Fox Rothschild LLP is pleased to announce that John R. Gotaskie, Jr., Elizabeth D. Sigety and Eleanor Vaida Gerhards were named 2016 Legal Eagles by Franchise Times magazine. This is the third consecutive year Gotaskie and Sigety have been highlighted and the first for Gerhards.
Now in its 13th year, the prestigious list highlights attorneys who have made significant strides in franchise law. Lawyers selected for inclusion were chosen from nominations by their clients and peers.
Gotaskie, a partner with the firm, represents individuals, partnerships and companies in diverse legal matters including complex commercial litigation, bankruptcy litigation and franchising issues. He serves as editor of Fox's Franchise Law Update blog and has recorded numerous podcasts that touch upon issues that impact franchisors and franchisees. He also serves on the Steering Committee for the International Franchise Association's Pittsburgh Franchise Business Network.
Gotaskie received his B.S., cum laude, from Georgetown University and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Sigety, chair of the firm's Franchising, Licensing & Distribution Group and a co-chair of the firm's Emerging Companies Practice Group, has been a trusted adviser to clients, including startup companies and entrepreneurs for more than two decades. Active with the International Franchise Association (IFA), the leading organization for the franchise industry, she has been recognized as a Certified Franchise Executive by the IFA and has been appointed and serves on the Women's Franchise Committee of the IFA. In addition, Sigety co-founded and served as co-chair of the IFA's Philadelphia Chapter of the Women's Franchise Network.
Sigety received her B.A., cum laude, from Yale College and her J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.
Gerhards, an associate with the firm, works with startup and established franchise clients in the structuring of franchise programs, drafting of franchise disclosure documents, franchise agreements and related contracts and counseling clients on regulatory compliance matters, including obtaining and renewing state franchise registrations. She also handles matters related to master franchising, multi-unit licensing and area-development business arrangements.
Gerhards serves as chair of the Women's Franchise Network. A leader in the field, she was recognized as a Certified Franchise Executive by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives – a branch of the International Franchise Association's Educational Foundation.
Gerhards received her B.A., cum laude, from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and her J.D., magna cum laude, from Duquesne University.