Deb Coldwell is a business litigator who focuses on franchise, distribution, and contract disputes, and business tort litigation. In her 23 years as a trial lawyer, she has successfully tried jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations and has sought and received preliminary and permanent injunctive relief for franchisors, distributors, and the individuals who run those companies. She is chair of the Firm’s Franchise Litigation Marketing Group. She also litigates sports law-related matters and is co-chair of the Firm’s Sports Law Practice Group.

Ms. Coldwell is the Chair of the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising. She is also a frequent speaker and writer on franchising and distribution. She served as the editor-in-chief of the Forum on Franchising Franchise Law Journal. She previously served on the Forum’s Governing Committee as the Publications Chair, overseeing the preparation, production, and publication of all handbooks, manuals, desk books and monographs for the Forum.

Prior to attending law school, Ms. Coldwell worked in restaurant operations and in education. With that unique background, she brings a practical approach to problem solving and assists clients to find an individual workable strategy in each case she handles.