Erica Lynn Tokar

Of Counsel

Direct: 404.873.7027
Washington
2100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 350S
Washington, District of Columbia 20037

Biography

Erica is of counsel in the Corporate & Finance practice.

Erica is experienced in guiding franchisors through a variety of transactional franchise matters and advising clients regarding compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Franchise Rule,” North American Securities Administrators Association guidelines, and state laws impacting franchisors and other businesses. She has negotiated international transactions in China, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and other markets, and has served clients in a variety of industries, including food service, technology, educational and tutoring businesses, equipment manufacturing and distribution, employment and personnel agencies, and real estate. Previously, Erica served as an attorney advisor for the United States Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Erica is actively involved in the franchising industry through her memberships in the International Franchise Association and the ABA’s Forum on Franchising, as well as her position as secretary for the Maryland State Bar Association’s Franchise, Distribution, and Antitrust Law Committee.

Related Services

Related Industries

    Credentials

    Education
    • American University Washington College of Law, Juris Doctor
      • Administrative Law Review, Senior Symposia Editor
      • Joint Journal Committee, Co-Chair
      • United Nations Committee Against Torture (UNCAT) Project Grantee
    • Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, The Fulbright Commission
      • Fulbright Grantee
    • St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
    Admissions
    • State of Maryland
    • District of Columbia
    Associations
      • American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising
      • D.C. Women’s Bar Association
      • International Franchise Association, Member
        • Legal Symposium Planning Committee
      • Maryland State Bar Association, Secretary – Franchise, Distribution, and Antitrust Law Committee

    Recognition

    • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®, Corporate Law, 2024-25
    • Top Franchise Legal Player, 1851 Franchise, 2022

    News & Insights

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    Thought Leadership

    Publications

    • “U.S. Chapter,” Franchise 2022 Lexology Getting the Deal Through, July 2021
    • “Franchising Your Business,” International Franchise Association, March 2018
    • “Franchise Agreement’s Post-Term Noncompete Withstands Franchisee’s Motion To Dismiss In Colorado District Court,” Lexology, November 2017
    • “Federal Court Finds Sufficient Evidence of Joint-Employer Relationship to Survive Motion to Dismiss,” Lexology, September 2017

    Speaking Engagements

    • “Releases: Best Practices, Tips, and Considerations,” Roundtable Facilitator, International Franchise Association Legal Symposium, May 2022
    • “Top Franchise Legal Players: Erica Tokar,” 1851Franchise.com, November 2021
    • Roundtable Facilitator, International Franchise Association, Women’s Leadership Conference, February 2020
    • “Impact of California’s Assembly Bill 5 on Franchisors,” Webinar, October 2019
    • “Franchise Webcast: Key Considerations for the 2017 Franchise Registration Renewal Season,” Webinar, January 2017
    • “10 Commandments of Franchise Sales,” Franchise Expo West, November 2017
    • “Show Me the Money: Practical Advice for Crafting and Using Financial Performance Representations (FPRs),” Franchise Expo West, November 2017
    • “10 Commandments of Franchise Sales,” Franchise Expo West, October 2016
    • “Show Me the Money: Practical Advice for Crafting and Using Financial Performance Representations (FPRs),” Franchise Expo West, October 2016