Overview
Nicole Harrell is an intellectual property and franchising attorney focused on developing and managing IP portfolios and guiding clients through the intricacies of regulatory issues. She advises clients in trademark law, IP licensing, franchising and alcoholic beverage regulatory matters.
Nicole’s practice covers a broad range of legal disciplines, from IP protection and licensing to regulatory law and compliance, offering clients comprehensive legal solutions tailored to their specific needs. Her experience provides clients with a unique understanding of complex business and legal issues that companies face in developing and maintaining IP assets and establishing and operating franchise, alcoholic beverage manufacturing and other distribution systems.
Working with family-owned business to large corporations, Nicole is known for understanding the intricacies of her clients’ businesses and developing solutions to complex issues.
Representative Matters
Represented clients in response to cyber attacks and business email compromise events
Represented clients in negotiation of vendor agreements which impact data privacy and security
Represented national clients with all alcoholic beveraging licensing matters in Virginia
Advised various clients with respect to entity formation and corporate law matters
Advised a leading business outsourcing organization providing document management, critical customer communications, business form manufacturing, promotional products programs and logistics services on customer and vendor contracts, intellectual property matters, and various acquisitions and divestitures
Represented software developer in several venture arrangements involving software development and licensing, structure and ownership of the joint venture, and loans to the joint venture
Represented franchisors in multi-state registration of franchise disclosure documents and compliance with federal and state registration and disclosure laws
Represented franchisees in acquisition of multiple franchise units and negotiation with franchisors involving franchise agreements, the franchise relationship, and franchise termination
Represented publicly-traded company on divestitures of various business segments
Recognition & Honors
Honors & Recognitions
Best Lawyers in America; Norfolk Business Organizations "Lawyer of the Year," 2025
Best Lawyers in America, 2022-2026
Women in Leadership Certificate Program, University of Richmond; Advisory Committee
Influential Women of Law; Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 2022
Leaders in the Law, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 2020
Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation, Class of 2021
Women in Business Honoree, Inside Business, 2017
Virginia's Legal Elite; Virginia Business Magazine, 2011-2025
Top Lawyers; CoVaBIZ, 2017-2020, 2022-2025
Virginia Rising Stars; Law & Politics, 2008-2014
Certified Franchise Executive, International Franchise Association
Walter E. Hoffman Award for Community Service, 2009
Spirit of Innovation Award for Leadership Excellence
University of Baltimore Law Review; Associate Editor
Press & Publications
News
Speaking Engagements
Community & Professional
Associations
National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals; Associate Member
Virginia Craft Brewers Guild; Associate Member
Virginia Bar Association
Barrier Islands Center; Board of Directors, President
Norfolk Innovation Corridor; Board of Directors
Virginia State Bar
American Bar Association; Forum on Franchising
Virginia Bar Association Community Service Program Council; Chair, 2008-2009
Virginia Bar Association Firms in Service Hampton Roads
Virginia Bar Association Pro Bono Council; Co-Chair
International Franchise Association
International Franchise Association Legal Symposium Task Force, 2006, 2010-2011
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern Virginia; President, 2006-2007
ForKids, Inc.; Former Board Member
Credentials
Education
Hollins University; B.A., 1996
University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business; M.B.A., magna cum laude, 2001
University of Baltimore School of Law; J.D., 2001
