28 Jul 2026
Akerman Strengthens Franchise and Licensing Practice with Partner Eleanor Vaida Gerhards
"Eleanor Vaida Gerhards joins Akerman as a partner in its Franchise and Licensing practice in New York, focusing on franchise development, regulatory compliance and cross-border franchise matters."
She joins from Fox Rothschild LLP, where she served as national co-chair of its Franchising and Distribution Practice Group. For nearly two decades, Gerhards has served as outside general corporate and franchise counsel to startup and established franchisors, guiding clients through every stage of the franchise lifecycle—from launching new franchise systems to expanding established brands across the United States and internationally. She represents clients in industries including hospitality, restaurants and food service, fitness, health and wellness, retail, and consumer services.
Gerhards counsels franchisors on franchise development, regulatory compliance, state registration matters, franchise disclosure documents, and operational issues. She advises on acquisitions and divestitures involving franchise businesses, supply chain and vendor agreements, advertising fund structures, master franchise and area development arrangements, and the conversion of licensing and distribution models into franchise systems. Her practice includes cross-border franchise matters, assisting international brands entering the U.S. market and advising domestic franchisors on global expansion.
She also advises franchisors on alternative risk management strategies, including captive insurance programs, risk retention groups, and risk purchasing groups, and has served as a franchise law expert witness in a nine-figure arbitration. Gerhards is recognized by Chambers USA, named to Franchise Times' Legal Eagles Hall of Fame, and recommended by Lexology Index. She frequently speaks and writes on emerging issues affecting franchisors, including artificial intelligence, franchise disclosure and compliance, cybersecurity, insurance, and cross-border expansion, and serves as chair of the International Franchise Association's Philadelphia Women's Franchise Network.