Ellen Ruth Lokker - Reston, VA
Attorney at Lokker Law PLC
Franchising Lawyers in Reston, VA
11710 Plaza America Drive Suite 2000 Reston, VA 20190
Reston Franchising Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Franchising
- Business & Commercial Law
- Business Organizations
- Contracts
- Employment Law -- Employer
- alternative Dispute Resolution
- Litigation & Appeals
- Trademarks
- Trade Regulation
- Business Formation
- Franchise
Attorney Information
Overview
Ms. Lokker frequently represents corporations and individuals in general commercial and franchise litigation in federal and state courts and in arbitration proceedings. Ms. Lokker represents both franchisors and franchisees. Ms. Lokker recently served as lead trial counsel in a multi-party, system-wide franchise case involving covenant-not-to-compete, franchise renewal, breach of contract, and business tort issues, and recently represented a group of 15 companies in the acquisition of their former franchisor's assets.
Ms. Lokker regularly counsels clients on issues relating to franchise agreements, uniform franchise offering circulars, special industry laws, commercial contracts, and business entity organization.
Ms. Lokker frequently serves as a neutral arbitrator in franchise and other commercial law disputes. Ms. Lokker is a member of the American Arbitration Association's panel of commercial neutrals and is trained and experienced in advanced case management.
Ms. Lokker is a frequent author and speaker on franchise and business litigation topics.
Prior to establishing her own law firm in 2001, Ms. Lokker was a partner at a large international law firm in Washington, D.C. where she handled arbitrations, trials, and appellate proceedings throughout the country on behalf of corporate clients involved in franchising and distribution.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Franchise Times Legal Eagle in Franchising for 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010
Education
-
Legal Education
-
University of Virginia School of Law,
Charlottesville,
Virginia, 1987
J.D.
-
University of Virginia School of Law,
Charlottesville,
Virginia, 1987
-
Non Legal Education
-
University of Virginia,
Charlottesville,
Virginia,
U.S.A., 1981
B.A.
Honors: with distinction
Major: Sociology
-
University of Virginia,
Charlottesville,
Virginia,
U.S.A., 1981
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Principal
Classes and Seminars
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Mediation of Franchise Disputes
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Structuring Franchise Relationships
-
Judicial Remedies
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Mergers and Acquisitions in Franchising
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Unfair Trade Practices Act claims
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Settlements of Franchise Disputes
- Judicial Updates on Franchise Law
Published Works
Articles
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"Franchising (& Distribution) Currents" (Contributing Editor), Franchise Law Journal, Vol. 25, No. 2, Fall, 2005
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"A Drama in Three Acts: How the Takeout Taxi Franchisees Gained Their Independence" (Co-author), Franchise Law Journal, Vol. 25, No. 1, Summer, 2005
-
"Franchising (& Distribution) Currents" (Contributing Editor), Franchise Law, Vol. 24, No. 2 Fall, 2004
-
"Franchising (& Distribution) Currents" (Contributing Editor), Franchise Law, Vol. 23, No. 3 Winter, 2004
-
"Franchising Currents: Maris Strikes Out in Eleventh Circuit Decision." (Co-Author), Franchise Law Journal, Vol. 22, No. 4 Spring, 2003
- "Franchising Currents: Ninth Circuit Panel Holds Arbitration Clause Unconscionable." (Co-Author), Franchise Law Journal, Vol. 21, No. 3 Winter, 2002
- "Internet Flower Sales Fare Better in Arbitration than Virtual Drug Store", The Franchise Lawyer, Vol. 5, No. 2 Fall, 2001
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 1987
- District of Columbia, 1989
- Maryland, 2001
Other Affiliations
- American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, January 1, 1989 - Present
- Franchise Law Journal, August 1, 1995 - August 1, 2006 (Topic and Articles Editor)
Contact
11710 Plaza America Drive
Suite 2000
Reston, VA 20190
Phone: (703) 860-4567
Fax: (703) 637-7104
Email: Send a message
Website: http://www.lokkerlaw.com
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