation avoidance strategies, and practical checklists for use in franchise systems. For example, Allison renders advice regarding joint employer liability, brand transformations, minimum wage laws, vicarious liability, the litigation risks of mergers and acquisitions, and best practices for document retention and storage. Allison is a member of the International Franchise Association and the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising. She serves on the IFA’s Legal/Legislative Committee which works to keep the IFA’s general membership aware of legal, legislative, and regulatory issues affecting franchising. Allison is also a Co-Chair of the IFA’s Women’s Franchise Network in Chicago. For the last four years, Allison has been recognized by Illinois Super Lawyers by being named to its “Rising Stars” list in the area of franchise law.