Atty. Keri A. McWilliams
Keri McWilliams is a co-leader of the Franchise & Distribution team. She represents start-ups and mid-size companies across numerous industries, including restaurants, retailers, fitness centers, health concepts, and luxury brands, in all aspects of their corporate relationships.
Profile Summary
About Keri A. McWilliams at a glance
Keri A. McWilliams is a franchise attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Nixon Peabody LLP. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, DC Bar Association and Minnesota, MN Bar Association. Educated at Georgetown University (J.D., 2007) and Washington University in St. Louis (—). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Franchise Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Food and Beverage Law (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About
- Keri McWilliams is a co-leader of the Franchise & Distribution team
- She represents start-ups and mid-size companies across numerous industries, including restaurants, retailers, fitness centers, health concepts, and luxury brands, in all aspects of their corporate relationships
- Keri is also a member of the Health and Wellness initiative, and the Food, Beverage and Agribusiness team
- What do you focus on?
- Franchising I represent franchise systems ranging from 3 units to more than 1000 units with domestic compliance as well as expansion into more than 25 countries around the world
- I work with clients to prepare and update franchise agreements and disclosure documents
- I obtain and manage franchise registrations in the United States and advise clients regarding compliance with state, federal, and international franchise laws
- I am well-versed in international procedures, with a particular focus in the Latin America market
- I have a trusted networking of local counsel with whom I regularly collaborate
- I provide franchise counsel regarding expansion and system issues such as franchisee relationships, system evolution, joint employer liability, franchisee defaults, and international development
Practice Areas Explained
Keri A. McWilliams's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Keri A. McWilliams handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Keri A. McWilliams is one of 1,942 franchise attorneys indexed nationally. Browse franchise attorneys in District of Columbia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia
Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about Keri A. McWilliams
Where is Keri A. McWilliams's law office located?
What practice areas does Keri A. McWilliams handle?
Where did Keri A. McWilliams go to law school?
How can I contact Keri A. McWilliams for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Keri A. McWilliams received?
Practice Areas
Education
Awards
Bar Admissions
Reviews
No reviews yet.